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Recap

Italian history, flying Ospreys and Jackson's 13: Here are your Pro12 highlights

There was only one Irish winner, but it was a thrilling weekend of rugby.

Treviso 29 – 19 Munster

The early-season optimism in the southern province was dealt a blow, but it should but it should not be extinguished entirely by this defeat in Italy.

Munster only have a few pieces missing from the overall jigsaw and were again in scintillating form for the opening 45 minutes of this game.

At that point they put themselves within a score of becoming the first side to claim maximum points in their opening three games, but lost sight of the things that got them there.

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Leading by 10 points, they shipped two tries, three yellow cards and 20 points in that final 31 minutes – Musgrave Park will expect renewed focus when the Dragons visit next Saturday.

Glasgow 12 – 6 Leinster

For the third week in succession, Warriors have come out on the right side of a scrappy contest. And on each occasion they have pulled through thanks to a timely try to settle the outcome.

Leinster fans will have no fond memories of Lote Tuqiri’s debut  and fewer of Ian Madigan’s spell on the wing after the Wallaby legend hobbled off.

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Glasgow will look to continue their winning streak at a rejuvenated Zebre, Leinster will hope a patched up back three can find easier pickings when Cardiff head for the RDS on Friday.

Connacht 7 – 18 Ulster

13 second half points courtesy of Paddy Jackson helped the northern province take the spoils in the season’s first inter-provincial clash.

Dan Parks had highlighted the deficiencies in the Ulster defence by wriggling through two weak forward tackles for a first-half seven-pointer. Michael Allen’s instant response arrived thanks to a bit of Jared Payne magic.

After that, Jackson steals the highlight reel; setting Luke Marshall haring through a midfield gap before collecting the profits on the next phase.

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The win lifts Ulster from bottom to sixth in the Pro12 and they welcome Treviso to Ravenill next up. Connacht remain at home, but will face the unbeaten Ospreys next Saturday.

And the rest…

Cardiff 25 – 30 Zebre

History.

Zebre at long last claimed their first ever win despite the return of Leigh Halfpenny. The Lions marksman nailed six penalties and a conversion, but it was Luciano Orquera’s 15 points from the boot which proved decisive.

Look out for, former Waikato Chiefs scrum-half, Brendan Leonard’s late try which helped settle this one.

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Dragons 23 – 16 Scarlets

It wasn’t just in Ireland where the derbies kicked off. Newport-Gwent once again showed off their excellent  breakdown abilities while running in two tries.

Llanelli will stay on the road next week as they head for Edinburgh, Toby Faletau and the Dragons are in Cork.

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Ospreys 44 – 10 Edinburgh

Tim Visser ran in his 50th try at this level, but there was nothing else for the men from Murrayfield to cheer as they coughed up six tries in Wales.

One of five returning Lions, Richard Hibbard and Eli Walker each came away with a brace, but it was Matthew Morgan’s stunning late solo effort which stole the show.

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