Scarlets v RC Toulon Matchday Programme

v RC TOULON 18.12.20 k.o. 17:30

issue / rhifyn 4

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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 RC TOULON 18.12.20 KO 17:30

10

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

No looking back. Josh focusing on positives following injury setback

48

From the Vault - What a night at the Parc!

57

It’s a Breeze! Get to know our Academy boys

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

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

60-61

Spreading Christmas cheer. Our community team join forces with clubs to deliver more hampers

THE UK IS LEAVING. THE FT ISN’T. Stay connected to what matters in Europe.

Read more at ft.com/europe

Simon Muderack

CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE

I

hope everyone has got their breath back after last weekend’s gripping Champions Cup game in Bath.

I was one of the fortunate ones to be there for the game and had a bird’s eye view of that amazing last stand by the boys to deny Bath in the final minutes.

It really was a superlative effort, summed up by Morgan Jones’s tackle on Ben Spencer to stop the try.

I have spoken a lot about the amount of young players who continue to come off the academy conveyor belt and Morgan is one of a number of talented youngsters who have proven their worth on the big stage this season. It is great to see.

A big thanks to Bath as well who were fantastic hosts and how good was it to at least see some fans back in the stadium?

These remain difficult times as we fight to beat this virus and I know having spoken to a number of our own supporters how desperate you are to get back to cheer the boys on at the Parc. That day will come, but for now it is important to stay safe and follow all public health guidelines.

I was watching highlights of our 2018 win over Toulon this week and the place was bouncing.

Although the sound from the North Terrace and stands will be very different this evening, the match promises to be another fantastic battle between two sides who have become familiar adversaries.

You might have seen on social media that our Community Foundation has been out delivering Christmas hampers to those in need this week.

Community has always been a huge part of what we are about at the Scarlets and to see the local clubs getting involved to lend their hand has been heartwarming.

It has been a tough and challenging year for everyone and I would like to thank our supporters, our loyal commercial partners and our staff, who have worked tirelessly in difficult circumstances, for everything they have done for the club.

I hope you all enjoy the game from wherever you are watching.

Have a happy Christmas.

Simon

Chairman welcome message

Heineken Champions Cup Rounds 1&2 2020/21 in two pools of this Heineken Champions Cup. With no repeats of domestic matches in the pool stage, each club will play two opponents home and away in the December and January rounds.

Then, the top four classified in each pool will head through to a new, two-legged quarter-final with the next-best four clubs in each section continuing their European adventure in the knockout rounds of the Challenge Cup.

Less than eight weeks after Exeter Chiefs became the twelfth club to lift this prestigious trophy in Bristol, the tournament kicks off again with an exciting new format to meet the challenges that club rugby has been presented by the containment of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Wherever you are watching the action, the whole EPCR team joins me in hoping that you enjoy it.

When the global health crisis struck, we were well on course to have the final of this tournament in 2019/20 watched live in the stadium by a capacity crowd in Marseille. As we set out on the pathway to the Stade Vélodrome again this term, we will not be swayed from our purpose of lobbying for fans to return to stadiums across Europe.

We believe that it is essential for the sport and for the mental health of a public and of clubs who have suffered enough in recent months. Of course, we say that believing that this can be achieved safely and consistently with guidelines of various governments across other industries.

European club rugby tournaments will be played across eight weekends on an exceptional basis this season and that means 24 clubs lining up

The back-to-back weekends that kick off the season give some mouthwatering clashes for us to savour the 25th season of Heineken’s association with the tournament. Last season’s quarter-final and semi-final are immediately repeated as Toulouse take on Ulster Rugby in Belfast followed by holders Exeter Chiefs at home. There’s a re-run of the classic 2011 showpiece between Leinster Rugby and Northampton Saints and Challenge Cup holders Bristol Bears take on European heavyweights ASM Clermont Auvergne as well as Connacht Rugby, which will be a reunion for Pat Lam, among others.

There is no doubting in the quality of the matches as this tournament goes from strength-tostrength. We thank our broadcast partners – BT Sport, Channel 4, Virgin Media, beIN SPORTS and France Télévisions domestically – for their dedication to taking the action to homes across the world, which has been appreciated even more during the pandemic.

We share this journey with you, the fans, b ut also with the support of partners Tissot, the Financial Times, Gilbert and Kappa, and hope to be in your company soon once more as we make our way through what promises to be an exciting 2020/21 season.

Yours in Rugby, Simon Halliday, Chairman, EPCR

Photos © Pressesports

WE ARE RUGBY

GLENN DELANEY

COACH’S MESSAGE E

uropean Cup rugby rarely disappoints and what a start to the competition for us at The Rec.

IIt has been said many times since those final dramatic nerve-shredding minutes last Saturday, but it really was an incredible show of character from us to hold out for the win, something that epitomises how tight this group is.

The big disappointment from last weekend was that we weren’t able to celebrate with our supporters. I said after the match that our fans are our heartbeat and I know how much you love the big European nights.

As a coach, you can do as much as you can technically, but in moments like that, it more often than not comes down to heart. The body will do what the mind asks it to and when your mind is that strong and you have a bit of resolve, that is the effort you are going to get and we got it in bucketloads.

Let’s hope, come the start of 2021, it won’t be long before you are back with us.

Now it’s on to our friends from Toulon, familiar foes who we know plenty about from our meetings over recent seasons.

Like Bath a couple of years ago, I know the home win over Toulon is remembered fondly in these parts and let’s hope we can replicate that result this evening.

That was a night when Parc y Scarlets was packed to the rafters, the place was rocking.

Unfortunately, in the midst of this pandemic we are still unable to welcome you, our loyal fans, back into the stadium, but we always know you will be here in spirit.

To you all and your families, please stay safe and from myself, the coaching staff, players and everyone here at the Scarlets, have a happy Christmas and New Year.

Nadolig Llawen

FORWARD THINKING

A philosophical Josh Macleod refuses to think of ‘what ifs’ Y

ou could have forgiven Josh Macleod for thinking about what might have been this autumn.

Josh’s outstanding Scarlets form — he was the PRO14’s turnover king in 2019-20 — saw him included in Wayne Pivac’s Wales squad for the October and November series of internationals, only for Lady Luck to go walkabout in Glasgow.

A hamstring injury suffered in the defeat at Scotstoun, on the eve of the Wales squad meeting up, ruled Josh out of the entire campaign.

But instead of rueing his misfortune, the Pembrokeshire product got stuck into his rehab and made a welcome return to action in last weekend’s gripping Champions Cup win in Bath.

“It just wasn’t my time,” admitted the 24-year-old openside ahead of this evening’s round two clash with Toulon.

