RaboDirect Pro12 match report: Munster ensure Zebre end season winless
Munster overturned an eight-point half-time deficit to ensure that Zebre finished their campaign without a victory.
Last Updated: 03/05/13 10:30pm
The Italian side looked on course to end a disastrous season with a flourish as they forged into a 22-14 interval lead.
Samoan international Sinoti Sinoti and fellow winger Giovanbattista Venditti both touched down for tries, while fly-half Daniel Halangahu kicked three penalties.
But first-half scores from Paddy Butler and Johne Murphy had kept Munster in touch and the game's decisive try arrived on 65 minutes as replacement BJ Botha went over shortly after coming on.
Ian Keatley, who finished with 12 points, held his nerve to slot the conversion and edge his side two points ahead.
Halangahu could not find the target with a penalty seven minutes from time which would have put Zebre back into the lead, while Keatley saw an effort sail wide of the posts in a nail-biting finale.
That gave Zebre one final crack to break down Munster but the visitors' defence held firm to seal a dramatic victory and one that ensured sixth place in the standings.
Rock-bottom Zebre did at least collect their 10th losing bonus point but it
will be scant consolation for the Parma-based outfit.