Rugby, Challenge Cup: Zebre knocked out with Biarritz on the most awaited day

Back on the pitch for an official match 49 days after Urc’s match against Edinburgh, the Zebras last a time against the Biarritz, but then they bow to the strength of the French package, which in the first round of Challenge Cup Lanfranchi won 13-26 (4 goals – all signed by the forwards – to one, 5 points to 0 in the standings).

The match

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The Zebras suffered from the start from the physicality of the Basques in the static phases and in the meeting points, but the indiscipline of Biarritz allowed Rizzi to open the score from the pitch after 5 ‘and to shorten the disadvantage at 6-7 24 ‘after Erbani’s goal converted by Bosch. The subsequent yellow card to Plessis-Couillaud for a volunteer forward seemed to set the Zebras in motion for good. Despite the numerical inferiority, it was Biarritz still to go in goal with the hooker Erdocio. On the last ball of the first portion of the game, the Zebras finally found the winning play: D’Onofrio’s break cut the defense of Biarritz and served Trulla the oval to crush over the line. Rizzi’s transformation sent the teams to rest at 13-14.

Shooting blunt

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In the second half, however, the attack of the Zebras no longer created particular problems for the Basque defense. Indeed, once again it was the guests who took advantage of the indiscipline of the Parma franchise to go up the field and organize a long multiphase action ended by the winning thrust of the prop Tcheishvili. The only zebra-like jolt is Licata’s play, but kept high in the in-goal area. Sensing the danger, Biarritz further tightened the shirts in defense and granted little possession to the Zebras, also finding the safety goal 10 ‘from the end with hooker Billy Scannell. With these 5 points Biarritz reaches the Newcastle Falcons of the second blue line at the head of group A Marco Fuser. The Zebre, still looking for their first success of the season, will be back in the home of Sergio Parisse’s Toulon on Friday evening.