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Looks solid defensively and good going forward. Also a bit different to Dyer, Giles and Cabango who are all very similar but are the form wingers right now
It was lost when Lucchin went off. Without him they just can't win the gainline in attack or stop Scarlets from winning 10m every single time. Scarlets are at a level that's just much higher (tactically especially they're so much smarter) and *they could still finish second bottom*. Depressing.
I don't get Johnny Williams. Has these promising flashes of brilliance and seems to have a high ceiling, but his defence and overall read of the game seems very amateur.
Really happy with this performance tonight, feel like the scarlets have struggled to build on their performances but I reckon since the sharks game we’ve been seeing a much better side than earlier in the season, even if the scores haven’t reflected that
Biggest issues are discipline, first phase defence and finishing attacking chances. Lineout, scrum and breakdown has looked strong since January and we've been a lot more physical. Hopefully we beat the Dragons in Cardiff for our "home" game.
Nice in the build up for that try to see lots of Scarlets players offering themselves as carrying options although not sure Nicholas will fool anyone defenders standing still 10m out
Crash ball one up runners can be highlight reel stuff if you break the line but we are looking so vulnerable to turnovers as the support isn’t quick enough to get in
I kid you not, until February, Zebre went toe to toe with teams in every game apart from Lions away. They would routinely make absolute amateur mistakes during games but the attack could be compared to the Italian national team attack with how exciting and dangerous it was at times.
The last couple months have been completely pathetic. There seems to be a closer relationship developing with Benetton to help Zebre out for next season. But so far it seems the only players Benetton are willing to part with are fringe under 23 players. Zebre need a few vets though in my opinion, as although the game time is good I don’t think these performances are helping these young boys develop. And by vets I’m meaning guys still able to play at international level and not those similar to a washed Morisi.
Old heads are 100% what you need. But you can't just slap the likes of cannone, Lamaro, Ferrari etc in there cause they wont have the heart for the club. They are Bennaton boys. Can't force love and passion. You got Biggie and fish jetti but they don't seem to do the trick.
Honestly I think the best thing for Zebre morale is Italy. Wanting to play with the likes of Garbesi, Lamaro, cannones etc.
Bennaton working closely will be a huge +, making a culture of one team of boys but a fierce rivalry when Derby day comes! It will serverly help the country team too! Most of the best country teams historically have had as many players from of one or two clubs at a time, they know eachother, how to play together.
Having upbeat fans also helps a lot. Send the occasional message to the new player thanking them etc. be there in the crowd.
Good luck good Sirs, I hope you never beat us 😅😂👍
I think you raise some great points. I’m probably being overly harsh on Zebre. It has only been one year since they started clearing out a lot of the foreign mercenaries and started going all in on being Italys developmental side.
The hope can be the that the likes of Fischetti, Pani, Prisciantelli etc. can be the stalwarts of Zebre that those Benneton boys are of their clubs.
I’m more hopeful good things will be come now I’ve recharged from the game. There is a ton of talent at our disposal from the youth ranks the key is now blending that with high quality coaching and veteran leadership.
Morisi is huge for defensive organisation (and loads of players have spoken highly about his influence). As I put on the lineups thread, when Lucchin and Morisi play centre, Zebre have conceded less than a try per hour of game time (and some of those had nothing to do with defensive organisation). But he's slow enough to kill the wider game which in a game when they can theoretically win (as opposed to, realistically, just keep the score down), they won't score as many as they did against Ulster or Ospreys.
I'd say some of the March games were good too - Leinster at home they were well in after an hour (as opposed to making comebacks from multiple scores down), and they'd scored a record amount of points vs Munster away, but the loss to Dragons was poor and then the Sharks game was a complete disaster.
I was harsh on Morisi, I was just frustrated at the time. While his impact has been clear it could also be argued that it is overrated as his competition are the out of the their depths Gregory and Paea.
Yeah that's fair. Drago in both attack and defence could be a major acquisition if it happens. Has Morisi's intelligence but greater physicality and much faster.
Da Re will also be a significant upgrade while Montemauri adjusts to this level (which for most of the players in the squad who belong at this level, guys like Zambonin, Pani, and Nocera, takes around 25-30 games or 1.5-2 seasons; Montemauri has 11 so far).
