:00:20. > :00:24.Unbeaten in Europe over the past fortnight, they have flown the flag
:00:24. > :00:33.emphatically for Wales. None more so than at the free-scoring
:00:33. > :00:37.Scarlets. So with Northampton dealt with, it is time for the Dragons de
:00:37. > :00:42.journey west it into a heart and soul rugby country. They say West
:00:42. > :00:46.is best in these parts. The man of quite may disagree. But Stephen
:00:46. > :00:53.Jones, dropped by Wales this week, is one man determined to show he
:00:53. > :00:56.has what it takes. Both sides will approach tonight
:00:56. > :01:03.brimming with confidence, but the stats don't make great Reading for
:01:03. > :01:13.the Dragons. They have lost their last six matches in the lead
:01:13. > :01:18.
:01:18. > :01:22.tonight will propel them into the This man will not be playing for
:01:22. > :01:28.the Barbarians, Stephen Jones has declined the invitation in order to
:01:28. > :01:34.play for his region, making his 300th appearance tonight. Joining
:01:34. > :01:39.me his former Wales captain Kingsley Jones, and Robert Jones.
:01:39. > :01:42.We will talk in a moment, the two coaches have been speaking of the
:01:43. > :01:47.importance of carrying on the momentum of from Europe.
:01:47. > :01:51.Six wins out of seven for the Scarlets, including two excellent
:01:51. > :01:55.victories in Europe, how pleasing has the form been? It has been very
:01:55. > :02:01.good, but it has been built on taking the next game as it comes.
:02:01. > :02:06.We have been able to perform in the fixtures we have had. It has been
:02:06. > :02:10.very pleasing for me as a coach, we want to put down a marker, playing
:02:10. > :02:17.against big European teams. We beat Perpignan on with a very good
:02:17. > :02:22.performance. The international calls have hit you again, you are
:02:22. > :02:25.short of about seven players, how frustrating is that? We have been
:02:25. > :02:29.able to give opportunities to lot of the group that will play today,
:02:29. > :02:34.they have shown up very well, so we're confident in the fact that
:02:34. > :02:38.these boys can step up and prove they are true Scarlets. It is
:02:38. > :02:42.frustrating, because there were replayed last week was pleasing, it
:02:42. > :02:48.would be good to keep that form going, but we are really good place,
:02:48. > :02:53.it is good at our players are recognised. Enjoy the game. A thank
:02:53. > :03:03.you. An interesting sub-plot, the head
:03:03. > :03:05.
:03:05. > :03:15.slightly aggrieved at missing out on the Wales squad for the
:03:15. > :03:17.
:03:17. > :03:21.I spoke to Stephen Jones yesterday, he is disappointed, but he will
:03:21. > :03:26.want to prove a point. He is a great player, bags of experience,
:03:26. > :03:29.and if he plays well, Warren Gatland cannot overlook him. A bit
:03:29. > :03:34.different for Jason Tovey, he thought he had taken one step ahead,
:03:34. > :03:39.but it is based on current form, Dan Biggar has kicked very well,
:03:39. > :03:43.and despite the qualities that Jason Tovey possesses in terms of
:03:43. > :03:47.his overall game, Dan Biggar is probably the better choice at the
:03:47. > :03:51.moment. You have been impressed by someone who has made a shift from
:03:51. > :04:00.the second row into the back row, Aaron Shingler? He has impressed me
:04:00. > :04:06.for a number of years. A big, athletic player, very quick, scored
:04:06. > :04:10.a fantastic try in the Commonwealth Games. I think the back row is a
:04:10. > :04:15.position that we will see the best of him. He has been playing lock.
:04:15. > :04:20.Playing back row because there are a few injuries at Scarlets, a lot
:04:20. > :04:27.of competition here. I am keen to see him performed tonight because I
:04:27. > :04:30.think he is an massive prospect. Slotting into a back row that also
:04:30. > :04:36.includes Ben Morgan. He always seems to play well in front of us.
:04:36. > :04:43.These coaches are without their top players, it does hold momentum,
:04:43. > :04:48.doesn't it? De seat either side benefiting most from that.
:04:49. > :04:54.scallops, home advantage probably. -- Scarlets. But ultimately, a lot
:04:54. > :04:59.of these players are playing a lot of rugby for the Scarlets and the
:04:59. > :05:05.Dragons, I think home advantage will play its part. The teams are
:05:05. > :05:15.on their way out. Welsh language commentary is on the red button.
:05:15. > :05:23.
:05:23. > :05:27.Get involved by at text and Twitter. gloves whether! But conditions,
:05:27. > :05:35.pretty good on the field, it must be said. Ashley Smith, playing his
:05:35. > :05:44.100th game for the Dragons, leads them out. Five for witnessing on
:05:44. > :05:54.Wales duty. But plenty of experience. Plenty of talent behind,
:05:54. > :05:59.
:05:59. > :06:04.Jason Tovey, knocking on the door. the Scarlets will know that as much
:06:04. > :06:12.as anybody, he spent a few seasons down here, Gavin Thomas, before
:06:12. > :06:17.moving to the Dragons. They will be looking out for him. 100 games for
:06:17. > :06:23.Ashley Smith. Treble that and that is the contribution of Stephen
:06:23. > :06:33.Jones in the Scarlets showed. -- show it. Maybe he will be preparing
:06:33. > :06:35.
:06:35. > :06:45.to wear the red of Wales. As it is, he is more than happy to come back
:06:45. > :06:45.
:06:46. > :06:55.and help out the region, and come back to a standing ovation.
:06:56. > :06:58.
:06:58. > :07:08.Carmarthen boy, Scarlets through with Matthew Rees in the Welsh set-
:07:08. > :07:14.up. -- Ken Owens. And behind Stephen Jones, to lead the side,
:07:14. > :07:20.Sean Lamont, Gareth Maule, and Adam Warren, who has been creating an
:07:20. > :07:30.impression in midfield. A mix and match on the bench, a bit of
:07:30. > :07:33.