“After I picked up that injury in Glasgow, I got my head stuck back into the gym, rehabbing and slowly getting back to feeling better than ever. Injuries are part of the

game and you have to pick yourself up and dust yourself down.

“I remember I was in the jackal and got hit by a couple of blokes, the artificial turf probably didn’t help and I got my leg stuck at the bottom of the ruck. I felt something go. The natural instinct as a rugby player is to get back up, get back into the defensive line for the best of the team. I did that, half thought I got away with it and then probably 20 seconds into the next play I realised I wasn’t much use, I was just a body in the line. Thankfully it wasn’t as bad as it could have been, but timing wise it certainly wasn’t ideal.”

He added: “There was a moment when I was lying in the Vale after travelling back and thinking things could have been different for that upcoming week. But if you reflect too much you never look forward. I knew I had to get my head stuck into rehab and if I was as positive as I could be, then hopefully if the chance comes again I will be fighting fit for it. points.

“I suffered quite a few injury blows when I was younger so I think I have built a certain level of resilience.. Not to say I wasn’t disappointed, it did hit me for six, but you move forward, injuries are going to happen. Shandy (Sam Handy), our S&C coach has been awesome, the work he has done with me over the last 10 weeks or so has really enabled me to return quicker than they predicted.

“Competition for the jersey is definitely helping as well because it is pushing me to be the best version of myself, day in day out.”

The Scarlets are certainly blessed with an envious batch of openside talent in their squad, all home-grown.

James Davies featured for Wales in the autumn, Jac Morgan has been outstanding in the No. 7 jersey for the last couple of months, while Dan Davis is itching for his opportunity to showcase his talent.

“It must be something in the water down here”, smiled Josh. “We are lucky to have such an array of talent in the back row and we work well as a unit. Boys go away on international duty, boys pick up knocks and boys just step up, we are really blessed

with the strength in depth we have.

Looking forward to another clash with familiar foes Toulon this evening, Josh is well aware of the challenge that awaits at Parc y Scarlets.

But on the back of that epic victory at The Rec, the Scarlets are in determined mood to maintain their Champions Cup challenge.

“The defensive effort at the end against Bath shows the character within this team.

Hopefully we can build on that result against Toulon.

We are expecting a massive physical game, more of the same from previous matches against them. They have a big pack and a good driving game and they also have some X-factor players in the back line, they are a pretty complete squad. But we have shown we have those same qualities and can go toe to toe with the best in Europe when we are on our game.

“We have had pretty tight affairs with Toulon over recent years. We will do everything we can in the 80 minutes, or if you count the pool game out there last season 89 minutes! We are prepared for it and ready for a battle.”

“And that is the case across the squad. The coaching staff talk a lot about building depth and the youngsters coming through are doing an awesome job for us. This squad definitely has something special and I am excited to see what the future holds.�

AUTUMN NATIONS CUP, PARC Y SCARLETS 2020

INTERNATIONAL ROUND-UP

B

ack on familiar West Wales turf, Wales coach Wayne Pivac endured a curate’s egg of an autumn campaign.

There were defeats to France, Scotland, Ireland and the old enemy England across a challenging six weeks, with a hardearned victory over Georgia and a final round win over Italy offering signs of promise heading into 2021.

The 38-18 victory over the Azzurri in Llanelli saw Scarlets’ razor-sharp nines Kieran Hardy and Gareth Davies both get their names on the scoresheet, while there was a welcome return from injury for centre Jonathan Davies, back in the No.12 jersey where he started his career.

In all, 13 Scarlets pulled on the Wales jersey, while back-rower Blade Thomson featured in all four of Scotland’s games, including the third-fourth play-off defeat to Ireland in Dublin.

The final weekend also delivered the welcome sight of the Flying Fijians finally out of Covid-imposed quarantine and producing their trademark easy-on-the-eye

rugby. Scarlets lock Tevita Ratuva won his seventh cap in the victory over Georgia at Murrayfield, playing the full 80 minutes at the heart of an impressive display by the islanders.

While Wales will now return to their spiritual home at the Principality Stadium for the 2021 Six Nations, Parc y Scarlets — not for the first time — has shown it can deliver international sport.

The venue, in all its glory, has been showcased across the globe and credit to stadium manager Dave Healey, groundsman Luke Jenkins and all the staff for helping making it happen.

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS CUP round 1 SATURDAY 12 DECEMBER 2020, THE REC, BATH

Super Scarlets cling on to claim thriller at The Rec

S

carlets dug deep to claim a Champions Cup nail-biter at The Rec, producing an incredible defensive effort in the final dramatic minutes to claim a 23-19 victory.

With the clock into the red, after a series of short-range drives at the Scarlets line, scrumhalf Ben Spencer darted for the whitewash, but was denied by young replacement lock Morgan Jones. In a dramatic finale, referee Alexandre Ruiz went to the television match official, who ruled no try, to the huge delight and relief of the visitors.

Throughout a tense Pool A encounter, there was little between the two sides with Scarlets scoring a try in each half through scrum-halves Gareth Davies - on his 200th appearance - and Kieran Hardy.

Both teams had their chances to win, but in the end the spoils and the famous old rag doll were heading to West Wales to cap a remarkable 150th game in the tournament.

It was Bath who started the stronger and were rewarded with an early penalty from the boot of England scrum-half Spencer.

The Scarlets, though, responded in blistering fashion. Leigh Halfpenny freed man of the match Steff Evans on his outside with the flying winger doing superbly to burst through and find Davies on his inside. The scrum-half still had work to do, but sidestepped the final defender for a trademark score.

Halfpenny converted, but was then just short with a long-range attempt from halfway.

The Scarlets lost Wales international forwards Jake Ball and Samson Lee to head injury assessments with Morgan Jones and Javan Sebastian replacing the duo.

Then on 18 minutes, it was the 2,000-strong home crowd who were celebrating their side’s first try as Bath stretched the Scarlets’ defence to send wing Ruaridh McConnochie over.

Spencer missed the conversion, but added two further penalties, sandwiching one from Halfpenny to ensure the home side led 14-10 at the break.

The second half continued to fluctuate towards the dramatic conclusion.

Halfpenny reduced the arrears to 14-13 six minutes after the restart, but Bath grabbed the momentum of the contest and responded with a close-range score for prop Will Stuart.

Josh Macleod replaced Jac Morgan, who enjoyed another outstanding game, and made an immediate impact with a turnover, while the experience of Jon Davies also proved crucial off the bench. With 16 minutes remaining, the Scarlets were in the lead again, Dan Jones combined with Rob Evans, who produced a sublime off-load to put Hardy away under the posts for a score converted by Halfpenny.

With one point in it, both sides had chances.

