Scarlets v Connacht match programme

v CONNACHT 22.03.21 k.o. 20:00

issue / rhifyn 10

rhaglen diwrnod gêm swyddogol 20-21

SCARLETS 20-21 official matchday programme

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CLUB DIRECTORY Scarlets Regional, Parc y Scarlets, Parc Pemberton, Llanelli, SA14 9UZ Website: www.scarlets.wales Phone: 01554 783900 Email: comments@scarlets.wales Twitter: @scarlets_rugby Facebook: Official Scarlets Instagram: @ scarlets_rugby Youtube: @ScarletsTV Shop Macron Siop Phone: 01554 783932 Website: scarletsmacronshop.com Ticket office I Swyddfa Docynnau Phone: 01554 292939 Website: tickets.scarlets.wales

CONTENTS cynnwys v CONNACHT rugby 22.03.21 KO 20:00

32

Officers I Swyddogion Chairman I Cadeirydd: Simon Muderack President I Llywydd: Phil Bennett Chief Operating Officer I Prif Swyddog Gweithredol: Phil Morgan General Manager of Rugby I Rheolwr Rygbi Cyffredinol: Jon Daniels Head Coach I Prif Hyfforddwr: Glenn Delaney Chaplain I Caplan Reverend Eldon Phillips Historian I Hanesydd Les Willaims

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Y Cyfarwyddwyr Simon Muderack Philip Davies Robin Cammish Jon Daniels Sean Fitzpatrick Emyr Wyn Evans Huw Evans Meurig Griffiths Tim Griffiths

Swimming with Sharks

46

Commercial: Sam’s the man for local bakers

53

A toast to Glenn for PRO14 award

Brian Jones Ron Jones Phil Morgan David Owen Bleddyn Phillips Nigel Short Peter Thomas Granville Wise

57

PROGRAMME I RHAGLEN Editor/Golygydd Rob Lloyd Photography/Ffotograffiaeth Huw Evans Picture Agency Riley Sports Photography Design/Cynllunio Adam Bourne - Galant Designs Aimee McHugh - Scarlets

Community: Tom giving back through coffee business

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Simon Muderack

CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE

T

he curtain may be coming down on our Guinness PRO14 campaign this evening, but there promises to be plenty of excitement and drama to come over the weeks and months ahead.

We have found out our opponents in the knockout stages of Europe and are all looking forward to a mouthwatering round of 16 tie against Sale Sharks here in Llanelli in less than two weeks’ time.

There is also the anticipation of taking on South Africa’s finest in the Rainbow Cup, which we hope to hear more detail about very soon.

But first of all, we can’t take our eyes off tonight’s clash with Connacht. It is a crucial match for the club with Champions Cup qualification on the line.

I have spoken often in this column about the ambition of the Scarlets and how we want to be rubbing shoulders with the best sides out there. The quality in our squad is there to see, with 12 players having been involved in this year’s Six Nations - we could also potentially have four or five players selected for the 2021 Lions. The top table of Europe is where we want to be, especially during a pivotal period for the global game.

We will have all seen news of the recent deal between private investors CVC and the Six Nations, following on from similar deals with Premier Rugby and the PRO14.

Rugby is evolving quickly and I can assure you there is a huge amount of work going on behind the scenes to ensure that the Scarlets will continue to be at the forefront of the professional game in Wales.

In terms of crowds returning to Parc y Scarlets, we still don’t have a clear line of sight for when that will happen, but we are all pushing hard to open our turnstiles as soon as it is safe to do so and we can’t wait to welcome you all back.

A few congratulations are in order. To Glenn on winning the PRO14 coach of the month for February and to all our Wales internationals on their performances during this Six Nations. It has been a real source of pride to see so many of our home-grown players light up the international stage.

Back to tonight and it’s a first for the Scarlets, ‘Monday Night Rugby’. I hope you all enjoy what should be a great contest against a Connacht side who have enjoyed an impressive season. A warm welcome to all the players, coaches and staff who have made the trip over from the west of Ireland.

To our fans, seeing your support from home across our social media platforms has been awesome. Keep it going, stay safe and I look forward to welcoming you all back soon.

Simon

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GLENN DELANEY

COACH’S MESSAGE I

think I said in this column a few months back that I expected the race for Champions Cup qualification to go down to the wire and so it has proved.

It’s all to play for this evening as we take on Connacht here at the Parc and down the M4 our nearest rivals Cardiff Blues host Edinburgh. For us, we know our destiny is in our own hands and we are all fully aware of the significance for everyone associated with this club about being in the top tier of European competition.

After such an outstanding performance in Edinburgh, playing the way we all want to play, it was disappointing to come away from Limerick with nothing to show. On the plus side, it was fantastic to see Aaron Singler back on the field.

Shings has been through a tough 12 months or so and it is credit to him and his family, who have been hugely supportive, that he is able to lace up his boots and get back out there playing again.

The same goes for Rhys Patchell and Lewis Rawlins, who returns this evening after a lengthy absence. Supporters don’t get to see what these boys put themselves through behind the scenes to battle back from long-term injuries, it really is a challenge of body and mind and it will be great to see Lewis and Shings running out at the Parc again.

Tonight’s game may be the end of our PRO14 journey for the 2020-21 campaign, but there is still plenty to play for this season. We have a big European test against Sale Sharks here on Easter weekend which we are all looking forward to and it won’t be long before we set our sights on something new in the form of the Rainbow Cup.

This week, we will also be welcoming back our internationals who have performed so impressively on the Six Nations stage over the past couple of months. The boys have made us all proud.

I’d also like to say a big thanks to all the fans who voted in the PRO14 coach of the month poll. I am really fortunate that I work with an outstanding group of people and although it was billed as a head coach award, it is certainly not that as far as I am concerned. It is a recognition for all the staff who work tirelessly right the way through this special organisation. I would like to think everyone will have a wee dram from the bottle of whiskey that landed on my desk because it has been a tough year with everything that has been going on.

Enjoy the game, keep connected with us and we look forward to seeing you back here soon.

Diolch Glenn

PLAYER PROFILE

The battle for No.10 D

an Jones returns to the starting XV this evening knowing there is going to be one heck of a battle for the coveted No. 10 jersey in the weeks and months ahead.

Jones has recovered from a delayed concussion issue that followed the thrilling win over Edinburgh - one of three changes to the Scarlets side that were beaten in Limerick last time out.

Wales international Rhys Patchell had been due to return at full-back after a long-term absence, but pulled up in training on Saturday with a hamstring issue.

How long that latest setback will delay Patchell’s comeback remains to be seen, but when you throw into the mix the exciting talent of Sam Costelow - currently recovering from an ankle injury - and the silky skills of Angus O’Brien, Scarlets still have an enviable array of fly-half options at their disposal.

“It has been a tough old year competition wise for us all, we have all pushed each other hard,” said Dan. “Having the likes of Costy coming in, bringing that youth - I say youth, I am only 25 but do feel a lot older! - his energy just pushes everyone on, keeps everyone on their toes, it will be great to see Patch back and Angus has done well when he has had the opportunity whether at 15 or 10, we have all pushed each other in training and it has benefited us.”