:07:33. > :07:41.experience and some slightly newer call-ups, I think it is going to be
:07:41. > :07:51.a very exciting game. A lot of nucleus of the side is there.
:07:51. > :07:52.
:07:52. > :07:58.Fingers crossed, a very, very good Europe, it is back to the bread and
:07:58. > :08:04.butter of the league. Both teams, looking to move up that table after
:08:04. > :08:14.fairly shaky starts to the season for both. Scarlets have definitely
:08:14. > :08:28.
:08:28. > :08:38.solidified in recent weeks, seven unexpected position. -- to use
:08:38. > :08:55.
:08:55. > :09:00.of the way, and Gavin Thomas, right in the thick of things in the
:09:00. > :09:10.opening stages, slowing things down for a team who are under a bit of
:09:10. > :09:42.
:09:42. > :09:47.last that Gavin Thomas might be - has come about. Stephen Jones has
:09:47. > :09:55.crossed 700 points in league rugby. And he adds another three, and
:09:55. > :10:05.against the Scarlets on the score board early on. -- get the Scarlets
:10:05. > :10:05.
:10:05. > :10:56.Apology for the loss of subtitles for 51 seconds
:10:57. > :11:06.and not be exposed in the field, as to stop a few years ago now, in the
:11:07. > :11:36.
:11:36. > :11:46.state. -- the States. A good line- Being forced back, knocked over the
:11:46. > :12:01.
:12:01. > :12:08.lucky, at the Dragons, because he was isolated, but strangely
:12:08. > :12:15.enough,... He is being penalised, the number seven. That was a close
:12:15. > :12:18.call, wasn't it? I think Ken Owens and thought he could steal that
:12:18. > :12:28.ball, unfortunately, the referee said he came from an offside
:12:28. > :13:01.
:13:01. > :13:11.position. Very difficult to see Jason Tovey has been in pretty good
:13:11. > :13:40.
:13:40. > :13:47.form this season. A bit unlucky, came off Adam Warren. Gavin Thomas,
:13:47. > :13:53.asking for the off side. Knock-on has been given. I think the ball
:13:53. > :14:00.played for man. Good technique, poor execution. Did he play for it?
:14:00. > :14:10.I think that was a penalty, I think. I think he did play for it, and
:14:10. > :14:45.
:14:45. > :14:52.Gavin Thomas was right to ask for that. He said straight away, he was
:14:52. > :15:02.going in. He has started all eight league matches for the Scarlets
:15:02. > :15:12.this season. He is a former Dragon. That is a free ball for Alan Jones
:15:12. > :15:28.
:15:29. > :15:37.in the front. The Scarlets switched committing match. Life is being
:15:37. > :15:44.made difficult for the Dragons. Now they have lost it. They have been
:15:44. > :15:51.turned over by the Scarlets but it has been well won backed by the
:15:51. > :16:01.Dragons. The defence is very well so far with the Scarlets. That is
:16:01. > :16:09.
:16:09. > :16:19.better. Just cleared out. A bit it was a try saving tackle. Were
:16:19. > :16:35.
:16:35. > :16:45.It is a great finish if he does get in. I would imagine it is a touch.
:16:45. > :16:49.
:16:49. > :16:59.Let's have a look. And he is short. Good effort both. A decision. The
:16:59. > :17:07.
:17:07. > :17:17.feet are in touch and the defending effective. That was good play.
:17:17. > :17:24.
:17:24. > :17:34.Great hands. A good tackle at the of bother me his own try-line. Who
:17:34. > :17:45.
:17:46. > :17:55.has the gaps? -- guts? That was good patient played by the Scarlets
:17:56. > :18:07.
:18:07. > :18:17.and good control. -- play. There by Gavin Thomas. Wayne Evans
:18:17. > :18:32.
:18:32. > :18:40.thought he could spot just the penalty. Knocked forward ball-
:18:40. > :18:45.carrying. -- not. That is the guy who takes the drift and stops it.
:18:45. > :18:52.If you run it on, it stops the drift a little bit and they have
:18:52. > :18:58.extra numbers. It was a great defence. It all came about with a
:18:58. > :19:08.quick ball from the ruck. They could not organise a defensive line.
:19:08. > :19:22.
:19:22. > :19:32.They had numbers a wide. -- out caress least Scarlets has been very
:19:32. > :19:35.
:19:35. > :19:45.solid. -- Llanelli. The Newport Dragons have dominated. A plentiful
:19:45. > :19:55.
:19:55. > :20:05.stream of possession. Gavin Thomas ticket income at maybe the Scarlets
:20:05. > :20:15.could have the scrum. -- took it in, maybe the Scarlets could have the
:20:15. > :20:29.
:20:29. > :20:39.scrum. It will be interesting to had to see Ben Morgan take on the
:20:39. > :20:39.
:20:39. > :21:51.Apology for the loss of subtitles for 51 seconds
:21:51. > :21:58.Dragons this evening. That was a forced to kick. That was good
:21:58. > :22:03.defending by the Dragons will start -- the Scarlets were forced to kick.
:22:03. > :22:10.One thing for this balance, they had numbers out wide but someone is
:22:10. > :22:20.up on the inside ran. They need to hold the line and keep their depth.
:22:20. > :22:20.
:22:20. > :23:56.Apology for the loss of subtitles for 51 seconds
:23:56. > :24:06.No. That is what we need to look at. That was good link play. That was
:24:06. > :24:38.
:24:38. > :24:45.Brown. He could really had got in behind the defence. That was a
:24:45. > :24:53.great pick up by Kenneth Owens. It was the tackle that dislodged it
:24:53. > :25:03.but the advantage has been played anyway. He made a break.