Hardy just failed to find Evans on his outside with the line beckoning, while Bath’s route-one approach came against brick-wall defence.

A Halfpenny penalty gave the Scarlets a fourpoint cushion going into the final minutes, but Bath stole the kick-off before pounding away at the visitors’ line. It needed some incredible defence from Halfpenny, Jones and Co to keep Bath at bay, but that’s what they did to record another famous victory at The Rec.

HEINEKEN CHAMPIONS CUP P

19

23 TRIES

R. McConnochie 18’ W. Stuart 52’

G. Davies 7’ K. Hardy 64’

penalties/cons B. Spencer 2’ , 25’ , 34’

L. Halfpenny 8’, 32’ , 46’, 64’, 75’

A. Watson

15

L. Halfpenny

J. Cokanasiga

14

R. Conbeer

J. Joseph

13

T. Morgan

C. Redpath

12

S. Hughes

R. McConnochie

11

S. Evans

J. Matavesi

10

D. Jones

B. Spencer

09

G. Davies

B. Obano

1

W. Jones

T. Dunn

2

R. Elias

W. Stuart

3

S. Lee

J. McNally

4

J. Ball

C. Ewels

5

S. Lousi

M. Williams

6

B. Thomson

S. Underhill

7

J. Morgan

T. Faletau

8

S. Kalamafoni

POOLS

HEINEKEN CHAMPIONS CUP POOLS GRWPIAU CWPAN PENCAMPWYR HEINEKEN

POOL A PL

W

D

L

PF

PA

DF

PTS

1

Leinster Rugby

1

1

0

0

35

14

21

5

2

Wasps

1

1

0

0

24

8

16

5

3

RC Toulon

1

1

0

0

26

14

12

4

4

La Rochelle

1

1

0

0

13

8

5

4

5

SCARLETS

FRONT PAGE

6

1

1

0

0

23

19

4

4

Bordeaux-Begles

1

1

0

0

16

12

4

4

7

Bath Rugby

1

0

0

1

19

23

-4

1

8

Northampton Saints

1

0

0

1

12

16

-4

1

9

Edinburgh Rugby

1

0

0

1

8

13

-5

1

10

Sale Sharks

1

0

0

1

14

26

-12

0

11

Dragons

1

0

0

1

8

24

-16

0

12

Montpellier

1

0

0

1

14

35

-21

0

FLASHBACK PHOTOGRAPHY: Riley Sports Photography

December 18, 2016 - Scarlets 22 Toulon 21 Scarlets players turn to celebrate after a late penalty from the boot of Leigh Halfpenny, who was then in Toulon colours, drifts wide of the uprights at Parc y Scarlets. It was the Scarlets’ first victory over the three-times European champions in four attempts.

Glenn Delaney spoke to the media ahead of Friday’s round two clash against Toulon. Here are highlights from his press conference.

FROM THE PRESS ROOM Looking back at the Bath win, how proud were you of that late defensive effort?

GD: “It sums up how tight this group is. You look at a lot of things as coaches, there are some things you can help with but some things bring themselves, that is one of those moments. The body will do what the mind asks it to. When your mind is that strong and you have a bit of resolve that is the effort you are going to get.

I have always been really impressed by our boys’ desire to defend and we have done some big stints on the goaline before, up in Glasgow last season. We have got that character in us and we have got to keep encouraging it and developing it.”

How pleased were you with the impact of the bench last weekend?

GD: “We know we can bring guys on and they will add to the occasion and all the bench played their part. I thought Javan Sebastian deserves a lot of credit for the way he approached replacing Samson so early. It is a massive challenge against Beno Obano who is a destructive loosehead and I thought Javan did a great job, his game is coming on a treat, the scrummaging is a wonderful aspect but there were some great touches around the field and big moments as well.”

Can you give us an update on your injuries?

GD: “Jake and Samson are going through HIA protocol so with a six-day turnaround they won’t be ready for Friday. Liam, Johnny Williams and Patch are returning to play, all are improving really well and will really add to us when they are available. Over the last couple of months we have had an opportunity to grow the depth of our squad and are comfortable with how boys are fitting in. Johnny McNicholl

is training and we are hopeful for him. We will have a better idea of how his ribs are after this afternoon’s session.”

What are your thoughts on the challenge of Toulon?

GD: “They are a handful. They are very, very big and have got good athletes as well.

Ma’a Nonu has come back and made a real intelligent difference to their back play and structures. Him outside Louis Carbonel is a threat because Carbonel is a wonderful 10 who is instinctive and intuitive and now you have Ma’a who has all that experience that can guide them. They are a better team than when we played them last time, I think, They still have the power game, Eben Etzebeth, Romain Taofifenua, Sergio Parisse, who is still playing like the Sergio of old. They are a really dangerous team to play. We got close last time, we just didn’t execute in the back end. We have to make sure we are in the hunt to do that and take those chances when they come.”

Another win would put you in a great position?

GD: “You look at the format, it’s a sprint not a marathon, certainly in pool play. You can already start to see how the shape of the competition is unfolding and when you get to the end of this round you will have a reasonable idea of how the competition is shaping up. I think if you can frame it right after round two, you are putting yourself in a nice position with two games to go. Some teams will have 10 points and flying and some on none and they may start thinking differently.”

b y

N U M

150 22

amount of matches played by the Scarlets in the Champions Cup

H U N D R E D F I F T Y

F O R T Y N I N E

49

Scarlets points scored by Leigh Halfpenny since his joined from Toulon in 2018

Scarlets tries scored by Test centre Jon Davies

403 F O U R A N D

H U N D R E D

T H R E E

t w o

tackles made by Sione Kalamafoni in round one — the highest in the competition

t w e n t y

O N E A N D

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SWANSEA UNIVERSITY

WHERE BRIGHT FUTURES BEGIN

PRIFYSGOL ABERTAWE DRWS I DDYFODOL DISGLAIR

RANKED TOP IN WALES

AR Y BRIG YNG NGHYMRU

(The Times and Sunday Times, Good University Guide 2020)

(The Times and Sunday Times, Canllaw Prifysgolion Da 2020)

APPLY NOW YMGEISIWCH NAWR

Meleri Williams

Codi Llais – Straeon y Sosban Y

n bloeddio dros Barc y Scarlets (o bell) yr wythnos hon mae Aled Rees o Gaerdydd.

O Ben-y-Bryn ger Aberteifi y daw Aled yn wreiddiol ond doedd symud i’r Dwyrain ddim yn golygu y byddai Aled yn anghofio’i wreiddiau yn y gorllewin...