Now in his seventh season, Jones has already racked up 120 appearances and more than 500 points in a Scarlets shirt. He has been a virtual ever present in recent years and that is not lost on head coach Glenn Delaney.

“Dan has been outstanding for us all year, “ he says. “With a lot of people being away in the two seasons I have been here he has put his shoulder to the wheel pretty much every week. Creating competition is absolutely critical across the squad and when Sam is back up and running we will get the full complement of our four 10s which we have certainly not had in my time here.”

Such is the ethos within the Scarles camp, Jones talks about always looking to improve his own game.

“It has been a bit of a mixed bag for me this season,” he admits. “I have had the support of the coaching staff to have the reins and to take this team forward. Certain aspects I have been happy with, but there is always room for improvement.”

Onto this evening’s crucial PRO14 clash against Connacht and the significance of the fixture isn’t lost on any of the squad.

Such is the ethos within the Scarles camp, Jones

The battle for Champions Cup spots always looked like it would go down to the wire and so it has proved with Scarlets needing to see off the Irish province on home soil to allbut secure third place in the conference.

“It is good to be back in contention,” says Jones. “It was a great performance in Edinburgh, we played the brand of rugby we wanted to play and have been looking to play all season. We have managed to do it in patches, but perhaps not consistently enough.

There have been a couple of games we should have won, we have lost a few tight ones, hopefully we can put that to bed and put in a good performance and get a good win.

“It’s a massive game for us as a club and as a team. It is a mustwin to get into the Champions Cup for next season because as a club and as players that is the competition we want to be playing in. It is in our own hands if we win, if we lose it is out of our hands and we are relying on other results.

“There has been a good buzz this week, even after the loss against Munster. We know the areas where we need to improve and we know Connacht have been going well, playing great rugby, They won’t be happy with the result against Edinburgh in their last game and will be coming down here wanting to fire.

“But, as I said, it is a must-win for us.”

“It has been a tough old year competition wise for us all, we have all pushed each other hard”

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GUINNESS PRO14 CAMPAIGN TO CONCLUDE IN MARCH AHEAD OF NEW “RAINBOW CUP” WITH SOUTH AFRICA’S TOP FOUR ‘SUPER’ TEAMS The current Guinness PRO14 campaign will end in March allowing South Africa’s four ‘Super’ teams and our existing clubs to finish the season with a 16-team “Rainbow Cup” competition ahead of the British & Irish Lions tour.

After consulting with key PRO14 stakeholders, the Guinness PRO14 Rainbow Cup was chosen as the best pathway to finish up the current campaign and introduce South Africa’s four ‘Super’ teams: the Vodacom Bulls; Emirates Lions; Cell C Sharks and DHL Stormers. This decision also allows our European-based sides to earn qualification for European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) tournaments in 2021/22 in a fair and equitable manner.

Ahead of the 2021 British & Irish Lions tour to South Africa, the Guinness PRO14 Rainbow Cup will provide a groundbreaking spectacle for fans who will see international star players from north and south establish new rivalries in their bid for the ultimate Test selection.

Right through until the last kick of the ball in the Rainbow Cup in June, fans will be able to watch it all unfold with our broadcast partners Premier Sports, eir Sport, S4C, TG4, DAZN and Super Sport.

How it will Work • The 2020/21 Guinness PRO14 campaign will finish after 16 rounds with the Conference winners facing each other in a final in late March • Qualification for EPCR tournaments in 2021/22 will be decided by rankings after Round 16 • On April 17, 2021, the Guinness PRO14 Rainbow Cup will kick-off and introduce the Vodacom Bulls, Emirates Lions, Cell C Sharks and DHL Stormers and their World Cupwinning Springboks • The Guinness PRO14 Rainbow Cup will consist of a pool stage (two pools of eight teams) and a final between the two pool winners FINAL CHAPTER OF GUINNESS PRO14 Rounds 12 to 16 will take place from February 20 and conclude on March 20. A final will then take place at the home venue of the highest-ranked team. This abbreviated

fixture list will aim to ensure home and away in-conference fixtures are completed and each team plays all of its cross-conference matches also. Further clarification will be available when fixtures are confirmed.

The scheduled dates for the conclusion of the 2020-21 Guinness PRO14 campaign are: R12: R13: R14: R15: R16: Final:

February 20 February 27 March 6 March 13 March 20 March 27

Once Round 16 has been completed, the top-ranked teams from each conference will qualify for the 2021/22 Heineken Champions Cup. Requirement for play-offs is under review.

GUINNESS PRO14 “RAINBOW CUP” FORGING NEW RIVALRIES With South Africa preparing to host their first British & Irish Lions tour since 2009, the World Cup champions will see their ‘Super’ teams – the Bulls, Lions, Sharks and Stormers take on the very best that Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales have to offer.

Players aiming to make the British & Irish Lions squad will find no better trial environment to test themselves in, as they go up against the likes of Siya Kolisi, Pieter Steph du Toit (both DHL Stormers), Duane Vermeulen (Vodacom Bulls), Elton Jantjies (Emirates Lions) and former Guinness PRO14 top-try scorer Makazole Mapimipi (Cell C Sharks).

The Guinness PRO14 Rainbow Cup will kick off on April 17 with two pools of 8 teams made up of two Irish, two South African, two Welsh, one Italian and one Scottish club. Each team will play one game against each pool opponent and the sides that finish top of their pools will face off in a final on June 19.

Across 57 matches, the Guinness PRO14 Rainbow Cup will feature the best of the Springbok talent going toe-to-toe with some of the British & Irish Lions’ biggest names – every one of them keen to lay down a marker to their respective selectors ahead of what will prove to an historic tour.

guinness pro14 round 14 FRIDAY 12 MARCH 2021, THOMOND PARK, LIMERICK

Scarlets beaten by clinical Munster at Thomond Park

M

unster produced a clinical display to claim a 28-10 bonus-point victory over the Scarlets at a wet and windy Thomond Park.

Inspired by returning international fly-half Joey Carbery the Irish province took a grip of proceedings in the first half to lead 21-3.

Despite having two players sent to the sin-bin either side of half-time and facing the elements in the second period, Scarlets showed plenty of guts after the break, but Munster - who have already booked their place in the Guinness PRO14 final at the end of the month - were able to secure the win with something to spare.

Wing Steff Evans crossed for a late consolation for the Scarlets, but with one match of the regular season remaining - at home to Connacht - there is still work to do to secure Champions Cup qualification.

Scarlets responded with a penalty from the boot of Angus O’Brien, but moments later Munster were celebrating their second try after player of the match Carbery sliced open the Scarlets defence before feeding wing Shane Daly for the score. Referee Sean Gallagher checked with the television match official for potential obstruction in the build-up, but the try stood, with Carbery adding the extras.

With Scarlets continuing to fall foul of Mr Gallagher, they found themselves down to 14 men just before half-time when Aaron Shingler - who had showed up well in his comeback match - was yellow carded for a line-out infringement. The result was a third Munster try through hooker Niall Scannell, who touched down at the back of a relentless driving maul.