:25:03. > :25:21.
:25:21. > :25:31.Unfortunately, he just lost the in the opening stages. Any half
:25:31. > :25:51.
:25:51. > :25:58.Bulls de he knows he has given the lead back to the Scarlets. -- in an
:25:58. > :26:07.instant. Keep an eye on him. He rushed up. He is used to being on
:26:07. > :26:17.the wing. There is the whole up the middle. That is the difference. You
:26:17. > :26:27.need to watch. Scarlets wanted taking quickly but it was not quite
:26:27. > :26:27.
:26:27. > :27:23.Apology for the loss of subtitles for 51 seconds
:27:23. > :27:33.back on his feet. I think he themselves Brom there's trouble. It
:27:33. > :28:08.
:28:09. > :28:15.was a poor pass. -- from this Equally good work by Jonathan
:28:15. > :28:20.Edwards. It was short on the left- hand side. Stephen Jones had
:28:20. > :28:27.spotted the overlap. They were coming down the right hand side.
:28:27. > :28:37.From the turnover, to slow with the delivery. Jonathan Edwards got to
:28:37. > :28:54.
:28:54. > :29:04.penalties as far as scoring goes. The ball is a little bit slippery.
:29:04. > :29:04.
:29:04. > :29:47.Apology for the loss of subtitles for 51 seconds
:29:47. > :29:53.every mum back into their usual positions. The Dragons have
:29:53. > :29:57.dominated possession and dominated the field position. They are behind
:29:57. > :30:07.on the most important statistic on the scoreboard. They need to keep
:30:07. > :30:20.
:30:20. > :30:28.plugging away. The line-out for the Close on a couple of occasions for
:30:28. > :30:34.the Dragons. That is a very clever kick. Does well. If Martin Thomas
:30:34. > :30:44.get that, he scores. Simple as that. If he holds on to that... This is
:30:44. > :30:45.
:30:45. > :30:55.the forward pass. Definitely a forward. A great take. Daniel Evans
:30:55. > :31:05.
:31:05. > :31:15.went over like a 19. -- a 9 p no. hands behind him to deliver the
:31:15. > :31:32.
:31:32. > :31:42.with that final pass not been delivered with the necessary
:31:42. > :31:50.
:31:50. > :31:58.accuracy. Well controlled by Ben that Dragons have got to get
:31:58. > :32:06.something. A couple of opportunities. It has gone 90
:32:06. > :32:16.degrees, I think that is a good call, actually. Scarlets are
:32:16. > :32:50.
:32:51. > :33:00.complaining that it didn't go 90 there are no players on the left-
:33:01. > :33:11.
:33:11. > :33:17.hand side. Povey is not looking to wide, that is an easy drop goal,
:33:17. > :33:27.usually pops them over, he was going to go wide, but then Scarlets
:33:27. > :33:27.
:33:27. > :34:15.Apology for the loss of subtitles for 51 seconds
:34:15. > :34:18.got out, closed him down, he was in the ball back. They have got some
:34:18. > :34:23.problems, everybody thinks they are scrum half at the moment for
:34:23. > :34:33.Scarlets. They should find it Stephen Jones, he has played 300
:34:33. > :34:38.
:34:38. > :34:42.that brilliant take by Dan Evans, perhaps they could have done better.
:34:42. > :34:52.I do get frustrated sometimes, it is so difficult to break from a
:34:52. > :34:58.
:34:58. > :35:02.They are not going to get any a bit, the defence just drifts wide. If
:35:02. > :35:12.you are going to be a dummy runner, you have to make sure you get a
:35:12. > :35:12.
:35:12. > :35:58.Apology for the loss of subtitles for 51 seconds
:35:58. > :36:01.chance for the ball. You have to they'll steal. Dragons's coach, how
:36:01. > :36:06.frustrating is that you never do best chances and not put them away?
:36:06. > :36:11.It is frustrating, we are really close at the moment, we just need
:36:12. > :36:19.some point on the board. There are a lot of good areas in our game, we
:36:19. > :36:29.are doing well, we just need to return the ball. I hope we will
:36:29. > :36:29.
:36:29. > :37:54.Apology for the loss of subtitles for 51 seconds
:37:54. > :38:04.so far. And abetted kick, as well. Dragon's defence to get into
:38:04. > :38:04.
:38:04. > :38:53.Apology for the loss of subtitles for 51 seconds
:38:53. > :38:58.opportunity. Very good play again, great pass. Jason Tovey does
:38:58. > :39:04.exceptionally well. Doesn't get stirred up. Makes the tackle. There
:39:04. > :39:14.is a two on one there. Lovely pass by Stephen Jones. Good
:39:14. > :39:19.
:39:19. > :39:29.remaining of the first half, this is as close as the Scarlets have
:39:29. > :39:42.
:39:42. > :39:52.This would be a bloke to the Dragons, if they could score after
:39:52. > :40:13.
:40:13. > :40:19.all the pressure they have had -- first time, I wonder what kind of
:40:19. > :40:29.space Aled Brew would have had. Another chance for the Scarlets to
:40:29. > :40:30.
:40:30. > :41:20.Apology for the loss of subtitles for 51 seconds
:41:20. > :41:28.word. Off the ball, at scrums are... Clear? Am glad he didn't say "shake
:41:28. > :41:38.hands". This is the offence. Stephen Jones does the break. Evans
:41:38. > :41:45.