Yn bloeddio dros Barc y Scarlets (o bell) yr wythnos hon mae Aled Rees o Gaerdydd. O Beny-Bryn ger Aberteifi y daw Aled yn wreiddiol ond doedd symud i’r Dwyrain ddim yn golygu y byddai Aled yn anghofio’i wreiddiau yn y gorllewin...

‘Dwi’n byw yng Nghaerdydd ers dros ugain mlynedd bellach. Dwi wedi cefnogi’r Scarlets ers dwi’n cofio gan odd dad yn gefnogwr mawr hefyd.’

‘Fy atgof cyntaf o’r Scarlets, neu Llanelli fel oedden nhw gynt, oedd teithio i Llanelli ar Ddydd Gwyl San Steffan i wylio’r Scarlets yn erbyn Cymry Llundain yn yr 80au cynnar. Roedd e’n arbenning gan bod Dad, a oedd yn treulio misoedd i ffwrdd ar y môr fel capten llong, adre am y gwylie.’

Un o uchafbwyntiau’r flwyddyn i Aled yw teithio i wylio’r Scarlets yn chwarae...

‘Dwi di bod yn ffodus iawn i deithio i Tulon, Bayonne, Dulyn, Caeredin, Paris, Caerfaddon a Llanelli wrth gwrs, ac yn anffodus i Abertawe...’

Felly, beth am ei hoff atgof ar hyd y blynyddoedd?

‘Ma’ da fi sawl atgof da, ond un o’r goreuon yw teithio i Gaerfaddon yn 2018 gyda fy mrawd a ffrindiau da, a gweld Scarlets yn maeddu Bath 17-35 gyda Tadhg Beirne yn sgori’r cais “from

one side of Bath to the other” a chanu gyda’r dorf am gael pymtheg Samson Lee yn y tim.’

Beth am ei hoff chwaraewr erioed?

‘Hwn yw’r cwestiwn anodda. Gorfod dewis Stephen Jones am roi 100% i bopeth gyda John Davies yn arwr lleol i mi.’

Mae cael gwylio’r Cochion ar y teledu yn ddiweddar yn help i godi calon, ond dyw bod ar y soffa ddim yr un peth â bod mewn sedd goch yn y Stadiwm...

‘Rhannu profiad ac awyrgylch y gem fyw yw’r peth dwi’n gweld ei eisiau fwyaf. Dyw’r ‘soundtrack’ o’r dorf ddim cweit yr un peth. Dwi’n edrych ymlaen at gael mynd yn ol i’r stadiwm!’

A gyda 2020 bron â dod i ben...

‘Dwi’n edrych mlaen i fod yn rhan o’r dorf eto, gweld rygbi cyffrous, gobeithio... a diod neu ddau gyda ffrindiau!’

Ystyr y Scarlets mewn tri gair i Aled?

‘West is best.’

RC TOULON

TODAY’S OPPOSITION E

dged out in their domestic competition by Stade Francais in the week leading up to the Champions Cup, Toulon made a statement of their European calibre with a convincing win over Sale Sharks at their Stade Mayol fortress in round one.

With young fly-half Louis Carbonel pulling the strings, the men from the Cote d’Azur powered into a 26-0 lead before a couple of Sharks tries restored some respectability to the final scoreline.

It was a result that emphasised how strong Toulon have been in the south of France this season.

Five out of their six Top 14 victories have come at home, with just one from five on the road.

There was no sense of French vulnerability in Llanelli in January, however — a match that saw the three-times Euro kings master the wet conditions far better to see off the Scarlets 27-15 on their way to topping their Challenge Cup pool.

Patrice Collazo’s side went on to beat the Scarlets again in the quarter-finals, but were unable to add another European trophy to their cabinet, losing out to Bristol Bears in a see-sawing final in Aix-en-Provence.

HEAD TO HEAD MEETINGS

10

SCARLETS WINS

2

toulon WINS

8

DRAWS

0

PREVIOUS MATCHES

TOULON SCARLETS Sept 19, 2020; Stade Mayol

11 06

SCARLETS TOULON

15 27

Jan 11, 2020; Parc y Scarlets

RC TOULON

C harles

Ollivon

AGE

27

L ouis

Carbonel

AGE

21

Position: BACK ROW

Position: Fly-half

TEST CAPS: 18 (France)

TEST CAPS: 2 (France)

EUROPEAN appearances: 13

EUROPEAN appearances: 14

EUROPEAN POINTS: 10 (2 tries)

EUROPEAN POINTS: 72

Strengths: The France captain is a towering and athletic figure at heart of Toulon pack

Strengths: The diminutive playmaker is one of the rising stars of French rugby.

B aptiste

Serin

AGE

26

G abin

Villière

AGE

25

Position: Scrum-half

Position: WING

TEST CAPS: 39 (France)

TEST CAPS: 2 (France)

EUROPEAN appearances: 36

EUROPEAN appearances: 4

EUROPEAN POINTS: 57 (2 tries)

EUROPEAN POINTS: 20 (4 tries)

Strengths: The chief strategist, much revolves around Serin’s vision and tactical nous.

Strengths: Newly-capped Les Bleus wing, the former sevens flyer is a jet-heeled threat out wide

10 questions with a Scarlet

Sam Costelow

Tell us about your rugby journey?

Worst room-mate?

I was at Pencoed RFC from four years old and went through the mini and junior section there, played a few games of Youth. My schoolteacher put me in touch with Leicester Tigers, and I had an interview with Oakham School. It felt right, a good opportunity, great schooling and I enjoyed it. Met some really good mates on and off the field in school and at Leicester.

Got to be Jac Price

Best venue you’ve played at?

A Land Rover or a Range Rover, matt black

What would be your Netflix recommendation?

I have been watching The Fall and Money Heist.

Looking forward to the new series in April Dream car?

My first 20s match for Wales against France at Vannes. It was packed, crazy, as an 18-year-old I didn’t know what was going on!

Toughest team you have played against?

France U20s, they won the Junior World Championship two years in a row. Unbelievable side, forwards were huge and class backs as well.

Interests outside of rugby?

Playstation, I think a lot of the boys might say that, play a lot of Call of Duty,. I like to play a bit of golf as well Best room-mate?

Because of Covid I haven’t roomed with anyone here yet, but with the 20s it’s Jac Morgan, a great guy

Who would win a Scarlets Royal Rumble?

Sione Kalamafoni, I have been with him a few years with Leicester and now Scarlets and I wouldn’t like to get into a royal rumble with him!

Who would you take on Zip World’s Velocity 2?

I’d take Osian Knott, I’m sure he wouldn’t be a fan!

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BEST TRY The best tries, place kicks and drop goals from 25 years of the Heineken Champions Cup are being voted for in the exciting new Tissot 10s series – and you can have your say in the winner on official digital channels of the tournament.

