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New Italian outfit Zebre make their debut in the Heineken Cup looking to register their first win since they were formed following the collapse of Aironi in the summer. - 11/10/2012 15:29
New Italian outfit Zebre make their debut in the Heineken Cup looking to register their first win since they were formed following the collapse of Aironi in the summer.
Zebre face Connacht Rugby at Stadio XXV Aprile and in a Pool that includes Biarritz Olympique and English champions Harlequins, this tie could represent their best chance of success.
Captain and international lock Marc Bortolami will lead the Italians who will also look to the creativity of former Waratahs utility back Daniel Halangahu.
Connacht kick-off their only second season in the top tier of European rugby following 15 years in the Amlin Challenge Cup.
New signing Dan Parks, 14th in the all-time scoring chart in Europe, will prove influential as he aims to add to his 355 points.
Eric Elwood's men have already won in Parma this season, 30-17 in the Pro12, and aim to improve on their solitary win in the Heineken Cup.
Connacht's love affair with the Heineken Cup was cemented in their first season in the tournament after their victory over Harlequins - who were on their way to becoming English champions. - 19/10/2012 09:15
Connacht Rugby got their second season of Heineken Cup rugby off to the perfect start with a gritty away win in Italy – their first tournament triumph on the road.
Zebre, making their European debut, competed all the way but in outside-half Dan Parks Connacht had the star of the show with a precise kicking display, contributing 14 points on his tournament debut for the Irish province.
The Irishmen responded impressively to a stinging 25-0 RaboDirect PRO12 reverse to Ulster last week to defeat the Italian franchise. A converted John Muldoon try in the second half, accompanied by four penalties from Parks, proved to be enough for the victory.
Zebre battled throughout the game but were hampered by the sin-binning of Mauro Bergamasco on the verge of half-time, with Park's subsequent penalty leaving them 9-3 down.
Despite a strong scrummaging display from Connacht, Zebre did not buckle and scored a try late on through replacement Filippo Ferrarini. It was successfully converted by former Waratahs player Daniel Halangahu, who added to his earlier penalty.
The victory will be hugely encouraging for Eric Elwood's men who lost their first five Pool matches last season and all three away fixtures. Zebre remain without a win in all competitions this season.
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