:41:45. > :41:54.goes in. There we are. It is close, with 10 minutes of the first half
:41:54. > :41:59.remaining, Scarlets extend the lead to 93. This is Kingsley-Jones. What
:41:59. > :42:03.is wrong with the Scarlets line-up? I am not quite sure. At the start
:42:03. > :42:08.of the game they were losing momentum in different areas, they
:42:08. > :42:14.lost two line-outs on the bounce. The last 15 minutes, Scarlets have
:42:14. > :42:18.come back into it. Phase two chances for the Dragons, that could
:42:18. > :42:24.be the difference? You have got to give the benefit of the doubt to be
:42:24. > :42:28.defender. A great tackle, Gareth Maule with the tackle. But you're
:42:29. > :42:32.right, you have got to take every point, and I'm sure they will be
:42:32. > :42:42.looking back the back tomorrow, and ruing their charges. A quick word
:42:42. > :42:52.about the intensity? You get real feel for its, very intense, a lot
:42:52. > :43:16.
:43:16. > :43:25.of collisions come it is a real was going to make a mess and it. --
:43:25. > :43:35.make a mess of it. Time again for Martin Thomas. Ali's kick. -- a
:43:35. > :43:35.
:43:35. > :45:00.Apology for the loss of subtitles for 51 seconds
:45:00. > :45:06.board now, turn the pressure into half-time - the Dragons. They have
:45:06. > :45:16.dominated the first half. 10 from 10 as for the line-outs. He
:45:16. > :45:22.
:45:22. > :45:32.readjust so. -- readjusts. It is all on or about the 10m line at the
:45:32. > :45:34.
:45:34. > :45:44.moment. There are not many people connecting to the ruck. That was a
:45:44. > :45:44.
:45:44. > :46:39.Apology for the loss of subtitles for 51 seconds
:46:39. > :46:49.good tackle. It came off the. Wayne slides out of the hands of Rhys
:46:49. > :47:25.
:47:25. > :47:31.Wales. Including reaction from the the Blues. 8 o'clock, later than
:47:31. > :47:37.usual, Australia of course on Saturday afternoon. He wasted no
:47:37. > :47:47.time whatsoever. He slotted it and brings the Dragons back to within a
:47:47. > :47:47.
:47:47. > :48:31.Apology for the loss of subtitles for 51 seconds
:48:31. > :48:36.kick. They needed that. They have there was a kick. He is thought of
:48:36. > :48:46.endeavour but needs to stay on the right side of the law. He has given
:48:46. > :49:17.
:49:17. > :49:25.away three penalties in succession. the Dragons as the first half draws
:49:25. > :49:33.to a close. That was silly play. Ken Owens read a what he was going
:49:33. > :49:40.to do. I do not know what the Scarlets supporters up on about
:49:40. > :49:48.with the booing. Just watch! It is a block. The referee shouted at
:49:48. > :49:55.Kenneth Owens not to block. It is quite unusual. They went for the
:49:55. > :50:05.touch. With two and a half minutes left, I thought they would be going
:50:05. > :50:05.
:50:05. > :51:07.Apology for the loss of subtitles for 51 seconds
:51:07. > :51:17.They have gone for the try. Is he held up? The crowd claim a try. The
:51:17. > :51:27.referee goes to the ATM know. Rhys Thomas thinks he has got her. --
:51:27. > :51:37.
:51:37. > :51:47.the ball to ground? -- ploughed. Ship they have gone for the
:51:47. > :51:47.
:51:47. > :51:55.penalty? -- should. From that angle, I cannot see Martyn Thomas being
:51:55. > :52:05.under them. He is bundled off. is a try. There is no reason why
:52:05. > :52:38.
:52:38. > :52:45.beyond Rhys Thomas. That has to be drive. OK. The tables have turned
:52:45. > :52:50.on the Dragons right at the end of the first half. They were the ones
:52:50. > :52:56.pressing down field. One bit of indecision and 80 metres later it
:52:56. > :53:06.is the former Dragon, Rhys Thomas, who gets the first try of the
:53:06. > :53:10.
:53:10. > :53:20.evening. What a costly decision?! Did he knocked it on? Let's have a
:53:20. > :53:32.
:53:32. > :53:37.look. Let's have a look at the next as far as the Dragons a concerned.
:53:37. > :53:44.The whistle goes for half time. Instead of being just three points
:53:44. > :53:50.behind, it is a different ball game. The try, right on the death, but
:53:50. > :53:55.the completely different complexion on it. The Scarlets took their
:53:55. > :54:02.opportunities and that is the difference. They'd take the penalty
:54:02. > :54:06.and go in 9-9. They have dominated for most of the game was up the
:54:06. > :54:16.clinical finishing and kicking of Stephen Jones and that is what has
:54:16. > :54:20.
:54:20. > :54:26.been the difference. They have to It was a big night for Stephen
:54:26. > :54:34.Jones pulls up another Wales reject caught the eye, Alan Brew going
:54:34. > :54:44.close early on. The first half came down to a kicking duel between the
:54:44. > :54:44.
:54:45. > :54:53.down to a kicking duel between the two 10s. In the final minutes, Rhys
:54:53. > :54:57.Thomas scored a crucial try. 16-6 to the Scarlets. An interesting
:54:57. > :55:04.first half. The Dragons were dominating but they did not take
:55:04. > :55:09.their chances. They had a couple of chances. They did have the better
:55:09. > :55:15.part of the game in terms of territory and quality of the ball.
:55:15. > :55:19.There was probably more continuity in the game. The Scarlets, this is
:55:19. > :55:25.about staying in the game. They did not look the side they were last
:55:25. > :55:30.week or have been over the last couple of weeks. A lot of that was
:55:30. > :55:36.Dan maybe to the pressure they were under, certainly at the breakdown.
:55:36. > :55:43.That try would have knocked the stuffing out of the Dragons.
:55:43. > :55:50.Dragons were dominant in many areas. I think the set piece from the
:55:50. > :55:56.Dragons looks tidy. Early on the momentum was going with the Dragons.