Scarlets started brightly with scrum-half Dane Blacker scything through the home defence, but the attack broke down with a spilled ball and the rest of the half belonged to Munster.

Trailing 21-3 at the break, Scarlets needed a positive start to the second period, but it was Munster who maintained their control and after replacement Tevita Ratuva was binned for another offence around the line-out drive, Munster had their bonus-point in the bag thanks to replacement hooker Kevin O’Byrne.

After laying siege to the visitors’ line, the home side got their reward on 20 minutes when No. 8 Gavin Coombes ploughed over from close range for a try converted

by Carbery.

In deteriorating conditions, the match lost its shape in the final quarter, but Scarlets did manage a late score when Evans combined with Sam Lousi out wide for a try converted by O’Brien.

28 10 TRIES Evans 80’+2

Coombes 19’, Daly 25’, Scannell 40’, O’Bryne 58’

penalties/cons Carbery 20’, 25’, 40’+1, 59’

O’Brien 24’, 80’+2

M. Haley

15

J. Mcnicholl

C. Nash

14

T. Prydie

D. De Allende

13

T. Morgan

JJ. Hanrahan

12

S. Hughes

S. Daly

11

S. Evans

J. Carbery

10

A. O’Brien

N. Mccarthy

09

D. Blacker

J. Cronin

1

S. Thomas

N. Scannell

2

M. Jones

S. Archer

3

P. Scholtz

J. Kleyn

4

M. Jones

B. Holland

5

S. Lousi

F. Wycherley

6

A. Shingler

J. O’Sullivan

7

J. Morgan

G. Coombes

8

S. Kalamafoni

圀攀搀搀椀渀最猀 愀琀 琀栀攀 倀愀爀挀 䐀愀琀攀猀 䄀瘀愀椀氀愀戀氀攀

䌀伀一吀䄀䌀吀 唀匀 椀渀昀漀䀀瀀愀爀挀礀猀挀愀爀氀攀琀猀⸀挀漀洀 簀 ㄀㔀㔀㐀 㜀㠀 ㌀㤀

FLASHBACK

PHOTOGRAPHY: Huw Evans Picture Agencyphy

SCARLETS 17 CONNACHT 8 - SEPTEMBER 24, 2016 - PRO12 Liam Williams dives over for one of two crucial tries to help the Scarlets see off the challenge of defending champions Connacht at Parc y Scarlets. After three successive league defeats, pressure was building on Wayne Pivac’s side, but despite trailing 8-7 at the break, the home side pulled through and went on to clinch the 2016-17 Guinness PRO12 title in remarkable fashion.

FROM THE PRESS TOOM

Our destiny is in our control!

Glenn Delaney has spoken to the media ahead of Monday night’s Guinness PRO14 finale against Connacht. Here’s what he had to say about the challenge ahead

How crucial is Champions Cup rugby to the Scarlets?

GD: “It is obviously important and going into this game it is in our control. The only objective we have is to go out and play a good enough game to win the match. We have put ourselves in a decent position, the Edinburgh win put the cards in our favour, we want to build on that performance.

Your win in Connacht was one of your best of the season. Same again?

GD: “There is one similarity between the Connacht and Edinburgh away wins and that is the way we played. The irony is the conditions on the two days couldn’t have been more contrasting, I guess it goes to show we can play the way we want in all conditions. The one hope is we get a dry night; Connacht like to play as well, if we get that it should be a good game of rugby.

Have you been frustrated by your inconsistency this season?

GD: “What you have to look at, is that it has been a very unique year. When you look at the game time, the number of changes we have needed to make to the group, the amount of young players who have been blooded over the course of the season, those have been objectives that have been within our control. With so many players away playing international rugby, the challenge for clubs with large representations in international teams has been obvious for everyone to see. It has been an opportunity to bring young guys through and you have seen that with us bringing guys up to speed and giving them a first taste of PRO14. Morgan Jones at 21 has come in and called the line-out and had 650-odd minutes of PRO14 rugby.

That is a massive step forward for a young man like him. We are pleased with the way the group is growing.

“When you are trying to adapt the way you are playing it takes a bit of time, there has been a bit of inconsistency in not being able to select the same team week by week. We are in a reasonably good flow at the moment. it has been a pretty consistent group the last two or three weeks, hopefully that is going to help us.”

Where are you injury-wise?

GD: “We have a couple of niggles from the Munster game, we are a little light in the back division, about 10-12 backs available, but that is just the state of where the season is at. We are at something like week 40 so it has been a long haul, the players have been pretty resilient and dealt with everything along the way. It will be a similar group to what we have had in recent weeks.”

b y

N U M

S I X T E E N

carries made by Sione Kalamafoni in the PRO14 this season. Top of the tree.

F O U R

4

ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY NINE

16

tackles made by Aaron Shingler in his comeback match against Munster. More than any other player on the pitch.

149 times Scarlets have played Sale Sharks in European competition

Ken Owens is the first hooker to score two or more tries in a Six Nations game since Ireland’s Shane Byrne in February 2004 against Wales.

t w o

2

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HERE’S TO THE NEXT ROUND

EVERY FIXTUR EVERY TRY EVERY TACKLE

GUINNESS PRO14 CONFERENCES COnFERENCE A - ADRAN A PL

W

D

L

PF

PA

DIFF

TF

TA

TB

LB

PTS

1

Leinster Rugby

16

14

0

2

576 285

291

82

33

14

1

71

2

Ulster Rugby

16

14

0

2

469 263

206

65

34

8

0

64

3

Ospreys

16

8

0

8

301 318

-17

34

39

1

3

36

4

Glasgow Warriors

15

5

0

10

289 352

-63

34

43

1

4

25

5

Dragons

15

5

6

Zebre Rugby

16

4

1

Munster Rugby

16

14

ALL IN ONE APP 0

2

413 250

163

49

26

6

2

64

2

Connacht Rugby

15

8

0

7

360 312

48

48

40

6

5

43

3

Scarlets Rugby

15

7

0

8

278 297

-19

30

22

2

4

34

4

Cardiff Blues

15

7

0

8

231 269

-38

26

30

2

1

31

5

Edinburgh Rugby

13

5

0

8

215 286

-71

24

36

1

3

24

6

Benetton Rugby

14

0

0

14

226 329 -143

30

47

0

6

6

0

10

291 377

-86

33

47

2

3

25

0

12

237 508 -271

22

69

0

1

17

COnFERENCE B - ADRAN B PL

W

D

L

PF

PA

DIFF

TF

TA

TB

LB

PTS

CONNACHT RUGBY

TODAY’S OPPOSITION I

t has been one of the vagaries of this Covidhit Guinness PRO14 season that sides are enjoying far more success on their travels than in previous campaigns.

Ahead of the final round of matches, out of the 87 matches played in the competition so far, 48 have been won by the away side - 55% of fixtures.

It is perhaps not the most startling of stats due to the absence of crowds and the home advantage that comes with fervent home backing. But it is certainly something that tonight’s visitors Connacht have made the most of.

