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Gloucester overcomes Zebre 23-10 in the Challenge Cup at Kingsholm on Saturday
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Tries from Henry Purdy, Ross Moriarty and Steve McColl, plus eight-point from the boot of Billy Burns gives the hosts a 23-0 lead at half-time
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Zebre show fight after the break and were awarded a penalty try.
Gloucester blew Zebre away with an imposing first half performance to get their defence of the European Challenge Cup off to a good start.
The hosts opened the try-scoring after just seven minutes with a beauty of a try from Henry Purdy. A wonderful chip and go from Billy Burns followed by some free-flowing rugby saw the ball eventually land in the hands of the 21-year-old, who made no mistake in finishing off what was a wonderful team score. Burns though was unable to add the extras.
Ross Moriarty was next to go over for the Cherry and Whites with a powerful solo finish. Burns this time was able to convert before adding another three points via a penalty just before the half-hour, 15-0.
Gloucester then added their third try before the break when Steve McColl touched down to finish off another fantastic team move from the hosts. Burns was off target with the conversion but added a further three points before the break to put the hosts 23 points ahead at half-time.
Zebre had a lifeline when they were awarded a penalty try 10 minutes after the restart. Edoardo Padovani converted before adding a penalty to close the gap even further, 23-10.
That though would be the end of the scoring with the Cherry and Whites kicking off their title defence with a win.
MAN OF THE MATCH
Gloucester: Billy Burns