:55:56. > :56:02.The Scarlets could not gain any momentum. I note Rob spoke about
:56:02. > :56:07.great work from the back row of the Dragons and often we have seen the
:56:07. > :56:15.Scarlets trying to clean the ruck. That blow there really is a bitter
:56:15. > :56:22.blow for the Dragons. It is an old cliche there is no worse the time
:56:22. > :56:25.to concede than that. Some pretty sloppy play to give the ball away.
:56:25. > :56:32.It means the Dragons will be willing those missed chances even
:56:32. > :56:39.more now. We can have a look at a couple of them. They were quicker
:56:39. > :56:49.on the ball than the Scarlets. Gas drifted across well and made the
:56:49. > :56:57.vital tackle. -- Gareth Maule. Into the hands of Alan prove. Had Martyn
:56:57. > :57:05.Thomas been aware of that, it would have been a certain try. When you
:57:05. > :57:12.have time and space, you have drop goals. They will rue the chances
:57:12. > :57:18.they have missed. The Scarlets will going at half-time. Gavin Thomas
:57:18. > :57:24.has given away penalties but he has slowed so much possession down. It
:57:24. > :57:29.has taken away a lot of the attacking options. They will look
:57:29. > :57:34.for a more fluid game and that will give them the incentive to move
:57:34. > :57:41.forward. We'd talked about how the Scarlets have not been functioning
:57:41. > :57:47.very smoothly. What has been going wrong? Here is the half back coming
:57:47. > :57:55.in. It has to be said, it is difficult. That wrote looks to be
:57:55. > :58:02.short. A lot of movement and a lot of confusion. -- that throat. The
:58:02. > :58:08.Dragons are competing well on the Scarlets ball. We're not seeing the
:58:08. > :58:17.same competition on the Dragons balls. They are looking really good
:58:17. > :58:21.in the set pieces. Numbers, not only is it to stop attacking, when
:58:21. > :58:31.you come from the breakdown, the defensive line is not as organised
:58:31. > :58:35.
:58:35. > :58:40.as it should be because people are in a ruck. The Scarlets did get the
:58:40. > :58:48.crucial try. It was eventually given to Rhys Thomas. I doubt there
:58:48. > :58:54.were any issues with the fact he got the ball down. He came across
:58:54. > :59:01.and made a bit of a hash of it. He looked very Sharpe to get that and
:59:01. > :59:07.gathered the ball. It is power played by the prop forward. He was
:59:07. > :59:14.pushing Wayne Evans at of the way. They controlled most of the game.
:59:14. > :59:22.At half-time, having just scored, it is all about momentum. Work on
:59:23. > :59:27.the areas you need to work on. There was disappointment and
:59:27. > :59:32.frustration. Plenty more rugby to come to light and across the next
:59:32. > :59:42.seven days on BBC Wales starting with a world-class line-up on
:59:42. > :59:42.
:59:42. > :00:24.Apology for the loss of subtitles for 51 seconds
:00:24. > :00:34.Tomorrow, the pro 12 continues. On Sunday, you had just seen the trail
:00:34. > :00:37.
:00:37. > :00:47.We are back next week for Leinster verses the Blues at 8pm. And next
:00:47. > :00:52.
:00:52. > :00:58.Saturday, a revenge mission, as Tonight, Sport Wales at 9pm.
:00:58. > :01:08.Speaking of the Blues, they kicked off at this week's round at the
:01:08. > :01:34.
:01:34. > :01:44.He doesn't need them. A first to sue it. He beats two men. All the
:01:44. > :01:44.
:01:44. > :02:30.Apology for the loss of subtitles for 51 seconds
:02:30. > :02:35.winger. The Blues's third try, they Their best win for two-and-a-half
:02:35. > :02:45.years, as it happens. Phil is with a Welsh veteran down on the
:02:45. > :02:50.touchline. Here we are. Congratulations on your call up,
:02:50. > :02:57.how did you find out? I had a text, I thought it was just the boys,
:02:57. > :03:01.having a joke, really. But it was real. Is it right that there are
:03:01. > :03:08.about 50 of them coming down to play, but you are not plane because
:03:08. > :03:14.of the call up? Yes, I have been called up for Wales, so I cannot
:03:14. > :03:18.play. It is not just a call-up for experience, you could end up
:03:19. > :03:28.playing? A bit of a chance. I'm just trying to do well, and see how
:03:29. > :03:30.
:03:30. > :03:35.it goes. Where were you last season? I was playing fortnightly.
:03:35. > :03:41.He reads the BECTU and, Matthew Rees, what is the atmosphere like?
:03:41. > :03:48.A lot of youngsters, I feel quite old at the moment! The success in
:03:48. > :03:53.the World Cup, great opportunity to play against Australia, and a good
:03:53. > :03:58.chance for the boys to get a result. Hopefully that can do the job for
:03:58. > :04:02.us. Everyone have felt for you when you had your injury before the
:04:02. > :04:07.World Cup, how do you feel about it? Obviously disappointed, but at
:04:07. > :04:11.the end of the day, that is rugby, these things happen. I bounce back
:04:11. > :04:16.from that now, I'm glad to be back playing the game after the neck
:04:16. > :04:22.operation, which was a great success. Hopefully I can get that
:04:22. > :04:27.red jersey back on soon as well. Good luck to both of you.
:04:27. > :04:32.We have spoken a lot about how some of the best players have been away
:04:32. > :04:35.at the World Cup, how it has given an opportunity for youngsters,
:04:35. > :04:42.Williams de defies that, now he has a chance of starting against
:04:42. > :04:47.Australia. -- typify is that. Williams has come from nowhere, but
:04:47. > :04:55.his form deserves an opportunity. We have struggled in the full back
:04:55. > :04:58.position. But Liam Williams, I think, is very sharp, his greater
:04:58. > :05:04.with the ball in hand, good defensively, and if he does play,
:05:04. > :05:11.he will not have a worry. Anyone tonight you think might break into
:05:11. > :05:17.the squad? At the start of the show, we talked, I think it is fantastic
:05:17. > :05:22.in one way, because the only way you develop and improve his by
:05:22. > :05:28.playing, and coaches often stick with experienced players. This is
:05:28. > :05:38.paying dividends throughout Welsh rugby. Good stuff. They are about
:05:38. > :05:38.