Of their 15 matches during this curtailed cross-border season, the Irish province have emerged victorious in five of their seven away trips, including a stunning win at the RDS in December when they handed defending champions Leinster their only defeat of 2020-21.

In contrast, form at The Sportsground has been shaky with Edinburgh becoming the latest side to win in Galway courtesy of a dramatic late triumph last weekend.

Nevertheless, with Champions Cup qualification already wrapped up, Connacht can reflect on one of their best seasons in the tournament to date. They also have a Challenge Cup knockout tie in Leicester to look forward to next month. That trip to the East Midlands will surely have come into the thinking of Connacht head coach

Andy Friend (pictured) when selecting his team for this clash in West Wales, especially as it is a dead rubber for his side.

That said, the Australian wasn’t ready to dish out the ‘nothing to play for’ line following that gut-wrenching loss to Edinburgh.

He said: “The key point is that we are a top four side, but if we are a top four side we have to play that way.

Against Edinburgh I didn’t think we played like a top four side. That is the bit that hurts. At the end of the day, There should always be something to play for, it is your pride, your province, it’s what is inside you, it is the performance you put out there, we didn’t do that to the best of our ability against Edinburgh. We still have a lot to play for and that is why every performance matters.”

HEAD TO HEAD MEETINGS

33

SCARLETS WINS

22

CONNACHT WINS

10

DRAWS

1

PREVIOUS MATCHES

CONNACHT SCARLETS

14 20

NOV 14, 2020 (THE SPORTSGROUND)

SCARLETS CONNACHT

18 10

SEPT 28, 2019 (PARC Y SCARLETS)

CONNACHT rugby

ALEX

WO OTTO N

AGE

26

G AV I N

THORNBURY

AGE

27

POSITION: WING

POSITION: SECOND ROW

TEST CAPS: 0

TEST CAPS: 0

PRO14 APPEARANCES: 47

PRO14 APPEARANCES: 47

PRO14 TRIES: 21

PRO14 TRIES: 3

STRENGTHS: ONE OF THE STANDOUT PLAYERS IN THIS YEAR’S PRO14. ENJOYS AN INTERCEPT, AS SHOWN BY HIS METRES MADE THIS SEASON

STRENGTHS: AN ATHLETIC LINE-OUT PRESENCE ADEPT AT STEALING OPPOSITION THROWS. ON IRELAND’S RADAR.

JAC K

CARTY

AGE

28

JOHN

PORCH

AGE

27

POSITION: FLY-HALF

POSITION: FULL-BACK

TEST CAPS: 10 (IRELAND)

TEST CAPS: 0

PRO14 APPEARANCES: 116

PRO14 APPEARANCES: 26

PRO14 POINTS: 653

PRO14 TRIES: 5

STRENGTHS: EXPERIENCED FLY-HALF WITH AN ASTUTE TACTICAL KICKING GAME.

STRENGTHS: FORMER AUSSIE SEVENS FLYER HAS PROVEN TO BE A POTENT ATTACKING THREAT IN GALWAY.

EUROPEAN DRAW

Scarlets to face Sharks in Champions Cup last 16

S

carlets have been handed a home draw against Gallagher Premiership contenders Sale Sharks in the round of 16 of the Heineken Champions Cup.

“But the greatest news is we have a way forward and a conclusion. The speculation goes now and we can all worry about what is going to happen in the games.”

The draw was made at tournament headquarters in Lausanne with Scarlets taking on the Sharks for only the fifth time in the history of the competition. Scarlets have won three of the previous four contests and lost once (2017).

*ROUND OF 16 (All kick-off times are local) Friday April 2 Leinster Rugby v RC Toulon – RDS Arena (17.30) Gloucester Rugby v La Rochelle – Kingsholm (20.00)

The draw was also made for the quarter-finals with the winners of the Scarlets-Sharks tie going head to head with the victors of the Gloucester-La Rochelle clash away from home.

Saturday April 3 Wasps v ASM Clermont Auvergne – Ricoh Arena (12.30) Munster Rugby v Toulouse – Thomond Park (15.00) Exeter Chiefs v Lyon – Sandy Park (17.30)

The Sale tie will be the last game of the round, kicking off at 5.30pm on Sunday, April 4 and will be televised live by BT Sport.

Sunday April 4 Racing 92 v Edinburgh Rugby – Paris La Défense Arena (13.30) Bordeaux-Bègles v Bristol Bears – Stade ChabanDelmas (16.00) Scarlets v Sale Sharks – Parc y Scarlets (17.30)

Reacting to the draw, head coach Glenn Delaney said: “We are at home which is brilliant. When you get to the knockout phase every game is a tough game, form tends to go out of the window. They are going to be a real handful, they are a big side and have had a bit of a resurgence under a new coach, it will be a tasty challenge for sure.

“I am familiar with a lot of their guys from Super Rugby; they have a couple of good tens, AJ McGinty plays well for them, Marlon Yarde is still scoring tries, they are a handy outfit and when you put the Curry boys in the mix they are going to be a real challenge.

QUARTER-FINALS (Weekend 9/10/11 April – first-named winners at home) Winner Exeter Chiefs/Lyon v Winner Leinster/RC Toulon Winner Wasps/Clermont v Winner Munster/Toulouse Winner Gloucester/La Rochelle v Winner Scarlets/Sale Sharks Winner Bordeaux-Bègles/Bristol Bears v Winner Racing 92/Edinburgh Semi-finals: 30 April – 1/2 May Challenge Cup final: Friday, 21 May Heineken Champions Cup final: Saturday, 22 May

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FRANCE v WALES - GUINNESS SIX NATIONS 2021

Scarlets boys do us proud in Paris

D

enied a Grand Slam in the cruellest of circumstances, Wales will have to wait on the result of another night in Paris to discover whether the 2021 Six Nations title is theirs.

An incredible clash at the Stade de France saw Les Bleus claim a dramatic late victory thanks to a stoppage time try from full-back Bruce Dulin.

It was a game that had everything, stunning individual brilliance, controversy, disallowed tries, sendings off and yellow cards.

But after leading 30-20 going into the final nerve-wracking minutes, the dream of a 13th and perhaps the most remarkable of Slams for Wales was crushed in one of the most gripping finales the championship has witnessed.

For Wales and their Scarlets contingent, they can look back on an impressive campaign that was a far cry from the disappointment of the autumn.

And they may still get their hands on silverware, depending on the result of Friday’s rearranged France v Scotland clash in the French capital.

One thing is for sure, whatever drama is yet to unfold, the Scarlets boys have done us proud.