Takudzwa Ngwenya’s stunning try for Biarritz Olympique in their 2009/10 quarter-final win over Ospreys landed the accolade of the top try from an outstanding shortlist as EPCR team up with Official Partner Tissot to bring you some top class action from a quarter of a century of elite club rugby.

20 10 TA K UDZ WA N G WEN YA B I A R R I T Z O LY M P I Q U E V O S P R E Y S

The shortlist is revealed with a series of video vignettes on HeinekenChampionsCup.com and official social media channels before a public vote for the fans, which is combined with the views of an expert to determine the winner.

European Cup winner Bryan Habana was on hand as Ngwenya’s try was selected and the countdown of the best place kicks has already started.

Fans who have their say on their favourite selection enter a draw to win a Tissot watch as part of this exciting activation.

AUTOGRAPH PAGE BLADE THOMSON

Give one of Leigh’s favourite festive dishes a go!

Roast leg of Welsh Lamb with gin and cranberry Ingredients 1 PGI Welsh Lamb leg joint, allow 175-350g per person 450g PGI Welsh Lamb or PGI Welsh Beef sausages, slit skins and remove meat 6 tbsp gin 3 tbsp cranberry sauce 4 small red onions 1 tsp butter 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary Method 1. Preheat the oven to 180°C / 160°C fan / Gas 4-5.

Weigh the joint and calculate the cooking time: medium – 25 minutes per 450g / 500g plus 25 minutes or well done – 30 minutes per 450g / 500g plus 30 minutes.

2. Line a roasting pan with two sheets of foil and place the lamb leg onto the foil. Mix together the gin and cranberry sauce and spoon this over the lamb.

3. Scrunch the foil around the joint, but leave the top exposed. Place the joint in the preheated oven to roast and baste occasionally during cooking.

4. Add the onions 45 minutes before the end of the final cooking time for the lamb.

5. Meanwhile, cut the onions in half horizontally (stalk at top) and using a spoon scoop out some of the layers leaving 2-3 in the shell.

6. Roughly chop the removed onion. In a pan heat butter and lightly fry the onion. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly. Add the rosemary and sausage meat and combine together.

7. Take a handful of mixture and stuff into onion shells. Prop up around the joint, drizzle with a little olive oil and cook for 40-50 minutes until onion soft and fully golden. Rest the joint for about 15 minutes.

8.Serve with roasted potatoes, baked onions, seasonal vegetables and cranberry gin meat juices.

For more recipes visit

eatwelshlamb.com

For the fifth consecutive season, the Champions Try of the Round competition will bring fans and leading broadcasters together to decide the best score of each weekend of matches in the Heineken Champions Cup, giving supporters the chance to also win some top-class rugby prizes.

CHAMPIONS TRY OF THE ROUND WINNERS 2019/20

Racing 92 dotted down for some outstanding tries in 2019/20, with Teddy Thomas twice lauded for different scores against Munster Rugby in the pool stage before Juan Imhoff’s sensational, matchwinning try in the Paris semi-final against Saracens plucked the Try of the Season award having earned praise from Channel 4’s Nolli Waterman, Virgin Media’s Alan Quinlan and the fans.

Round 3: James Lowe Northampton Saints v Leinster Rugby

Imhoff’s success followed Nick Abendanon (2016/17), Tadhg Beirne (2017/18) and Maxime Médard (2018/19) to the annual accolade after impressive growth of engagement with the public vote through HeinekenChampionsCup.com. On the Monday after each round of matches in European club rugby’s blue riband tournament, a shortlist of five tries is compiled by EPCR’s editorial team and opened to the public in the vote.

Round 1: James Lang ASM Clermont Auvergne v Harlequins Round 2: Teddy Thomas Munster Rugby v Racing 92

Round 4: Lewis Ludlow Connacht Rugby v Gloucester Rugby Round 5: Teddy Thomas Racing 92 v Munster Rugby Round 6: Luke Northmore Harlequins v ASM Clermont Auvergne Quarter-Final: Alex Goode Leinster Rugby v Saracens Semi-Final / Champions Try of the Season: Juan Imhoff Racing 92 v Saracens

Enjoy some high-calibre rugby and HAVE YOUR SAY in the winner!

EP C RUGBY.COM / TOT R

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European Champions Cup: Scarlets 30 Toulon 28 (Jan 20, 2018)

FROM THE VAULT S

carlets became the first Welsh region for six years to reach the quarter-finals of Europe’s premier club competition, with a storming victory over three-time winners Toulon.

Wayne Pivac’s side won in front of a crowd of 14,476 at Parc y Scarlets to top Pool Five of the Champions Cup and secure a home quarter-final against La Rochelle.

Scarlets’ achievement is all the better for they lost their first two pool matches - they are only the third team in history to progress after such a poor start.

Tries from Tom Prydie, man of the match Hadleigh Parkes and Dan Jones proved enough.

All five tries came in the first half, with a breathless opening 40 minutes followed by a cagey second period as the Scarlets held on.

The home side started superbly and, after running Toulon ragged, crossed for the opening try in the third minute when Rhys Patchell’s long pass found Prydie to score. Dan Jones converted.

Toulon responded immediately when South African number eight Duane Vermeulen scored following a well-worked lineout move.

Jones kicked a penalty after Toulon were caught offside, with a Vermeulen tackle on James Davies also going unpunished.

Anthony Belleau reduced the deficit to two points with a penalty and Toulon took the lead with an opportunist try from England wing Chris Ashton. The former Saracens man intercepted a speculative Patchell pass and sprinted 70 metres to score despite Paul Asquith’s desperate tap tackle.

Belleau converted, but the Toulon’s fly-half’s kick was charged down from the restart by Aaron Shingler, whose dribbling skills allowed the ball

to pop up for Parkes to score. Jones converted before swapping penalties with Belleau.

Scarlets’ relentless attack continued with a Parkes kick and follow-up while a James Davies tackle set up an attacking platform.

Jones scored a converted try from the lineout before Belleau slotted over a penalty to reduce the deficit to 27-21 in a breathless first half.

A scrappier start to the second half was brought to order with a long-range kick from Patchell and replacement Francois Trinh-Duc responding with two penalties.

Toulon, with former All Blacks centre Ma’a Nonu prominent, piled on the pressure, with replacement prop Emerick Setiano held up over the line by Asquith and replacement Leigh Halfpenny, typifying Scarlets’ resolve.

Toulon tried for a draw in the dying stages, but a long-range Trinh-Duc drop-goal attempt went wide to spark wild celebrations.

