Zebre’s winning run comes to an end as Ospreys claim 24–0 victory in Bridgend
Zebre Parma’s two-game winning streak was halted in Round 3 of the BKT United Rugby Championship, as the Italian side fell 24–0 to the Ospreys at the Brewery Field in Bridgend, Wales.
Head coach Massimo Brunello’s men lined up with: Montemauri; Pani, Zanon, Lucchin, Gesi; Farias, Dominguez; Ruggeri, Bianchi, Volpi; Ortombina, Canali; Nocera, Ribaldi, Buonfiglio (capt). Replacements: Quattrini, Hasa, Pitinari, Carrera, Locatelli, Varotto (Academy), Morisi, Belloni. A late injury ruled out Ferrari, with Ruggeri stepping into the starting XV. The captain’s armband passed to Paolo Buonfiglio, with Giovanni Licata still serving suspension — a milestone day nonetheless as Buonfiglio marked his 50th cap for Zebre.
Ospreys head coach Mark Anthony Jones selected: Walsh; Kasende, Cokanasiga, Williams, Giles; Edwards, Hardy; Morse, Deaves, Moriarty; Sutton, Ratti; Botha, Lake (capt), Thomas. Replacements: Lloyd, Philips, Warren, Davies, Fender, Morgan-Williams, Florence, Hopkins.
First Half
The match opened with both sides battling for territory in midfield, Zebre showing strong defensive intent and early pressure. The Italians pinned the hosts back before Ospreys found their rhythm, striking first on 15 minutes through Cokanasiga, with Edwards converting. Three minutes later, Morse powered over for the second try, again converted by Edwards for a 14–0 lead.
Zebre tried to rally, with Pani and Montemauri looking lively in attack, but Ospreys’ structured defence held firm. The visitors struggled to find space or continuity and went into the break trailing 14–0.
Second Half
Zebre started brightly after the restart but were unable to breach the Ospreys’ defensive wall. The Welsh side dominated territory and possession, controlling the pace of the game. Midway through the second half, Edwards slotted a penalty to extend the lead to 17–0.
Despite fresh legs from the Zebre bench to shore up defence, Ospreys kept up relentless pressure in the final quarter. Ratti crossed for the fourth try on 73 minutes, with Edwards adding the extras for a perfect day from the tee (4/4). The final whistle confirmed a 24–0 win for the home side.
Match Summary
Ospreys 24 – Zebre Parma 0
Brewery Field, Bridgend – Saturday 11 October 2025
Scorers:
15’ Cokanasiga try, Edwards con. (7–0);
18’ Morse try, Edwards con. (14–0);
59’ Edwards pen. (17–0);
73’ Ratti try, Edwards con. (24–0).
Zebre Parma: Montemauri; Pani (61’ Belloni), Zanon, Lucchin (58’ Morisi), Gesi; Farias, Dominguez (78’ Varotto); Ruggeri, Bianchi (62’ Carrera), Volpi; Ortombina, Canali (33’ Locatelli); Nocera (51’ Pitinari), Ribaldi (47’ Quattrini), Buonfiglio (C) (51’ Hasa).
Head coach: Massimo Brunello.
Ospreys: Walsh; Kasende, Cokanasiga (67’ Florence), Williams, Giles (76’ Hopkins); Edwards, Hardy (33’ Morgan-Williams); Morse (67’ Fender), Deaves, Moriarty (52’ Davies); Sutton, Ratti; Botha (52’ Warren), Lake (C) (35’ Lloyd), Thomas (52’ Phillips).
Head coach: Mark Anthony Jones.
Referee: Eoghan Cross (Ireland)
Kickers: Edwards (Ospreys) 4/4
Notes: 50th cap for Zebre captain Paolo Buonfiglio
Player of the Match: Jack Walsh (Ospreys)