Welsh Beef burger with hidden veggies Prep time

Cook time

Serves

30 mins

15 mins

4

Ingredients

Method

450g lean PGI Welsh Beef mince (makes 3-4 large burgers or 6-8 small burgers)

1. Mix together mince and vegetables into a bowl, add the herbs and seasoning.

1 small onion, finely chopped 1 carrot, grated 1 small red pepper, finely chopped ½ head broccoli (6 florets), grated 1 small egg, beaten 1 tbsp tomato ketchup ½ tsp dried mixed herbs ½ tsp ground black pepper Handful of fresh breadcrumbs (if required) Slices of cheddar cheese (optional) Salad and bread rolls (optional)

Fuel your passion

eatwelshbeef.com

2. Stir through the tomato ketchup and half the egg.

Add more egg if required – you want a soft but firm consistency so the burgers hold their shape (if a bit too sticky add some breadcrumbs).

3. Shape into burgers and chill for 15 minutes.

4. These can be cooked on the solid plate of a BBQ, oven or grill – approximately 15-20 minutes depending on thickness.

Top with cheese during last minute of cooking. Ensure thoroughly cooked in the centre.

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PROUD SPONSOR

Sam’s the man for Jenkins Bakery

T

he award-winning Jenkins Bakery has served up support to one of Welsh rugby’s brightest young talents by becoming the player sponsor of Scarlets fly-half Sam Costelow.

The Jenkins family bakery is this year celebrating its centenary.

Established in 1921 as a family business in Llanelli, the Jenkins Bakery remains a muchloved part of the community in west Wales.

The Jenkins Bakery family has a long tradition of supporting the Scarlets, dating back to the old Stradey Park days.

Sam, 20, who was signed from Leicester Tigers in the summer, has made a big impression in his first season at the Scarlets.

Jenkins Bakery operations director Russell Jenkins said: “We are delighted to be the player sponsor of Sam Costelow, a player with a very bright future.

“Although we are a business with shops throughout south Wales, our roots are firmly in Llanelli.

“The Jenkins Bakery name has been associated with the Scarlets for many years and we

are delighted to play our part in the current campaign with our support for Sam Costelow.

“The Jenkins Bakery name is proudly displayed in the Parc y Scarlets stadium. We are delighted to support the Scarlets and wish Sam and the team all the best for the season.”

Scarlets head of commercial James Bibby said: “Jenkins embodies everything we stand for at the Scarlets. They are a proud local family business with deep roots in the community and are based on strong values and heritage.

“Jenkins are long-term friends of the Scarlets as well as grassroots sports in Llanelli and west Wales and it is fantastic that they are supporting one of our many young talents as a player sponsor. We look forward to welcoming the Jenkins family and staff back to Parc y Scarlets when it is safe to do so.”

For more information on sponsoring a Scarlets player contact commecial@scarlets.wales or ring 01554 783944 You can find out more about the Jenkins Bakery at jenkinsbakery.co.uk

SCARLETS 35 CONNACHT 33 (Magners League, Parc y Scarlets, Sept 11, 2010)

FROM THE VAULT S

ean Lamont scored with almost the last move of the match to give Scarlets victory in a Magners League thriller.

Connacht seemed set to grab a rare win at Parc y Scarlets thanks to a hat-trick of tries from wing Fionn Carr. But Scarlets exploited the numbers when visiting prop Ronan Loughney was sin-binned, Jonathan Davies crossing for his second try before Lamont struck.

The Scottish flyer’s try also claimed a bonus point for Scarlets, with Regan King having crossed in the first half.

With the extra man the Scarlets scored an injury-time try, Davies collecting a Jones chip and putting King over by the posts.

Connacht were still without Murphy after halftime but soaked up some early pressure before Carr ran 60 metres for his second try, and Keatley’s conversion locked the score at 20-20 on 45 minutes.

The Scarlets had plenty of possession as they attempted to get back into the lead but every attack was littered with poor passes and handling errors.

Connacht were fresh from their opening-day win over Newport Gwent Dragons and made the more impressive start, with penalties from Ian Keatley on five and 10 minutes putting them 6-0 ahead. However, despite poor discipline and handling errors, the Scarlets came back into the contest.

It took a Connacht transgression for Scarlets to get into the lead when Jones slotted over a 62nd-minute penalty goal.

But Connacht responded with a penalty goal for Keatley three minutes later and then Carr cut inside to complete his treble and put the Irish side 30-23 up.

Two Stephen Jones penalties were sandwiched by a finely worked try from the home side’s first real attack - Jones putting Samoan lock Jonny Fa’amatuainu through a gap before King sent fellow centre Davies over.

Connacht suffered a second sin-binning when Loughney was penalised for kicking a ball out of a ruck, enabling the Scarlets to tie the scores at 30-30 when Davies went in for his second try.

Connacht did not let their heads drop when the Scarlets went into a 13-6 lead, though, and got back on terms almost immediately.

Full-back Gavin Duffy did well to collect Jones’ restart and the ball was moved quickly to left wing Carr, who finished off an impressive team try.

Connacht seemed to start dictating play towards half-time but suffered a blow when their skipper Frank Murphy got himself sinbinned for a high tackle on Scarlets full-back Andy Fenby.

The visitors went ahead for only the second time in the contest when Keatley put over his fourth penalty, but in a frantic finish the Scarlets eventually got the ball out to Lamont who seven minutes into injury time - went over for the winning try to send the home fans into raptures.

Scarlets: Andy Fenby; George North, Regan King, Jon Davies, Sean Lamont; Stephen Jones, Martin Roberts; Phil John, Matthew Rees (capt), Rhys Thomas, Lou Reed, Jonny Fa’amatuainu, Josh Turnbull, Johnathan Edwards, Rob McCusker.

Replacements: Ken Owens for Rees (76), Iestyn Thomas for John (57), Peter Edwards for R. Thomas (76), Dominic Day for Fa’amatuainu (80), Nic Cudd, Tavis Knoyle for Roberts (57), Dan Newton, Gareth Maule.

Connacht: Gavin Duffy; Troy Nathan, Niva Ta’auso, Keith Matthews, Fionn Carr; Ian Keatley, Frank Murphy (capt); Brett Wilkinson; Sean Cronin, Jamie Hagan, Michael Swift, Bernie Upton; Michael McCarthy, Ray Ofisa; Mike McComish, Replacements: Adrian Flavin for Ofisa (80), Ronan Loughney for Wilkinson (62), Rob Sweeney, Dave Nolan, Shane Conneely, Cillian Willis F. Murphy (57), Miah Nikora for Ta’auso (62), Tiernan O’Halloran.

Att: 6,436 Referee: Neil Paterson (SRU)

SWANSEA UNIVERSITY

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Olympic 7s duo

Hannah Jones and Jaz Joyce named in GB7s training squad for Tokyo W

ales internationals Hannah Jones and Jasmine Joyce, who both play for Scarlets Ladies, have been named in the Great Britain sevens training squad for the Tokyo Olympics.

Jaz, who starred in Rio five years ago, and Hannah (pictured) have been in outstanding form for their clubs in England’s Allianz Premier 15s and have been named a squad of 19 players that linked up for a training camp in Loughborough this week.

The 21-strong men’s squad includes former Scarlets Morgan Williams and Luke Treharne as well as Ospreys flyer Luke Morgan.

Wales centre and Sevens international Hannah Jones believes her inclusion is all the more meaningful after a year of lockdowns and postponed events.

