Ospreys lose to Zebre but secure Europe knockout spot

Ospreys centre Kieran Williams, who has played one international for Wales, on the charge against ZebreHuw Evans Agency

Ospreys centre Keiran Williams has played one international for Wales

European Challenge Cup

Zebre (13) 23

Tries: Fusco, Locatelli Cons: da Re 2 Pens: da Re 3

Ospreys (0) 19

Tries: Morse, K Williams, Edwards Cons: Edwards 2

Ospreys have qualified for the Challenge Cup knockout stages despite a 23-19 defeat by Zebre.

Mark Jones' side gained the losing bonus point needed to secure a place in the last 16 but could not gain a third victory in the European tournament this season after previous bonus-point successes against Connacht and Montauban.

Zebre sealed victory with a late try from flanker Samuele Locatelli with outside-half Giacomo da Re kicking 13 points.

Ospreys scored tries through number eight Morgan Morse, centre Keiran Williams and fly-half Dan Edwards.

Ospreys will face Montpellier in Bridgend in the final group game on Saturday, 17 January, which will be a top-of-the-table clash after the French side defeated Connacht 33-31.

Zebre took control in the first-half with a try from scrum-half Alessandro Fusco and eight points from da Re.

Ospreys had a concerted amount of pressure but a potential try for Morse was ruled out after centre Williams was penalised for obstruction in the build-up.

The Italians led 13-0 at half-time with Ospreys withdrawing Wales captain Dewi Lake during the break for hooker Lewis Lloyd, who provided an impressive ball-carrying presence.

Morse gained his reward with an early second-half try before centre Williams scythed through the Zebre defence with Edwards' conversion giving Ospreys the lead for the first time.

A third da Re penalty restored Zebre's advantage before Edwards cantered over, following a floated pass from replacement scrum-half Reuben Morgan-Williams.

But Ospreys could not hold on to the lead with Zebre flanker Locatelli securing the late crucial score.

How they lined up

Zebre: Montemauri; Belloni, Bertaccini, Mazza, Gesi; da Re, Fusco; Buonfiglio, di Bartolomeo, Hasa, Canali, Krumov (capt), Bianchi, Locatelli, Ferrari.

Replacements: Quattrini, Franceschetto, Pieretto, Ortombina, Odiase, Dominguez, Zanon, Stavile.

Ospreys: Walsh; Hopkins, Boshoff, K Williams, Giles; D Edwards, Hardy; G Phillips, Lake (capt), Botha, Smith, Fender, Ratti, Deaves, Morse.

Replacements: L Lloyd, S Thomas, Hire, Daniel, G Evans, Morgan-Williams, Watkin, Kasende.

Referee: Griffin Colby (SA)

Assistants: Rob McDowell (Sco), Jack Macneice (Ire)

TMO: Marius Jonker (SA).

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