WATCH: Munster Rugby's Jack O'Donoghue: "We didn't execute well enough to get the bonus point"

MUNSTER Rugby avoided a fourth successive home defeat at Thomond Park in all competitions when easing past basement side Zebre 21-7 in their crucial URC fixture in front of an attendance of 12,558.

Two converted tries in the final quarter finally broke the Italian side's resistence in a game in which Munster struggled to gain the upperhand in wet conditions.

The victory has moved Munster Rugby up to fourth place in the URC table ahead of their two-game tour to South Africa later this month.

Clayton McMillan's Munster side take on the Hollywoodbets Sharks in Kings Park Durban on Saturday, March 21, 3pm, while the Irish province then face the Vodacom Bulls at Loftus Versfeld seven days later on Match 28 at 12noon.

Centre Tom Farrell was named BKT URC Player of the Match following Saturday night's win over Zebre.

Scrum-half Paddy Patterson made his 50th Munster appearance in the game.

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Saturday night's game saw Alex Kendellen, Calvin Nash and JJ Hanrahan return from injury for Munster.

Man of the Match Farrell, Michael Milne and Edwin Edogbo were involved in the Munster matchday squad after returning from Ireland's Six Nations camp.

Following the game, Leader Sports Colm Kinsella caught up with Munster Rugby head coach Clayton McMilland and captain on the night, Jack O'Donoghue