:05:38. > :06:46.Apology for the loss of subtitles for 51 seconds
:06:46. > :06:56.to kick off, let go back to our left for the pastures of London
:06:56. > :07:26.
:07:26. > :07:36.eight and 11 as to where the ball gave away the penalty. There was an
:07:36. > :07:50.
:07:50. > :07:56.well in the first half, very well. But I don't know if he lost that,
:07:56. > :08:03.or what. It is a good ploy, number 8 is coming from the blind side.
:08:03. > :08:10.That pass is waited correctly, it puts a bit of pressure. As it is,
:08:10. > :08:20.the pressure is back on the Scarlets. It almost goes without
:08:20. > :08:45.
:08:45. > :08:55.saying, the Dragons take their own Scarlets's defence in the second
:08:55. > :08:55.
:08:55. > :09:05.half. I think they have to pick and drive the Dragon's's players. They
:09:05. > :09:05.
:09:05. > :10:32.Apology for the loss of subtitles for 51 seconds
:10:32. > :10:41.ball. If you do, he is going to players between nine and 10, no
:10:41. > :10:51.wonder the scrum half has no idea who took hit. A great run from Aled
:10:51. > :11:29.
:11:29. > :11:39.Brew. They have got to use him a when the Scarlets's fans thought
:11:39. > :11:39.
:11:39. > :12:23.Apology for the loss of subtitles for 51 seconds
:12:23. > :12:29.think the Dragons now I'm not looking very threatening, so they
:12:29. > :12:33.have to get in their heads - we need to win this. Whether by drop
:12:33. > :12:39.goals, whether by penalties, that is the only way they can win this
:12:39. > :12:49.game, that is how they have got to do it, realise that very quickly.
:12:49. > :12:49.
:12:49. > :13:35.Apology for the loss of subtitles for 51 seconds
:13:35. > :13:39.Jason Tovey goes up to 75 points to Williams. I tell you what, he has
:13:39. > :13:49.got a lot to do it if he is going to be mentioned in the same breath
:13:49. > :13:49.
:13:49. > :13:56.as Shane Williams. Four tries on his debut against the USA. Another
:13:56. > :14:02.53 odd to go, maybe then he will be up with him. I have a couple of
:14:02. > :14:12.guests. You have a rugby connection. I have come my played outside-half,
:14:12. > :14:18.and die have an insight flanker. Did you teach him all he knows?
:14:18. > :14:27.like to think so, yes. He did a lot of tackling for me. What he has
:14:27. > :14:33.gone on do do is fantastic. Craig, you are a Birmingham man? West Brom.
:14:33. > :14:42.I'm more used to the round ball, but I'm enjoying it. We have got an
:14:42. > :14:48.album out on Monday, we are on a UK tour, four shows in Wales. I like
:14:48. > :14:58.the Scarlets tie! He will be introducing the next on their
:14:58. > :15:13.
:15:13. > :15:23.angled. He kept it in field. Evans did not had too much time to
:15:23. > :15:33.play with. Jason tabby did not want the quick throw from Tonderai
:15:33. > :15:33.
:15:33. > :16:44.Apology for the loss of subtitles for 51 seconds
:16:44. > :16:54.ball was bouncing around. That was high tackle. That is a two
:16:54. > :16:54.
:16:54. > :17:52.Apology for the loss of subtitles for 51 seconds
:17:52. > :18:02.incidents of foul play now. down the field. That is the way it
:18:02. > :18:41.
:18:41. > :18:51.chant of, off, goes up. It is hard to judge what has happened. If the
:18:51. > :19:23.
:19:23. > :19:33.referee does not see it, he does Stephen Jones. That must have hurt.
:19:33. > :19:45.
:19:45. > :19:52.play. He was trying to do the miracle ball. There is the line-out.
:19:52. > :19:58.He went up. He grabbed his arm. That was not intentional. A penalty,
:19:58. > :20:08.nothing else. Andrew Coombs looks to be struggling with his right arm.
:20:08. > :20:14.
:20:14. > :20:24.It is his shoulder, I think. Jevon Grose is on to replace him. --
:20:24. > :20:24.
:20:24. > :21:29.Apology for the loss of subtitles for 51 seconds
:21:29. > :21:36.Groves. He is a church village Bory. free ball. Scrum, red.
:21:36. > :21:43.sloppiness of the play. Once they have the attack, the ball was out
:21:43. > :21:53.side. Again, here, they have to straighten up. But the accelerator
:21:53. > :21:53.
:21:53. > :21:59.on. He gets pushed off. They went wide and once again. There we are.
:22:00. > :22:06.Ken and Owens came in through the middle. I do not think he was
:22:06. > :22:14.behind the back foot. He was way behind the back foot. That was poor
:22:14. > :22:19.presentation by the Dragons. It was poor presentation. Two changes in
:22:19. > :22:26.the front row. It is the experienced Steve Jones at hooker
:22:26. > :22:35.and alongside him, Nathan Williams. He had a couple of games for the
:22:36. > :22:45.Scarlets last year, Nathan Williams, from have a third West. --
:22:46. > :22:46.
:22:46. > :23:57.Apology for the loss of subtitles for 51 seconds
:23:57. > :24:07.Dragons, but they are not nailing them. It was Erin Brewer who caused
:24:07. > :24:26.
:24:26. > :24:36.Only one place he is going. His lead got caught underneath. Just
:24:36. > :24:38.
:24:38. > :24:48.what the left leg. He collapsed. I just hope no serious danger. The
:24:48. > :24:56.