Scarlets: Rhys Patchell; Tom Prydie, Hadleigh Parkes, Scott Williams, Paul Asquith; Dan Jones, Gareth Davies; Rob Evans, Ken Owens (capt), Samson Lee, Tadhg Beirne, David Bulbring, Aaron Shingler, James Davies, John Barclay.

Replacements: Ryan Elias, Wyn Jones, Werner Kruger, Lewis Rawlins, Will Boyde, Aled Davies, Steff Hughes, Leigh Halfpenny.

OFFICIAL TIMEKEEPER

TISSOT supersport chrono.

T I S S OT WATC H E S . C O M

NEW SIGNING

Pieter Scholtz raring to go at Scarlets

P

ieter Scholtz can’t wait to get a first Scarlets run out under his belt after a delayed meet-up with his new team-mates.

The 26-year-old South African tight-head prop arrived in the country last month, but under government Covid guidelines had to isolate for 14 days in a Llanelli hotel, then had to wait until the majority of the squad came out of their own isolation period.

Pieter finally linked up with the full squad at Parc y Scarlets last Thursday and is looking forward to getting stuck into some rugby, nearly nine months since his last appearance on the field.

“It is not something I am used to, staying in a hotel for so long and not being able to go out, but everyone at the Diplomat Hotel was very nice and accommodating, there is also a good gym there which I have been using in the evenings, which has kept me busy,” he said.

“I have been in constant contact with the coaches, speaking about scrummaging to Ben Franks — who I grew up watching — and also the conditioning coaches as well. I couldn’t have asked for more.

“It is just nice to be here and getting to know everybody. Everyone has been really welcoming.

“I think March 14th was my last game so I have been out of rugby for a long time. Hopefully I can be involved in the coming weeks.”

Brought up in Kimberley in the Northern Cape, Pieter played Currie Cup for the Griquas, Lions and Pumas and also has a couple of Super Rugby appearances to his name.

He was part of the Southern Kings squad that has featured in the Guinness PRO14 in recent seasons and came off the bench for the South African franchise on their last visit to Llanelli.

The Kings were forced into liquidation earlier this year, meaning Pieter had to look for employment elsewhere — then the Scarlets came calling.

“I’ve always wanted to come overseas and play for a team over here,” he added. “I had a couple of teams interested in South Africa, but there was a lot of uncertainty because of Covid about whether there would be any rugby at all this year. I had the opportunity to come to the Scarlets and grabbed it — it was a no-brainer.”

YO UR ACC E S S TO T HE HE AR T O F EU R O P E A N RU GBY H A S N E VER B E ENÂ BE T T ER

HE INEKENCH A MP IONS CUP.COM

#HEINEKENCH A MP I O NS CU P

PIC OF THE WEEK PHOTOGRAPHY: Riley Sports Photography

OWAIN BADGER

THOUGHTS FROM THE HALFWAY I

f you think the Scarlets and other regions are having a tough time playing with a lack of fans in empty stadiums spare a thought for the many smaller clubs in Wales.

Many haven’t played for almost a year and the lack of participation in rugby at a local level in worrying.

establishments. There were many other sides in the town with exotic names like Starlight Rangers, Llanelli Alexandra and Mill Rovers. They were all working-class sides and the most successful was the Seaside Stars based in the Docks area of the town. Something had to give as they and the other clubs were refusing to support Llanelli.

The longer the rugby drought lasts with these clubs the harder it will be to attract the young talent who are the future of the game.They will be tempted by other interests.

There were a series of crunch meetings and eventually Llanelli and the Seaside Stars agreed to join forces. This new Scarlets never looked back and all the other local sides flocked to support them again — the working-class credentials cemented as a bedrock of the team.

The Scarlets have always relied heavily on local clubs to supply players. Sides like New Dock Stars, Hendy, Felinfoel, Llangennech and countless others in Carmarthenshire and beyond have nurtured future Scarlets and Wales stars over the last hundred years or so.

Indeed, 70 seasons ago, the newest local side came into being. At the end of the 1950-51 season Llanelli Wanderers played for the first time having split from the Llanelli YMCA. The Llanelli Mercury newspaper commented: “They will fill a long-felt need in the town for a nursery club for the Scarlets.” So it proved with the Wanderers still one of the more successful teams with a strong junior section encouraging young talent from a very early age.

It’s not to say that the relationship between the Scarlets and local sides haven’t sometimes been strained. Indeed the Scarlets really only had consistent success when they amalgamated with the Seaside Stars in 1893. Before that there was unrest in the town with the Llanelli team being seen as too middle class because some of their players insisted on changing in the posh Thomas Arms rather than other more down-to-earth

Since then there have been occasional squabbles between the local clubs and the Scarlets. In 1910 half a dozen Llanelli players refused to play because the Scarlets had picked several Swansea men for a game against Cardiff. What a sacrilege! Inevitably, the Scarlets and the junior sides kissed and made up and everything was fine again.

Again in 1949 a year before the birth of Llanelli Wanderers, the Scarlets committee met representatives of the West Wales Rugby Union to discuss the difficulty of recruiting players from second-class clubs. The problem was quickly solved.

In today’s professional game the Scarlets have an Academy to develop young talent and feeder clubs in the Welsh Premiership. But the success of the Scarlets and rugby in West Wales will always depend on the relationship with local sides.

That is why it is important to get them back playing as soon as possible.

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Rugby’s family values have never been more literally emphasised than at Bristol’s Ashton Gate Stadium back in October. Joe Simmonds was already the Heineken Star of the Match before the penalty that took Exeter Chiefs to their first European crown against Racing 92 in the final and, soon after, brother Sam was presented with the Anthony Foley Memorial Trophy as EPCR European Player of the Year.

The number eight was the tournament’s top try scorer during the season, crossing eight times to become the fourth Englishman in five seasons to win the prestigious accolade.

Simmonds was selected by a combination of an expert panel deliberating right until the end of the Heineken Champions Cup final and more than 20,000 votes cast through HeinekenChampionsCup.com.

This season, stars of the global game will have more intense periods to prove they are Europe’s standout player with the pool stage of the Heineken Champions Cup played over four rounds in December and January on an exceptional basis, with an expanded knockout stage leading a path to Marseille for Finals Weekend on 21-22 May 2021, before which a list of nominees will have been streamlined to five candidates.

By taking part in the public vote through official channels of the tournaments, fans can be in with a chance of winning outstanding rugby prizes.

