Justin Tipuric leads Ospreys comeback against Zebre

Zebre 22 Ospreys 39

Wales flanker Justin Tipuric scored two tries as Ospreys came from behind to beat Zebre 39-22 in the Guinness Pro12.

Kayle van Zyl’s early score put the Italian side ahead in Parma but Ospreys were in charge thereafter as Jeff Hassler, Eli Walker and Tipuric all crossed the whitewash, while Sam Davies added seven points with the boot.

There was the hint of a late Zebre comeback when Marcello Violi went over in the second half but tries from Tipuric and Jonathan Spratt put the result beyond doubt before Van Zyl managed a late consolation.

There was added concern for Zebre, whose hooker Andrea Manici sustained what looked like a serious knee injury following a tackle by Tyler Ardron.

The bonus-point victory puts Ospreys eighth in the table after three straight wins while Zebre sit 11th after three consecutive defeats.

Ospreys’ Tyler Ardron wins a lineout at Zebre’s Stadio Moletolo. Photo: INPHO/Francesca Soli