Boan Venter’s late converted try snatched victory for Edinburgh against Zebre while Leinster held off Ulster in the Vodacom URC on Friday night.
Edinburgh edged a dramatic 31-30 win at Hive Stadium, with the Bok prop crossing in the dying moments to cap a see-saw contest and deny Zebre a rare victory.
The hosts made a strong start when No 8 Connor Boyle finished from a lineout, but Zebre responded through scrumhalf Alessandro Fusco after sustained pressure. The Italians briefly took the lead via winger Simone Gesi, only for debutant scrumhalf Hector Patterson to restore Edinburgh’s advantage.
Hooker Ewan Ashman then powered over to extend the lead, though a Giovanni Montemauri penalty kept Zebre within touching distance at the break.
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The momentum continued to swing in the second half. Fullback Jacopo Trulla’s try put Zebre back in front, before Ashman grabbed his second as Edinburgh’s maul delivered again. Montemauri kept the scoreboard ticking and replacement prop Matteo Nocera’s try looked to have sealed the result for the visitors.
However, Edinburgh had the final say. Venter crashed over late on, and replacement flyhalf Cammy Scott held his nerve with the conversion to clinch a one-point win.
In Belfast, Leinster climbed to third on the URC log – a point behind the Stormers – with a 29-21 bonus-point victory over Ulster.
Leo Cullen’s men appeared in complete control early on. Tries from No 8 James Culhane and winger Jimmy O’Brien, along with flyhalf Sam Prendergast’s boot, gave them a 15-0 half-time lead.
Centre Robbie Henshaw extended the advantage shortly after the break, before Prendergast added a converted try to push Leinster into a commanding 29-0 lead.
Ulster, despite losing key players to injury, mounted a spirited comeback. Replacement flank Bryn Ward opened their account before winger Zac Ward and scrumhalf Nathan Doak combined to narrow the gap to eight points.
Leinster were briefly reduced to 14 men when replacement flank Max Deegan saw his yellow card upgraded to a 20-minute red, but they held firm under late pressure to secure a crucial away win.
Photo: Mark Scates/SNS Group via Getty Images
The post Bok prop rescues Edinburgh appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Boan Venter’s late converted try snatched victory for Edinburgh against Zebre while Leinster held off Ulster in the Vodacom URC on Friday night.
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