2019

2020 EPCR European Player of the Year Past Winners

1995-2010 Ronan O’Gara 2011 Sean O’Brien 2012 Rob Kearney 2013 Jonny Wilkinson 2014 Steffon Armitage 2015 Nick Abendanon 2016 Maro Itoje 2017 Owen Farrell 2018 Leone Nakarawa 2019 Alex Goode 2020 Sam Simmonds

FROM THE ACADEMY

QUESTION AND ANSWERS WITH HARRY BREEZE Age:

Favourite app:

19

Snaphat

School:

Random fact about you:

Whitgift

I can move my ears on their own

Sporting hero:

Best Netflix/Amazon Prime recommendation:

Courtney Lawes Top three pre-match songs: Just Like Me (A boogie wit da hoodie), Thiago Silva (AJ Tracey and Dave), Live your life (TI feat Rhianna) Favourite music artist: A boogie wit da hoodie Dream holiday: Bali Biggest fear/phobia: Claustrophobia

Designated Survivor Best and worst haircut in the academy: Worst: Sam O’Connor (by far!) Best: me

NEW SPONSOR

Getting to know our commercial partners

Company name John Francis Estate Agents Where are you based?

We have 20 offices, our head office is in Carmarthen, but we cover Swansea, Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire.

Tell us a bit about the business?

John Francis was established in 1873 and expanded in the 1970s, it was then bought

by Halifax in the late 1980s and bought back in 1999. The company was then sold to Countrywide in 2015 but trades as today as John Francis.

What attracted you to become a Scarlets commercial partner?

The Scarlets is a family, part of the community and it is great to be involved in putting something back into the community.

Rugby has always been part of our lives and something that we all have in common down in West Wales so to be involved with such a great club is humbling.

On top of that, the package is great value for us.

Favourite Scarlets moments?

In the modern era this has to be the La Rochelle game- an incredible evening, an amazing atmosphere, full house and a magnificent performance from the team.

Favourite Scarlets player?

Mr Phil Bennett, had the pleasure of being with him going to the London Irish game and what a gentleman, what a player in his day and an amazing person. Ken Owens. He is a genuine leader and has been a magnificent captain, servant and anyone who can play almost in any position deserves total respect.

What are you looking forward to this season?

Crowds being allowed back to watch games!

COMMUNITY

SPREADING CHRISTMAS CHEER S

carlets have again teamed up with their community of grassroots clubs to deliver Christmas hampers over the festive period.

Scarlets staff put together a total of 490 hampers this week before delivering the food packages to the local rugby clubs, who have chosen individuals and families from their communities who have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Llanelli RFC, Llanelli Wanderers RFC, St Clears RFC, Burry Port RFC, Yr Hendy RFC, Narberth RFC, Tycroes RFC, Llandeilo RFC, Amman United RFC, Trimsaran RFC, Carmarthen Athletic RFC, Fishguard & Goodwick RFC, Felinfoel RFC, Llandybie

The Scarlets Community Foundation, the charity arm of the Scarlets, co-ordinated the deliveries of more than 800 care packages during the first wave of Covid, with individuals, families and care homes benefiting from the donations.

The foundation, thanks to further generosity of individual donors, hit the road again this week with 37 clubs and female hubs across our three counties — Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion — taking part in the scheme.

RFC, Ammanford RFC, Newcastle Emlyn RFC, Penybanc RFC, Whitland RFC, Cardigan RFC, Furnace RFC, Haverfordwest RFC, Llandovery RFC, Nantgaredig RFC, Pontyberem RFC, Bae Ceredigion, Aberystwyth RFC, New Dock Stars RFC, Kidwelly RFC, Betws RFC,

Scarlets chief operating officer Phil Morgan said: “Community has always been a huge part of what we are at the Scarlets and even more so this year when Covid has affected so many individuals and families across our region.

The Scarlets would like to thank our partners at Castell Howell Foods for their help with the supply of the foodstuffs for the hampers and also to the following clubs and hubs who took part in the deliveries.

Tenby United RFC, Pontyates RFC, Lampeter RFC, Carmarthen Quins RFC, Pembroke RFC, Neyland RFC, Milford Haven RFC, Laugharne RFC, Merched Mynydd Mawr

“For us, the support we have had from the Scarlets family has been incredible during these challenging times and thanks to everyone involved in the scheme, we are able to give a little something back over the Christmas period.�

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The leading consumer sports travel provider has been awarded official rights to sell ticket-inclusive travel packages to the most prestigious event in rugby union when the tournament goes to France in three years’ time.

The draw took place on Monday, with confirmation of match dates and venues following in March next year. Travel, accommodation, and official match tickets will be made available with a low deposit in spring 2021, giving fans plenty of time to plan their perfect Rugby World Cup 2023 experience.

Sportsbreaks.com are known to provide unforgettable fan experiences for some of the biggest events in the sporting calendar.

Their travel packages remove the stress of organising travel and logistics, while also giving fans the opportunity to soak up the best of the local culture.

Registrations are now open to gain a 48-hour early access to ticket and accommodation packages once they’re on sale. Registering with Sportsbreaks.com means you will be the first to hear about the exclusive travel packages and offers available for Scarlets supporters.

ur official supporter travel partner Sportsbreaks.com will act as an Official Travel Agent for Rugby World Cup 2023 in France, it has been announced.

Sportsbreaks.com will be offering fans multiple options to attend all major

NEW 2020/21 HOME & ALTERNATE SHIRTS

SCARLETS MACRON SHOP Parc y Scarlets T: 01554 783932

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BEN FRANKS Scrum Coach Hyfforddwr Sgrym SARA DAVIES

JON DANIELS

Forwards coach Hyfforddwr y Blaenwyr

MATTHEW REES Attack coach Hyfforddwr Ymosod

Backs Coach Hyfforddwr y Cefnwyr

Team Manager Rheolwr y Tîm

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Date

Co

v

Opponents

Home

Result

Score

T

C

2

2

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

Away D

T

C

P

9

3

3

3

2

1

1

1

1

D

OCTOBER 2020 Sat 3

P14

H

Munster

L

27-30

Sun 11

P14

A

Glasgow

L

20-07

Fri 23

P14

A

Benetton

W

03-10

1

L

03-06

1

1

5

2

3

NOVEMBER 2020 Sun 1

P14

H

Edinburgh

Sun 8

P14

H

Zebre

W

18-17

Sat 14

P14

A

Connacht

W

14-20

Sun 22

P14

A

Ulster

L

26-24

Sun 29

P14

H

Leinster

P

N/A

-

-

-

W

19-23

2

1

3

2

1

2

8

5 5

5

4 -

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

DECEMBER 2020 Sat 12

ERC

A

Bath Rugby

Fri 18

ERC

H

RC Toulon

Sat 26

P14

A

Ospreys

2

5

3

JANUARY 2021 Fri 1

P14

H

Dragons

Sat 9

P14

A

Cardiff Blues

Fri 15

ERC

A

RC Toulon

Sat 23

ERC

H

Bath Rugby

P14

Guinness Pro14

ERC

European Champions Cup

W

Win

L

Lose

D

Draw

P

Postponed

-

27 2

-

Started match -

5

5

10

5

-

Used as a replacement -

5 5 5

5 -

5 13

Points scored in match 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. 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, FRI 18 DEC 2020 KO 5:30PM STARTING XV Leigh Halfpenny