She has left no stone unturned to put herself in the best position at this stage.

She said: “I used the additional time at home to try to be in better shape going back into training than when we went into lockdown. The thought of the Olympics and the Rugby World Cup at the end were a key motivation for me throughout the past year. I’ve put 100% into making sure I’m in the best possible position and I’ve had great support every step of the way.

“I’m very grateful for this opportunity and excited to see what’s to come.”

Jones created a home gym at the start of lockdown and the fact she’s been completing her PGCE largely from home has had some benefits.

“I didn’t want to have any obstacles to pursuing my dreams.

I made sure I had everything I needed and the support I’ve had from WRU staff has been superb for things like tailored running sessions and nutrition. I’ve even bought a sled with weights and have been training at Brynamman RFC whenever possible.

“I’m based at Bishopston Comprehensive School on the Gower for my PGCE and it was great to have five or six weeks in school to get to know the pupils. Since then everything has been online so I train before and after the school day.”

Fellow Wales international Joyce is equally thrilled to be on the squad list.

She said, “I’m so excited to be back involved.

Obviously the postponement of the Olympics was a huge disappointment but we are very grateful to have the opportunity to train and play during these difficult times for everyone.”

JANUARY PLAYER AND COACH OF THE MONTH

FEBRUARY WINNERS

Jac voted Scarlets player of the month for February

Glenn wins vote as PRO14 coach of the month!

Jac Morgan scooped the Oil 4 Wales Scarlets player of the month for February after making an outstanding return from injury.

Scarlets head coach Glenn Delaney has been voted the February winner of the PRO14 Coach of the Month, presented by Loch Lomond Whiskies.

Delaney emerged from a shortlist that also included Andy Friend (Connacht Rugby), Dan McFarland (Ulster Rugby) and Johann van Graan (Munster Rugby) who were announced on the Under The Sticks podcast last week.

The voting was compiled through a combination of fan votes via the Official PRO14 App and on www. pro14.rugby while former title-winning head coach, Sean Holley, and rugby columnist Paul Williams also contributed through a weighted voting mechanism.

The coach of the month award seeks to recognise coaches whose teams embody the spirit of rugby by demonstrating qualities such as passion, innovation, inspiration and teamwork, characteristics which are shared with Loch Lomond Whiskies premium whisky range.

Jac saw off the challenge of January winner Sione Kalamafoni, centre Tyler Morgan and scrum-half Dane Blacker, polling more than 60 percent of the vote across our social media channels.

In his first match since recovering from a knee injury suffered against Bath in December, Jac crossed for two tries in a man-of-the-match display against Benetton before putting in 25 tackles to help the Scarlets claim a crucial victory in Edinburgh last time out.

In February, Scarlets overcame Benetton with a bonuspoint win and took the spoils from one of the games of the campaign when overcoming Edinburgh 27-25 in the Scottish capital.

OWAIN BADGER

THOUGHTS FROM THE HALFWAY It was an obituary about the legendary motor racing commentator Murray Walker that put the finger on it. He was the last in a generation of high-profile BBC sports commentators who defined an era. John Arlott in cricket, Dan Maskell in tennis and Bill McLaren in rugby.

They were at their height when sport was mostly amateur and going to physically see a game was more important than watching or listening to it on TV and radio.

In Wales, in addition to McLaren you can add Cliff Morgan and David Parry Jones who were the voices that many rugby supporters grew up with in the sixties and seventies. Apart from the internationals and the occasional club games most games were shown as highlights. Seldom were the Scarlets shown as live except for famous matches against the All Blacks or Australia or maybe a Welsh Cup final. Going to see the games was paramount. Watching highlights was part of the overall experience.

Then there was radio. In 1938, radio was highly popular and the BBC proposed to the Scarlets committee that they broadcast the second half of a game against Cardiff live. Fearful that this would affect gate receipts the Scarlets flatly refused - just as well as they lost the game. After the war the BBC tried again and this time there was money involved. In November 1947 they paid the club a fee of five guineas to cover the second half of a game against Bridgend. Money must have worked wonders and the Scarlets won 25-0.

Television, though, was to have the biggest impact on the game and still does. At the Scarlets annual general meeting in 1966 so worried was the club chairman Elvet Jones of the impact TV would have on gate receipts that he said: “ television was becoming a scourge on rugby and if coverage of live games continued clubs would have to rely on the receipts from one-armed bandits in social clubs to subsidise the game”. Thankfully, it never came to that!

That’s not been the case this season because until supporters are allowed back into stadiums we are all armchair fans at the moment.

These days, nearly all Scarlets games are now shown live on a variety of platforms, most of which the supporters have to pay for.

The relationship with TV and clubs was already changing before Covid and will change again in the coming seasons and this time it will be the media companies who will mostly call the shots.

When we eventually return as supporters to Parc y Scarlets the media will have a tighter grip.

There’s likely to be a new PRO16 tournament with probably a new pay-for-view broadcaster, while Six Nations rugby could go to Sky, BT or Amazon.

Gone are the days when the Scarlets committee could refuse to let BBC radio in to cover the game. The media now dictates. That’s why we are playing tonight’s crucial game against Connacht on a Monday night.

The Scarlets have always had a wary relationship with the media . Before the advent of TV and radio it was newspapers which left Scarlets supporters incensed! In 1910, the Scarlets committee sued the Newport-based South Wales Argus for libel. The paper had called the Scarlets “the roughest and foulest players in Wales” after a game against Newport. The matter went to court, but the Scarlets were only awarded damages of one farthing. It soured relations between Llanelli and Newport for many years afterwards.

No doubt, the media are increasingly calling the shots.

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Raise a cup to Tom’s new venture!

Scarlets back Tom Rogers has teamed up with the Community Foundation to donate proceeds of his new limited edition coffee to raise funds for projects across the region.

As well as life as a professional rugby player, the 22-year-old flyer has been running his own coffee business Y Bocs Coffi for the last two years.

He is now giving back to the Scarlets by donating 10% of all the ‘Scarlets Community Foundation Original Blend’ coffee sold to the Foundation - the charity arm of the Scarlets.

Tom said: “As a youngster growing up in the Scarlets region, I understand the importance of community engagement for the development of young rugby players. Scarlets Community engaged me as a young rugby player, which has led to me being where I am today. As a result, I would like to give back in some way.”

Reflecting on how Y Bocs Coffi was started, he added: “Back during Summer 2019 I made the

decision to create my own business. I realised that a lot of the boys down at Scarlets loved their coffee so I decided to act on it. We started by converting an old rice horse box into a bespoke mobile coffee trailer that we could take to events and sell our own personal blends. Over the last two years the company has really expanded and we now have many different blends of coffee and our own website (www.ybocs.co.uk).

“Unfortunately, due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the restrictions attached we have not been able to take the Bocs out. Fortunately for us our loyal customers have continued to support us by ordering online.”