:24:56. > :25:06.referee gets older over. -- bowled Hopefully it will be OK. Hype
:25:06. > :25:10.
:25:10. > :25:20.extension. -- hyperextension. had the win knocked out of him
:25:20. > :25:28.
:25:28. > :25:37.first. -- wind. If we slow it down, this guy is a prop forward. If we
:25:37. > :25:46.run it on full speed, he hesitates and hesitates. If he went early and
:25:46. > :25:50.attacked the prop forward, the gap would open up. Scarlets are making
:25:50. > :25:58.four changes in one ago. We will bring you are to speed with them in
:25:58. > :26:08.a moment. Two in the front row, one in the second row and one in the
:26:08. > :26:08.
:26:08. > :27:07.Apology for the loss of subtitles for 51 seconds
:27:07. > :27:17.try to get out of their own half hooker was birth. The opportunity
:27:17. > :27:20.
:27:20. > :27:25.was there. -- there. It has been a very physical encounter. The
:27:25. > :27:35.Dragons have done well. We need to freshen things up and bring more
:27:35. > :27:36.
:27:36. > :27:44.energy to it. We need some energy on the park. Aaron Shingler was a
:27:44. > :27:52.bit dazed. What you tactics? need to keep on working hard. This
:27:52. > :28:02.game will be won by the side who are prepared to work the hardest.
:28:02. > :28:13.
:28:13. > :28:22.It is a physical local derby. but to replacements in the front
:28:22. > :28:32.row. Lou Reed directly behind them. The first opening for Mat Gilbert.
:28:32. > :28:42.
:28:42. > :28:48.It did not look very nice. It is Rhys Thomas all the time. If that
:28:48. > :28:55.is the case, he needs to yellow card him, unfortunately, if he
:28:55. > :29:05.things that is the case. The third penalty against him, the next one,
:29:05. > :29:21.
:29:21. > :29:31.pretty obvious come up the way the very often before. He has three
:29:31. > :29:31.
:29:31. > :30:15.Apology for the loss of subtitles for 51 seconds
:30:15. > :30:20.underneath it. That was close, very Adam Hughes. Rees Thomas is now
:30:20. > :30:30.coming off of. He has been penalised, the referee spotted it,
:30:30. > :30:30.
:30:30. > :31:32.Apology for the loss of subtitles for 51 seconds
:31:32. > :31:42.off he comes. Deacon Manu is on for Ouch! Smith just caught one in the
:31:42. > :32:12.
:32:12. > :32:22.Ashley Smith gets attention. Yes, That is a superb kick from Stephen
:32:22. > :33:02.
:33:02. > :33:12.Jones. Quickly taken, though, but seen the contact, I haven't seen
:33:12. > :33:12.
:33:12. > :33:22.the man. There were so many bodies, I haven't got a number for you.
:33:22. > :33:25.
:33:25. > :33:35.will have a look now. Similar situation, it is a dangerous tackle.
:33:35. > :34:01.
:34:02. > :34:11.It is a penalty. Let's see the are in danger of throwing the baby
:34:12. > :34:16.
:34:17. > :34:26.out with the bathwater. It is not scoring a try, so now they have to
:34:27. > :34:39.
:34:39. > :34:49.kick... Have a bit of that. It is actually Ben Morgan who caught him.
:34:49. > :34:49.
:34:49. > :35:32.Apology for the loss of subtitles for 51 seconds
:35:32. > :35:42.committed to the ruck. Not one person. One on the floor, that is
:35:42. > :36:06.
:36:06. > :36:16.it. Lovely hands, Martyn Thomas. really. Just in the end. Just watch
:36:16. > :36:31.
:36:31. > :36:39.this. Good pass again, nothing on, to the Watney gone against the
:36:39. > :36:49.Barbarians before the World Cup. He's always at hand ball. -- a
:36:49. > :36:49.
:36:49. > :38:41.Apology for the loss of subtitles for 51 seconds
:38:41. > :38:51.Martyn Thomas was penalised. This will be interesting. He certainly
:38:51. > :38:56.
:38:56. > :39:04.the ball, bodies going here and there, and blocking, all sorts.
:39:04. > :39:14.has moved the ball forward a couple of yards. Scott Morgan has spotted
:39:14. > :39:14.
:39:14. > :40:51.Apology for the loss of subtitles for 51 seconds
:40:51. > :41:01.within a converted try of getting new front row. They haven't caught
:41:01. > :41:12.
:41:12. > :41:22.very well with the high ball, have Anywhere will do, away from those
:41:22. > :41:23.
:41:23. > :41:31.forwards. It is still on for the Scarlets. Good counter rucking,
:41:31. > :41:41.once again. Someone is going. will be alive. I bet it is number
:41:41. > :42:02.
:42:02. > :42:12.up, trying to get out of the way, that is a clear penalty, yellow
:42:12. > :42:34.
:42:34. > :42:39.the first half for Stephen Jones, he has had to wait almost half an
:42:39. > :42:44.hour into the second half to add to that. But that could be the most
:42:44. > :42:54.important of the maul, because it has put the Scarlets two scores
:42:54. > :42:54.
:42:54. > :43:51.Apology for the loss of subtitles for 51 seconds
:43:51. > :44:01.looked like scoring a try, they out now for the Dragons. They have
:44:01. > :44:11.
:44:11. > :44:21.got to find two scores from collapsing, it will just eat
:44:21. > :44:42.
:44:42. > :44:52.Dragons will certainly be hoping to Brew. If he cut his error rate
:44:52. > :45:15.
:45:16. > :45:25.the defence in numbers. What him stand off. That is what the Dragons
:45:26. > :45:26.
:45:26. > :45:36.should have picked up on and driven through the middle. Adam Hughes.
:45:36. > :45:37.