T

C

P

D

15

T

C

P

D

Duncan Paia’aua

Johnny McNicholl

T

C

P

D

14

T

C

P

D

Ramiro Moyano Joya

Jonathan DavieS

T

C

P

D

13

T

C

P

D

Isaiah Toeava

Steff Hughes ©

T

C

P

D

12

T

C

P

D

Ma’a Nonu

Tom Rogers

T

C

P

D

11

T

C

P

D

Gabin Villière

Dan Jones

T

C

P

D

10

T

C

P

D

Louis Carbonel

Kieran Hardy

T

C

P

D

9

T

C

P

D

Baptiste Serin

Wyn Jones

T

C

P

D

1

T

C

P

D

Jean Baptiste Gros

Ryan Elias

T

C

P

D

2

T

C

P

D

Christopher Tolofua

Javan Sebastian

T

C

P

D

3

T

C

P

D

Emerick Setiano

Tevita Ratuva

T

C

P

D

4

T

C

P

D

Brian Alainu’uese

FRONT PAGE T

C

P

D

5

T

C

P

D

Romain Taofifenua

T

C

P

D

6

T

C

P

D

Swan Rebbadj

Joshua Macleod

T

C

P

D

7

T

C

P

D

Charles Ollivon ©

Uzair Cassiem

T

C

P

D

8

T

C

P

D

Facundo Isa

Morgan Jones Ed Kennedy

replacements Marc Jones

T

C

P

D

16

T

C

P

D

Bastien Soury

Kemsley Mathias

T

C

P

D

17

T

C

P

D

Luka Tchelidze

Pieter Scholtz

T

C

P

D

18

T

C

P

D

Jérémy Boyadjis

Iestyn Rees

T

C

P

D

19

T

C

P

D

Thomas Jolmes

Dan Davis

T

C

P

D

20

T

C

P

D

Julien Ory

Gareth Davies

T

C

P

D

21

T

C

P

D

Theo Dachary

Angus O’Brien

T

C

P

D

22

T

C

P

D

Anthony Meric

Tyler Morgan

T

C

P

D

23

T

C

P

D

Masivesi Dakuwaqa

match officials Referee: Wayne Barnes (England) AR1: Adam Jones (Wales) AR2: Mike English (Wales) TMO: Ian Davies (Wales)

ALBERT TANNER CEFNogwr

Y GAIR OLAF D

eja vu. Wi’n gwbod bod darllenwyr y golofn hon yn bobol deallus iawn ond wi’n mynd i awgrymu pam bod y geirie’n berthnasol ar gyfer heddi. Ystyr y ddau air yw “wedi gweld yn barod” neu “wedi gweld o’r blaen”. Wel, ma’ hynny’n briodol ar gyfer gêm heddi achos dros y 6 tymor diwetha’ ma’r Scarlets wedi whare Toulon naw gwaith. Sa i mo’yn eich digalonni chi cyn y gic gynta’ ond o’r naw gêm dim ond tair ohonyn nhw y’n ni wedi ennill. Ar y llaw arall, colli o ddim ond un pwynt wnelon ni ar dri achlysur.

Nawr falle nad yw e’n syndod mawr taw Toulon sydd â’r oruchafiaeth dros y blynyddoedd achos eu bod nhw wedi seilio’u llwyddiant ar recriwtio (“prynu” bydde llawer yn dweud) rhai o wharaewyr gorau o bob rhan o’r byd. Y galacticos cynta’ falle.

Tua pedair mlynedd yn ôl fe weles i erthygl yn Ffrainc oedd yn rhestru’r 10 wharaewr gorau yn hanes Toulon. Roedd pump ohonyn nhw’n estronwyr – Jonny Wilkinson, Matt Giteau, Carl Hayman, Joe van Nierkerk a Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe. Gallech chi ddadlau bod 6 estronwr achos er bod Eric Melville wedi whare i Ffrainc un o Dde Affrica oedd e – y cyntaf o’r wlad honno “i ddod yn Ffrancwr”. Petai digon o le ‘da fi allwn i restro cant o wharaewyr rhyngwladol sydd wedi gwisgo crys Toulon gan gynnwys, wrth gwrs, ein Leigh Halfpenny ni. Mewn gwirionedd, roedd 13 enw ar y rhestr o ddeg oherwydd bod y brodyr Herrero (Andre, Bernard a Daniel) yn cyfri fel un – sy’n gwneud tipyn o jôc o’r holl beth.

Ond yr enw sy’n sefyll mâs i fi yn y rhestr anfarwolion Toulon yw Christain Carrère.

Bryd ‘yn – hynny yw 1967 – gwylio ar deledu du a gwyn bydden ni. A dweud y gwir, roedd gymaint o fwg sigaréts a phibelli yn ty ni adeg gemau rhyngwladol allech chi dystio bod pob gêm yn câl eu whare mewn niwl trwchus!

Ond i ddod nôl i 1967, dyna pryd gafodd Carrère ei gap cynta’, a roedd hi’n amlwg o’r cychwyn ei fod e’n dipyn o wharaewr – cais yn ei ymddangosiad cynta’. Blwyddyn wael i Gymru oedd honno. Colli i’r Alban ac i’r Iwerddon (mewn thriller 3 phwynt i ddim!) yn y ddwy gynta’. Colli wedyn yn erbyn Ffrainc o 20 pwynt i 14. Ond y golled fwya oedd penderfyniad Terry Price i adael Cymru am rygbi’r gynghrair yn union wed’r ornest honno. Yr unig beth i godi gwên oedd buddugoliaeth bythefnos yn ddiweddarach yn erbyn Lloegr – gêm enwog Keith Jarrett.

Erbyn y tymor rhyngwladol canlynol roedd dewiswyr Ffrainc wedi gweld beth weles i flwyddyn ynghynt sef taw Christian Carrère oedd y boi i fod yn gapten ar ei wlad. A wedi hynny, “the rest is history” ys dywed y Sais (a llawer o Gymry, mae’n siwr) achos o dan ei arweinyddiaeth ysbrydoledig e aeth Ffrainc mlân i ennill eu Camp Lawn cynta’.

O gofio gymaint ma’ whare gwefreiddiol Ffrainc wedi cyflymu’r gwaed dros y blynyddoedd, mae’n anodd meddwl eu bod nhw wedi gorfod aros tan 1968 i ennill y Grand Chelem am y tro cynta’.

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