To buy ‘Scarlets Community Foundation - Original Blend’ and donate to the Scarlets Foundation go to www.ybocs.co.uk

TODAY’S VIRTUAL MASCOT NAME: Dafydd Young AGE: 6 years old School: Ysgol Gymraeg Parc y Tywyn Club: Kidwelly RFC Favourite player: Leigh Halfpenny The boys enjoyed their delivery from Gower Cottage Brownies this week. Diolch!

Crispy chilli Welsh Beef Prep time

Cook time

20 mins

10mins

Serves

2

Ingredients

Method

300g PGI Welsh Beef rump or sirloin steak, cut into fairly thickstrips

1. In a small bowl, mix together all the ingredients for the sauce.

3 tbsp oil

2. In a separate bowl, mix together the cornflour, Chinese five-spice, pepper and chilli powder. Tip the seasoned cornflour onto a plate and use it to coat the beef slices.

4 tbsp cornflour 1 tsp Chinese five-spice ¼ tsp chilli powder ½ tsp black pepper 75g mange-tout or sugar snap peas, sliced 1 carrot, cut into matchsticks Root ginger (2cm piece), cut into matchsticks ½ tbsp sesame oil For the sauce: 1 small orange, rind and juice 2 tbsp sweet chilli sauce 1 tbsp reduced salt soy sauce 1 tbsp ketchup ½ tsp chilli flakes or ½ red chilli, finely chopped To serve: Sesame seeds Boiled rice

Fuel your passion

eatwelshbeef.com

3. In a small pan, heat the sesame oil and lightly sauté the vegetables for a few minutes, keeping them nice and crisp.

4. Heat 3 tablespoons of oil in a frying pan. Place one strip of beef in the hot oil to check if it’s hot enough and sizzling.

When ready, fry the beef strips until nice and crisp. (Cook the strips in 2 batches to ensure crispiness). Remove them with a slotted spoon and place them on kitchen paper.

Discard the cooking oil.

5. When ready to serve, return the beef strips to the pan, add the sauce ingredients and heat through over a high heat for 1 minute.

6. Serve the beef with boiled rice and the crispy vegetables, and top with the sesame seeds.

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30/11/92 N/A N/A 180CM 117KG

10/01/01 @samcostelow2001 @samcostelow10 175CM 85KG

14/09/96 @ShaunEvans19 @shaunevs7 183CM 101KG

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STEFFAN hughes

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sione kalamafoni

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shaun EVANS

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samuel costelow

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18/05/88 @s_kalamafoni @stia.kalamafoni 196CM 120KG

17/02/94 @steffhughes @steffhughes 180CM 95KG

Andrea Thomas

22/04/97 N/A N/A 183CM 113KG

01/09/94 @steffevs09 @steffevans09 182CM 93KG

30/07/95 N/A N/A 185CM 106KG

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thomas phillips

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tevita retuva

hk

taylor davies

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STEFFAN EVANS

STEFFAN thomas

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08/05/95 @TevitaRatuva @texratuva 198CM 120KG

13/02/96 @Tomm_phillips @tphill_2 193CM 110KG

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br

uzair cassiem

ctr

tyler morgan

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tomi leiws

FB

thomas rogers

tOM prydie

w

23/02/92

17/12/98

17/01/99

11/09/95

17/03/90

@tomprydie @tomprydie 193CM 93KG

@tomrogers007 @tomrog15 185CM 91KG

@tomilewis1999 @tomilewis 183CM 85KG

@TylerMorgan013 @tylermorgan13 186CM 105KG

@uzair_cassiem @ucassiem7 189CM 110KG

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23/01/85 @kruger_werner @wernerkruger3 191CM 125KG

24/10/95 N/A N/A 181CM 85KG

24/10/95 @wynjones2 @wynjones3 181CM 184KG

pr

PIETER SCHOLTZ

pr

wyn jones

sh

william homer

werner kruger

pr

20/03/94 @N/A @pieter_scholtz 187CM 120KG

Date

Co

v

Opponents

Scarlets

Result

Score

T

C

P

A. SHINGLER A. BREW A. JEFFRIES A. O’BRIEN B. THOMSON C. TUIPULOTU D. HUGHES D. BLACKER D. DAVIS D. JONES D. DRAKE D. BOOTH D. EVANS E. KENNEDY G. DAVIES I. REES

2020-21 FIXTURES & RESULTS

Opposition D

T

C

P

3

3

3

2

2

2

D

OCTOBER 2020 Sat 3

P14

H

Munster

L

27-30

Sun 11

P14

A

Glasgow

L

20-07

1

1

9

Fri 23

P14

A

Benetton

W

03-10

1

1

L

03-06

1

1

5

1

2

3

NOVEMBER 2020 Sun 1

P14

H

Edinburgh

Sun 8

P14

H

Zebre

W

18-17

2

1

2

Sat 14

P14

A

Connacht

W

14-20

3

1

1

8 2

5 5

2

5

4

Sun 22

P14

A

Ulster

L

26-24

Sun 29

P14

H

Leinster

P

N/A

-

-

-

3

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

DECEMBER 2020 Sat 12

ERC

A

Bath Rugby

W

19-23

2

1

Fri 18

ERC

H

RC Toulon

W

28-0

4

4

Sat 26

P14

A

Ospreys

W

14-16

1

1

3

2

5

3 -

1

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

5

3

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

11

JANUARY 2021 Fri 1

P14

H

Dragons

W

20-3

2

2

2

Sat 9

P14

A

Cardiff Blues

L

29-20

2

2

2

Fri 15

ERC

A

RC Toulon

P

N/A

-

-

-

Sat 23

ERC

H

Bath Rugby

P

-

-

-

Fri 22

P14

H

Cardiff Blues

L

13-10

1

1

Sat 30

P14

H

Leinster

L

25-52

3

2

1 3

1

4

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

1

1

1

2

5

2

6

6

1

7

3

5

FEBRUARY 2021 Sat 20

P14

H

Benetton

W

41-17

6

4

1

2

2

1

5

7

Sat 27

P14

A

Edinburgh

W

25-27

3

3

2

3

2

2

5

12

L

28-10

1

1

1

4

MARCH 2021 FRI 12

P14

A

Munster

Mon 22

P14

H

Connacht

H

Sale Sharks

4

5

APRIL 2021 Sun 4

P14

ERC

Guinness Pro14

ERC

European Champions Cup

W

Win

L

Lose

D

Draw

P

Postponed

27 2

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Started match -

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

5 -

-

5

5

5

Used as a replacement

5 5 5 10 5 5

5 13 -

-

7 5

-

-

5 8

5

Points scored in match 5

5 4 5

5

5 10

5

I. NICHOLAS J. MORGAN J. PRICE J. BALL JAMES DAVIES J. SEBASTAIN J. MCNICHOLL J. WILLIAMS J. DAVIES J. MILES J. HELPS J. MACLEOD J. ROBERTS K. MATHIAS K. OWNES K. HARDY L. HALFPENNY L. RAWLINS L. WILLIAMS M. JONES R. EVANS M. JONES O. KNOTT P. ASQUITH P. SCHOLTZ P. PRICE R. PATCHELL R. CONBEER R. ELIAS S. LOUSI S. LEE S. COSTELOW S. EVANS S. KALAMAFONI S. HUGHES S. THOMAS S. EVANS T. DAVIES T. RETUVA T. PHILIPS T. PRYDIE T. ROGERS T. LEWIS T. MORGAN U. CASSIEM W. KRUGER W. HOMER W. JONES

