Zebre 12 Munster 16: It wasn’t pretty and Anthony Foley admitted as much, but Munster’s head coach believes his side will consider Saturday’s nervy Pro12 victory at the Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi as ‘as a good win.’

Jamie Roberts has no doubt that an extended preparation period will help Wales arrive at the World Cup later this year in prime physical and mental shape.

After Round 3 it was celebrations for Ireland as they defeated an England side who were almost unrecognisable to the side that dismantled Wales in Cardiff just a few weeks ago.

Scotland were left facing their fourth wooden spoon in 11 years after a late collapse handed Italy a RBS 6 Nations win at Murrayfield.

England 47 Italy 17

Mike Ross has warned Ireland to be wary of the scrum carnage "monster" France prop Uini Atonio could cause in Dublin on Saturday.

Mike Ross has warned Ireland to be wary of the scrum carnage “monster” France prop Uini Atonio could cause in Dublin on Saturday.

1 Authority at half-back.

Ireland start the defence of their RBS 6 Nations crown by facing Italy in Rome tomorrow.

Zebre 7 Munster 31: Munster got the result and — for 40 minutes at least — the performance they wanted in Italy which sends them into next Saturday’s vital Champions Cup clash with Saracens.

Anthony Foley has warned Keith Earls will have a battle to reclaim his place in the Munster side after naming the Ireland international in the replacements for the Pro12 clash against bottom-of-the-table Zebre today.

Munster 31 Zebre 5

GUINNESS PRO12:

Ulster 33 Zebre 13