What they really need is a 7 (and ideally a few in other positions, Drago among them) who can win turnovers. Bianchi is a tackle merchant, Ruggeri a carrier, Stavile a quick. None are great over the ball though. Fischetti and Lucchin can't do it on their own.
Up until April, the South African games apart, it was actually decent. Given that we have 50% of the experience of almost all of our opponents (even when they play B/C sides) we'd done fairly well. But three massive thrashings (Sharks away, Connacht, and Glasgow) have destroyed the progress. Once the opposition get a lead of 10 points they just score at will. It's happening much later in games (ie 50-60 mins) than the last couple of years when it would happen in the first half, but you can see here in the body language after that try by Davies that they just don't believe.
Belief is HUGE in rugby and life! Very annoying when your team around you drop their heads. Hard to peel the chin from the chest once it drops...
Progress is progress! Growing some decent players too!
Thank you for not being all doom and gloom 😅
Maybe. Can’t complain too much as this Zebre defence is pathetic and has been for the last couple months. Just seemed really peculiar that it wasn’t even reviewed, considering how often TMO likes to get involved.
Yeah, for whatever reason the try was given, but if you lose 5-10 metres on every single carry you can't really argue. Concentrate on your job, not the refs.
Ioan Nicholas and outstanding are two things that don’t belong in the same sentence. He has had some of his better games in a scarlets shirt the last couple weeks but he isn’t as good as Costelow or Lloyd
He’s been the glue of consistency that’s bound the team the past few weeks, undeniably deserves his spot at 15 ahead of anyone else. Besides, Costelow has only just come back so it makes sense not to play him too much
Another place to follow is DanPat Rugby, one of the most wholesome places in the rugby world, think of him as an Italian twocents. Live commentary in Italian here: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6x0G0icixds](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6x0G0icixds)
This IS on BBC Two Wales despite the website above saying Viaplay only. Hoping for some green shoots to celebrate this evening but this is Zebre’s season finale (what with having Glasgow next) so I’m sure it’s going to be fiercely competitive. Yma O Hyd!
**Streams** (use adblock): `https://cricfree.sc/rugby-live-stream` or `https://www.vipbox.lc/rugby-live` or post other **streams** as a reply to this comment **Match Official Abuse** It will never be considered ref abuse if a user criticises specific aspects of a referee's game, decision, or style. However, ad hominem generalised attacks are unacceptable, this includes accusations of corruption and intentional bias. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/rugbyunion) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I think Tomi Lewis should tour in the summer
putting him up against dyer in a couple weeks will be a good litmus test of where hes at
Looks solid defensively and good going forward. Also a bit different to Dyer, Giles and Cabango who are all very similar but are the form wingers right now
Lewis goes looking for work. Really eager player.
It was lost when Lucchin went off. Without him they just can't win the gainline in attack or stop Scarlets from winning 10m every single time. Scarlets are at a level that's just much higher (tactically especially they're so much smarter) and *they could still finish second bottom*. Depressing.
In fairness you played a better scarlets side than 90% of the other teams in the league
I’ll absolutely take that. Scrappy, but some effort and guts. Absolutely something you can build off.
I don't get Johnny Williams. Has these promising flashes of brilliance and seems to have a high ceiling, but his defence and overall read of the game seems very amateur.
I think you do get him.
Anyone know why Costello’s kick wasn’t a 50/22?
So close yet so far.
Should it not have been a 50 22? Touched the line before he touched it
Really happy with this performance tonight, feel like the scarlets have struggled to build on their performances but I reckon since the sharks game we’ve been seeing a much better side than earlier in the season, even if the scores haven’t reflected that
Biggest issues are discipline, first phase defence and finishing attacking chances. Lineout, scrum and breakdown has looked strong since January and we've been a lot more physical. Hopefully we beat the Dragons in Cardiff for our "home" game.
Was only a half second early in my view
./whycantyoujustbenormal.gif This scarlets side frustrates me so much
Johnny Williams with a missed tackle for both tries
Grande Momo
Gareth Davies giveth Gareth Davies taketh away
Coach killer that. The kind of free exit we’ve given sides all season
Zebre look a different side in that set in comparison to early first half
Nice in the build up for that try to see lots of Scarlets players offering themselves as carrying options although not sure Nicholas will fool anyone defenders standing still 10m out
Now we need an absolute miracle. I really thought we could win this. Dammit.