THE TEAMS PARC Y SCARLETS, MON 22 MAR 2021 KO 8:00PM STARTING XV TOM ROGERS

T

C

P

D

15

T

C

P

D

JOHN PORCH

TOM PRYDIE

T

C

P

D

14

T

C

P

D

BEN O’DONNELL

TYLER MORGAN

T

C

P

D

13

T

C

P

D

SEAN O’BRIEN

STEFF HUGHES ©

T

C

P

D

12

T

C

P

D

TOM DALY

STEFF EVANS

T

C

P

D

11

T

C

P

D

ALEX WOOTTON

DAN JONES

T

C

P

D

10

T

C

P

D

CONOR FITZGERALD

DANE BLACKER

T

C

P

D

9

T

C

P

D

KIERAN MARMION

PHIL PRICE

T

C

P

D

1

T

C

P

D

JORDAN DUGGAN

MARC JONES

T

C

P

D

2

T

C

P

D

SHANE DELAHUNT

PIETER SCHOLTZ

T

C

P

D

3

T

C

P

D

JACK AUNGIER

LEWIS RAWLINS

T

C

P

D

4

T

C

P

D

NIALL MURRAY

SAM LOUSI

T

C

P

D

5

T

C

P

D

GAVIN THORNBURY

AARON SHINGLER

T

C

P

D

6

T

C

P

D

PAUL BOYLE ©

JAC MORGAN

T

C

P

D

7

T

C

P

D

CONOR OLIVER

SIONE KALAMAFONI

T

C

P

D

8

T

C

P

D

ABRAHAM PAPALI’I

RYAN ELIAS

T

C

P

D

16

T

C

P

D

DYLAN TIERNEY-MARTIN

STEFF THOMAS

T

C

P

D

17

T

C

P

D

MATTHEW BURKE

JAVAN SEBASTIAN

T

C

P

D

18

T

C

P

D

DOMINIC ROBERTSON-MCCOY

TEVITA RATUVA

T

C

P

D

19

T

C

P

D

OISIN DOWLING

UZAIR CASSIEM

T

C

P

D

20

T

C

P

D

SEAN MASTERSON

WILL HOMER

T

C

P

D

21

T

C

P

D

COLM REILLY

ANGUS O’BRIEN

T

C

P

D

22

T

C

P

D

JACK CART

JOHNNY WILLIAMS

T

C

P

D

23

T

C

P

D

PETER SULLIVAN

replacements

match officials REFEREE: BEN WHITEHOUSE (WRU) AR1: IAN DAVIES (WRU) AR2: RHYS JONES (WRU) TMO: JON MASON (WRU)

ALBERT TANNER CEFNogwr

Y GAIR OLAF W

i am bwysleisio ar y dachre nad beirniadaeth o Nigel Owens yw’r erthygl yma. Rhai wythnose nôl digwyddes i ddarllen eitem yn y Daily Telegraph (a na, smo i’n prynu hwnnw fel arfer chwaith) lle roedd Nigel yn ateb cwestiynne oddi wrth rhai o’r darllenwyr.

Dyma oedd y cwestiwn cynta: pam bod dyfarnwyr yn ei chael hi mor anodd i sicrhau bod y bel yn mynd mewn i’r sgrym yn syth? Ateb gonest Nigel oedd bod hi ddim yn anodd o gwbwl. Y broblem yw bod dyfarnwyr, gan gynnwys Nigel ei hunan, ddim yn boddran i ddyfarnu hynny mwyach.

Ma’ gormod o ddyfarnwyr yn ofni pethe fel y sgrym yn dymchwel fel eu bod nhw jyst am weld y bel yn mynd mewn a mâs cyn gynted ag y bod modd. Ma’n debyg nad oes fawr o awydd ymysg dyfarnwyr i newid pethe.

Ma’ Nigel yn dweud bod rhaid i swyddogion Rygbi’r Byd fynnu bod dyfarnwyr wneud eu job yn iawn. Wel, peidwch â dal eich anadl achos ma’r broblem wedi bod o gwmpas ers pymtheg mlynedd a mwy. Hyd yn oed pan bydd sylwebwyr craff fel Brian Moore wedi ceisio cael esboniad oddi wrth Rygbi’r Byd pam eu bod nhw’n caniatáu i ddyfarnwyr anwybyddu un o reolau sylfaenol y sgrym, doedd dim ateb digonol i’w gael. I fod yn deg i Nigel ma’ fe wedi bod yn pregethu’r un bregeth bod angen dyfarnu yn unol â’r rheolau ers yn agos i ddegawd.

Pam felly nad yw dyfarnwyr unigol jyst yn penderfynu gwneud yr hyn ma’ fe fod? Wel, pan fydd dyfarnwr rhyngwladol fel Steve Walsh (nid y gorau, mae’n wir) yn dweud

rhywbeth fel “wi’n barod i ddyfarnu’r put-in yn gywir ond smo i’n mynd i roi deg cic rydd ymhob gêm a rhedeg y risg o gael ‘y nhowlu oddi ar y panel rhyngwladol”.

Credwch neu beidio, rhai blynyddoedd yn ôl roedd y rhan fwya’ o hyfforddwyr ar y lefl uchaf ddim yn mo’yn put-in syth. Oedd hi’n well ‘da nhw bod y sgrym yn sicr gant y cant o roi meddiant i’w tîm nhw.

Beth yw anfanteision y put-in cam? A cyn i chi ofyn, does dim manteision o gwbwl yn fy marn i. Y peth amlwg yw bod sgilie traddodiadol y bachwr yn perthyn i oes a fu. Does dim gobaith caneri ‘dag e ennill un yn erbyn y pen. Jawch, bydde rhai o’r hen fachwyr bues i’n whare ‘da nhw yn becso fawr iawn am sgôr terfynol y gêm.

Beth oedd yn bwysig iddyn nhw oedd a oedden nhw wedi ennill mwy yn erbyn y pen na bachwr y tîm arall. Dyna lle oedd y bragging rights yn gorwedd!

Gan nad yw’r sgrym yn gystadleuaeth deg am feddiant o’r bel bellach, dim ond un dewis sydd ‘da’r tîm sydd ddim yn rhoi’r bel mewn sef gwneud eu gorau i hwpo’r pac arall oddi ar y bel. A dyna chi ddechrau’r duedd i ddewis blaenwyr mawr trwm gyda’r ddau bac yn amal yn defnyddio tactege amheus i osgoi cael eu dominyddu. Dyma pam ma’ sgrymie’n mynd lawr mor amal.

So os yw dyfarnwyr yn ofni bod sgrymie’s dymchwel, pam bod nhw’n caniatáu put-ins cam sy’n gwneud hynny’n fwy tebygol? Pa ryfedd bod rhai cefnogwyr yn diflasu.

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