Kicking king Parks keeps Connacht ticking

Zebre 6 Connacht 33

Overcoming a tricky Zebre side that had been gunning for a first Heineken Cup win, Connacht joined Saracens on five points behind Pool Three leaders Toulouse. Although they did not get a four-try bonus point, it was their biggest win over the Italian franchise in their five meetings.

Man of the match Dan Parks, relishing the ideal conditions and Connacht’s game plan over the past two weeks, produced a near flawless kicking display to post 23 points, while George Naoupu and replacement flanker Mata Fifita scored a try in each half.