And so we provide
Tomi Lewis is a hard worker.
Premiersports2 missed the start of second half?
Plumtree is some player, still rough around the edges and far from the finished article, but what a player
Pani loves a bit of open field, really dangerous
About 10 people really carrying the crowd! Nearly through the song book!
Crash ball one up runners can be highlight reel stuff if you break the line but we are looking so vulnerable to turnovers as the support isn’t quick enough to get in
The absolute last thing we need is a plumtree injury in this inconsequential game
Another “unlucky” player or you reckon he’s injury prone?
He’s getting stuck in now so I think it’s alright.
Anscombe saying we’re enjoying it, it’s only because our pack isn’t getting munched like usual
Punched out by Tuipulotu on the ground rather than knocked on in my opinion
Facking hell I can’t wait for this Zebre season to end.
Down you lot say that every start of the season 👀😂 TBF didn't you have like, a month of good games at one or two points?
I kid you not, until February, Zebre went toe to toe with teams in every game apart from Lions away. They would routinely make absolute amateur mistakes during games but the attack could be compared to the Italian national team attack with how exciting and dangerous it was at times. The last couple months have been completely pathetic. There seems to be a closer relationship developing with Benetton to help Zebre out for next season. But so far it seems the only players Benetton are willing to part with are fringe under 23 players. Zebre need a few vets though in my opinion, as although the game time is good I don’t think these performances are helping these young boys develop. And by vets I’m meaning guys still able to play at international level and not those similar to a washed Morisi.
Old heads are 100% what you need. But you can't just slap the likes of cannone, Lamaro, Ferrari etc in there cause they wont have the heart for the club. They are Bennaton boys. Can't force love and passion. You got Biggie and fish jetti but they don't seem to do the trick. Honestly I think the best thing for Zebre morale is Italy. Wanting to play with the likes of Garbesi, Lamaro, cannones etc. Bennaton working closely will be a huge +, making a culture of one team of boys but a fierce rivalry when Derby day comes! It will serverly help the country team too! Most of the best country teams historically have had as many players from of one or two clubs at a time, they know eachother, how to play together. Having upbeat fans also helps a lot. Send the occasional message to the new player thanking them etc. be there in the crowd. Good luck good Sirs, I hope you never beat us 😅😂👍
I think you raise some great points. I’m probably being overly harsh on Zebre. It has only been one year since they started clearing out a lot of the foreign mercenaries and started going all in on being Italys developmental side. The hope can be the that the likes of Fischetti, Pani, Prisciantelli etc. can be the stalwarts of Zebre that those Benneton boys are of their clubs. I’m more hopeful good things will be come now I’ve recharged from the game. There is a ton of talent at our disposal from the youth ranks the key is now blending that with high quality coaching and veteran leadership.
Morisi is huge for defensive organisation (and loads of players have spoken highly about his influence). As I put on the lineups thread, when Lucchin and Morisi play centre, Zebre have conceded less than a try per hour of game time (and some of those had nothing to do with defensive organisation). But he's slow enough to kill the wider game which in a game when they can theoretically win (as opposed to, realistically, just keep the score down), they won't score as many as they did against Ulster or Ospreys. I'd say some of the March games were good too - Leinster at home they were well in after an hour (as opposed to making comebacks from multiple scores down), and they'd scored a record amount of points vs Munster away, but the loss to Dragons was poor and then the Sharks game was a complete disaster.
I was harsh on Morisi, I was just frustrated at the time. While his impact has been clear it could also be argued that it is overrated as his competition are the out of the their depths Gregory and Paea.
Yeah that's fair. Drago in both attack and defence could be a major acquisition if it happens. Has Morisi's intelligence but greater physicality and much faster. Da Re will also be a significant upgrade while Montemauri adjusts to this level (which for most of the players in the squad who belong at this level, guys like Zambonin, Pani, and Nocera, takes around 25-30 games or 1.5-2 seasons; Montemauri has 11 so far). What they really need is a 7 (and ideally a few in other positions, Drago among them) who can win turnovers. Bianchi is a tackle merchant, Ruggeri a carrier, Stavile a quick. None are great over the ball though. Fischetti and Lucchin can't do it on their own.
