By Paul Jones

Cardiff head coach Matt Sherratt was upbeat but unsatisfied after seeing his team start their season with a win that became less convincing the nearer they got to the final whistle.

The Blue and Blacks kicked-off their season with a bonus-point win over Zebre – their first at the Arms Park this year.

Reaction | The thoughts of Matt Sherratt following a bonus-point win over Zebre Parma pic.twitter.com/RpT5VvIVee

— Cardiff Rugby (@Cardiff_Rugby) September 20, 2024

You had to go back to Boxing Day 2023, and the 55-21 triumph over the Dragons, for the last home win for Sherratt’s side and he was happy and relieved to see his team beat the Italian outfit, last season’s bottom team, 22-17.

“It’s five points and a win, but that’s probably all you can say about it. Driving into the ground I felt that any sort of win would make me happy,” said Sherratt.

“It’s a very new team. We had eight new players in the matchday squad getting their first competitive game and there was a mix of expectation and nerves.

“New players always want to impress the fans and their new teammates. This game was a potential banana skin, so to get the five points is good. Hopefully, we can be a bit better with the ball next week.”

https://twitter.com/BBCScrumV/status/1837205347154469145

Returning Wales outside half Callum Sheedy carried off the man of the match award for his controlling influence on proceedings as he played his first senior game in his hometown after 10 years at Bristol Bears.

He set-up two first half tries with inch perfect kicks. The first went into the hands of Cam Winnett, while the second allowed Iwan Stephens to mark his debut by running into in goal and diving on the ball.

There were also debut tries for debutants Dan Thomas and Josh McNally. The first enabled Cardiff to change ends 17-3 to the good. McNally’s driving line-out score after the break bagged the bonus-point.

Full time;

Cardiff are up and running with a bonus point win against Zebre

Losing bonus point to Zebre @Cardiff_Rugby 22 @ZebreParma 17@URCOfficial pic.twitter.com/FWyEioknih

— Ioan Dyer (@Ioan_Dyer) September 20, 2024

Thomas’ score also came from a close-range line-out as Cardiff converted four of their first five entries into the Zebre 22 into tries.

Ex-Bristol Bears back row man Thomas had an outstanding debut, while ex-Saracens and Wales scrum half Aled Davies was also very effective with his box kicking.

Zebre broke clear for two second half tries and ensured they left with a losing bonus point as they closed the gap to a mere five points with a score in the 82nd minute.

https://twitter.com/BBCScrumV/status/1837221663093510625