United Rugby Championship: Bulls batter helpless Zebre
Zebre vs Bulls LIVE scores.
Zebre will kick off an action-packed weekend of United Rugby Championship matches on Friday when they host the Bulls in Parma.
The Bulls had an indifferent spell during the extended derby portion of the URC and now look to bounce back.
Zebre vs Bulls LIVE scores
Team news and preview
The Bulls will target their match against Zebre Parma to bounce back from their defeat against the Sharks and build winning momentum after securing victories in two of their four games this year, but they will be wary of the fact that the hosts have their backs against the wall after failing to win any of their seven matches so far this season.
The Bulls, however, will be without former Springbok stalwart Morne Steyn. Steyn has been suspended for three weeks for a dangerous tackle against the Sharks.
Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White looked forward to the challenge against Zebre and said: “We are expecting a tough challenge against Zebre Parma, in their own backyard at Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi. We are looking forward to an entertaining game of rugby, with our aim, of course, on delivering an effort to return home with another overseas win under our belts.”
The Parma-based sidewelcome back scrum-half Marcello Violi from injury, while Enrico Lucchin is also among the replacements having been released by Italy.
Zebre will be keen for a return to action after Storm Eunice dashed their plans for a trip to Cardiff last week.
The Italian side, though, are without a URC victory since they beat the Dragons a year ago. They have lost all seven of their league encounters so far this season.
“As a team we are working to have greater clarity and sharing in our game plan,” Zebre coach Liam Mitchell said.
“We have many talented players and if we can all move in the same direction together we will achieve special results.
He also said: “For this reason, we are focusing on making sure that all players understand and master the same game plan.”