:45:37. > :45:47.Good tackle by Adam Warren. Nobody dared at scrum-half. -- nobody
:45:47. > :46:08.
:46:08. > :46:18.chance. The ball was slowed down once again. The ball has been so
:46:18. > :46:21.
:46:21. > :46:31.slow for both sides. It is ball marks for the Scarlets defence.
:46:31. > :46:31.
:46:31. > :47:35.Apology for the loss of subtitles for 51 seconds
:47:35. > :47:45.bin. Steffan Jones to come on for Scarlets. Aaron Hughes has looked
:47:45. > :47:52.
:47:52. > :48:02.terms, 9-9. And in Humphreys penalty. Great defensive work by
:48:02. > :48:31.
:48:31. > :48:37.all to do. Watch the numbers again. them a losing bonus point. Every
:48:37. > :48:47.point is pressures for them. Two league wins so far this season. --
:48:47. > :48:47.
:48:47. > :49:33.Apology for the loss of subtitles for 51 seconds
:49:33. > :49:43.Dragons are looking to see if they Dragons are hoping that will be
:49:43. > :49:57.
:49:57. > :50:07.enough to get them the losing bonus least have something to cheer at
:50:07. > :50:41.
:50:41. > :50:46.offside position? Martyn Thomas cramping up as play continues. It
:50:46. > :50:52.will be a Scarlets scrum. Your decision for man of the Match?
:50:52. > :50:59.has been a tough call. For sentimental reasons, Stephen Jones
:50:59. > :51:05.would be there. He has kicked very well tonight was I think it is
:51:06. > :51:14.Gavin Thomas for the Dragons. For me, and the input he has had come
:51:14. > :51:20.up my man of the match tonight is that man - Aled Brew. Always
:51:20. > :51:28.committed. He has not had much opportunity. Everything he has done,
:51:28. > :51:34.he has done exceptionally well. has come close to scoring. He came
:51:34. > :51:44.close to creating something from nothing on that occasion. His work-
:51:44. > :52:04.
:52:04. > :52:14.under the cosh. The Scarlets kicked off with when Ben four defeats
:52:14. > :52:29.
:52:29. > :52:36.before they bounced back. Good hands. It was linked to read. --
:52:36. > :52:46.blue read. Will the Dragons bonus point take it away from them? That
:52:46. > :52:56.
:52:56. > :53:01.little discipline. That could really cast the Dragons. Jevon
:53:01. > :53:07.Groves was disappointed with the decision in the first place. That
:53:07. > :53:17.could make the difference between a point or not. It was just on the
:53:17. > :53:31.
:53:31. > :53:35.edge before them. I cannot see him kicking for the night. Six from six
:53:35. > :53:45.from the scarlet captain. He takes a way of what the Dragons had
:53:45. > :53:55.
:53:55. > :54:05.fought so hard for it - the losing Groves tried to take a very quick
:54:05. > :54:11.
:54:11. > :54:18.the Scarlets are in possession. They should be looking to play down
:54:18. > :54:27.the clock of put the Dragons so far down their territory it is not
:54:27. > :54:37.practical to get back within striking range. They are in the
:54:37. > :54:43.
:54:43. > :54:53.same position. Lamont should go definitely have to go for goal.
:54:53. > :55:02.
:55:02. > :55:12.Will Adam Hughes go again? Will this. He put his hands up. Fair
:55:12. > :55:32.
:55:32. > :55:38.the game. He has not had a big run- up, has he? A big kick it is for
:55:38. > :55:44.the Dragons and for Steffan Jones. From right on halfway, he has fired
:55:44. > :55:50.it towards the post but it is wide of the post. The Dragons looked as
:55:50. > :55:59.though they are going to go home empty-handed after all. Maybe they
:55:59. > :56:09.will have one restart. Two kicks very close. That was clever play
:56:09. > :56:15.Ethel stub the game is over. -- clever play. That is it. It has
:56:15. > :56:21.been done and dusted. End of the match and no bonus point. Youth
:56:21. > :56:26.feel they should have come away with something. They did dominate
:56:27. > :56:32.for the large part of this game but they were not clinical enough. The
:56:32. > :56:37.Scarlets took their chances and the Dragons did not. The Dragons go
:56:37. > :56:47.home empty-handed. The unbeaten run by the Scarlets continues. They
:56:47. > :56:50.
:56:50. > :56:56.have beaten the Dragons by 22 It was a case of missed
:56:56. > :57:02.opportunities. The Dragons were the better side on balance. It is all
:57:02. > :57:07.about being clinical and taking what comes your way. Stephen Jones
:57:07. > :57:15.was instrumental in ensuring the scoreboard kept ticking over. The
:57:15. > :57:22.try was the difference between the two sides. Well done. Another win
:57:22. > :57:27.to add to that run. What was the difference between the two teams?
:57:27. > :57:37.At the end of the day, it was the try. Very disappointed with the way
:57:37. > :57:51.
:57:51. > :57:59.the game went. As a result of that, You have had seven out of eight now.
:57:59. > :58:07.By you, did you can keep that going? We will try harder. -- are
:58:07. > :58:15.you confident? It was not pretty, it was not a great night. Thank you.
:58:15. > :58:22.Let's have a look at the table. The Scarlets up up to 6. The Dragons
:58:22. > :58:28.are up in 11th place. It was an interesting thing. We said Stephen
:58:28. > :58:34.Jones had an important point to prove. Aled Brew was the official
:58:34. > :58:40.man of the match. He did everything well. He showed some nice touches
:58:40. > :58:46.of skill - some brute force. I felt sorry for the Dragons tonight. They
:58:46. > :58:52.gave it everything. The crucial scrum with 15 minutes left. They
:58:52. > :58:59.got turned over. That was the end for them. What a team-mate of the
:58:59. > :59:06.comments by the referee? It was not great. -- what do you make of the