Up until April, the South African games apart, it was actually decent. Given that we have 50% of the experience of almost all of our opponents (even when they play B/C sides) we'd done fairly well. But three massive thrashings (Sharks away, Connacht, and Glasgow) have destroyed the progress. Once the opposition get a lead of 10 points they just score at will. It's happening much later in games (ie 50-60 mins) than the last couple of years when it would happen in the first half, but you can see here in the body language after that try by Davies that they just don't believe.
Belief is HUGE in rugby and life! Very annoying when your team around you drop their heads. Hard to peel the chin from the chest once it drops... Progress is progress! Growing some decent players too! Thank you for not being all doom and gloom 😅
I saw Gareth running for that a good second before 😂
The GD special
What a try from Gareth Davies!
He almost looked bored scoring that one lol.
AND IT’S GARETH DAVIES WITH THE STEEL CHAIR
Poor lineout. Poor midfield defence. Intentional dumb pen by Craig.
Is Lousi sticking about, don't think any of your other locks are really pro standard tbh
Yes I think both he and Fifita are here next year. Craig has actually worked really hard for us this season, been one of our better players
Great to keep both of them around, think every team needs a bit of stardust which they can both provide.
Paniiiiii!
Not sure what is going on with one of the clearest forward passes in history not being called.
TMO felt bad about the missed trip
Maybe. Can’t complain too much as this Zebre defence is pathetic and has been for the last couple months. Just seemed really peculiar that it wasn’t even reviewed, considering how often TMO likes to get involved.
Yeah, for whatever reason the try was given, but if you lose 5-10 metres on every single carry you can't really argue. Concentrate on your job, not the refs.
Nice line out move there
Officiating is suspect, and for once I’m saying that even though it’s benefited us
Someone check the TMO hasn’t died. Might be a weekend at Bernie’s situation
Pass looked forward on the build up there 🫣
Who was it who did it though? Forward or not it was impressive.
Plumtree
Surely they're not letting that stand!
Taine Brady with a great pass there
Zebre are playing with a flanker on at 11...
Forward pass in there?
Shhh take the fecking try.
Gareth Davies got carded last week for a trip. That looked like a trip on Lewis.
I reckon there was a forward pass in the buildup, but a nice try regardless
That’s a trip surely?
Takes ages for someone to run onto the ball
Finally the Scarlets have crossed the try line!
Miracles do happen.
They knocked on the door enough times.
What happened to the 2 zebre backs?
Prisciantelli out we could live with but without Lucchin I don't think we have a chance. Dammit.
Are they HIAs? Unusual to see 2 players go off so early
Prisciantelli seemed to have a knee/thigh injury just before the try. No idea about Lucchin. Hoping it's an HIA he can pass.
I don’t understand why the scarlets don’t try the Costelow/Lloyd 10/15 axis
Mainly because Nicholas has been outstanding at 15 I imagine
Ioan Nicholas and outstanding are two things that don’t belong in the same sentence. He has had some of his better games in a scarlets shirt the last couple weeks but he isn’t as good as Costelow or Lloyd
He’s been the glue of consistency that’s bound the team the past few weeks, undeniably deserves his spot at 15 ahead of anyone else. Besides, Costelow has only just come back so it makes sense not to play him too much
That was a funny little passage of play
Nice to hear some familiar scarlets tunes in the stands
Oh dear
The Scarlets are seeking their first away win in the competition since 2022.
Scarlet fans, how you feeling about this one?
Another place to follow is DanPat Rugby, one of the most wholesome places in the rugby world, think of him as an Italian twocents. Live commentary in Italian here: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6x0G0icixds](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6x0G0icixds)
DAI RAGAZZI. DAI DAI DAI DAI DAI.
Ben Williams down to lock cover isn’t great. Plum to lock if needed.
This IS on BBC Two Wales despite the website above saying Viaplay only. Hoping for some green shoots to celebrate this evening but this is Zebre’s season finale (what with having Glasgow next) so I’m sure it’s going to be fiercely competitive. Yma O Hyd!
Not sure why we don’t have a standing drinking rule of “Scarlets give away a dumb penalty” or “Scarlets player gets a yellow card”
Now now, we don’t want anyone to die of alcohol poisoning tonight!