Dragons powered through a chaotic quarter-final in Parma, defeating Zebre 35-32 to secure their first European Challenge Cup semi-final berth in ten years. Both URC strugglers, sitting bottom of the league table with minimal wins, delivered an intense knockout affair filled with penalties and cards.

Welsh indiscipline almost derailed the effort; wing Richards and centre Inisi both spent time in the bin, briefly reducing Dragons to 13 men. Zebre exploited the advantage to level the scores just before the interval, showing why they beat Pau previously. Full-back Angus O'Brien contributed three vital penalties for the visitors.

Despite the disciplinary issues and losing Aneurin Owen to an HIA, Dragons found second-half answers. Scores from replacement hooker Elliot Dee and a second try for Keddie proved decisive before Zebre managed two late consolation tries. The victory proves the Welsh side's recent form was no one-off.

Ultimately, strong carrying from substitutes like Wyn Jones and Paea, alongside determined defence from Ben Carter, helped secure the tight victory. While Zebre’s scrum dominance continued, it wasn't enough to overcome the deficit created by Dragons' attack.