Blues v Scarlets Scrum V Live

# Oh the weather outside is frightful #

All over the land its the season to be jolly. Everywhere that is,

except the rugby field. Here, there are scores to settle. In pubs and

living rooms throughout Wales we are planning to eat, drink and be

merry. But not here. Here, there is pride to protect. Blood, to be

spilled. In the red of Wales these two are brothers in arms. Tonight,

arch enemies. It may be the season of good will, but neither coach is

in the mood for giving gifts. Because tonight, it is the meanest

and the most ruthless that will prevail The Christmas derby here

and Scrum V Live is kicking off the festive season at the Arms Park

where the scarlets are the visitors. They are riding high in second

place, the Blues are struggling in ninth. They have home advantage but

the Scarlets have taken some notable away scalps this season,

and the Blues have lost six of their eight matches at the Arms

Park this season. Good evening. Welcome to Scrum V Live. Welcome,

to Cardiff Arms Park, for the first Welsh derby match of this Christmas

period. I am joined by two men who are synonymous with both sides.

Former Scarlet's coach Nigel Davis and Martyn Williams. Martin, it's a

crucial part of the season with so many derby games coming up, but

what makes these derby games so special and so important for the

players? It is huge. I think, like, you know the piece there, everybody

is at home relaxing, against your local rivals, your mates playing

against your mates. And you want to put a stamp down with the Six

Nations round the corner. It's a massive game for both sides after a

pretty disappointing European campaign. From the Scarlets's point

of view they will look for a performance, when you consider next

up it's the Ospreys away on Boxing Day and Ulster on the 4th January.

More than anything else they will be disappointed with their last two

performance, they will want to get back into the league, where they

are doing well and put a marking down for the next three games. It a

difficult place to come but it will be about which team wants it the

most. There is an intriguing bat in the back row with Shingler and war

Burten going head-to-head. Sam is starting to find his feet after a

disappointing autumn campaign, he is up against Aaron, Aaron Shingler,

a great player. I think it is interesting when you look at the

two back row, the Scarlets have two sixes playing and the Blues two

sevens. It may give an indication how they are going to play the game.

There are three Grand Slam winners but one name on everyone's lips is

Rhys Patchell for the Blues, what have you made of his season so far

He has looked a fine player. I have seen him play a lot, he has

impressed me. I think it certainly days. This is his sixth outing for

the Blues. Let us not put too much pressure on him and see him develop

in this team. Let us hear from both head coaches, Phil caught up with

both of them a few moments ago. You have to win games. Hopefully with

the crowd behind us. preparation we have put in over the

last week, and further back, we will hopefully get the result.

have a Scarlets scarf on, any sthif cans. It is orange. It's the first

of three away games for you over the holiday s. We have had a couple

of poor results and we are desperate to get back to winning

ways and consolidate our position. It will take a big effort to get a

result, but we are well able do that. I feel confident the if we

get things right we will do. It is a Clash of the Titans tonight

between George North and Alex Cuthbert, who said he is staying

with the blews for the next three seasons. They have made an

impression this season. Shaun, you have take an closer look at them.

Yes, just listen to the coaches there, you can sense the magnitude

of this game. The two players who have been a shining light so far

this year are both on the wings. Alex Cuthbert buoyed by a new

contract that will lift his team- mates tonight. He has an innate

ability to find the try line. He is a big powerful man who enjoys

coming off his wing, he breaks tackles as well, which is very

dangerous close to the line. Like all good wingers he is a hanger to

get over and he will look to put on a show. George North, the top ball

carrier, he has seven tries this year, he has an immense leg power,

but like Cuthbert he is developing his all round game. He is not just

a try scorer, he is becoming a creator as well. I expect one of

these two to score. An immense battle in prospect. Shaun will be

in the truck for us all night. Rick will be in the red zone with Rob

and Paul, drop them a line via text and Twitter. There is Welsh

language commentary on the red button. To complete our all-star

line up we have Jonathan Davies and line up we have Jonathan Davies and

Gareth charls in the commentary box. It is seasons greetings from Santa

and his little helper here! We look forward to what should be mouth-

watering rugby over the next week and a bit, with all the Welsh

regions involved in the derby matches. It all kicks off here.

With the Scarlets preferring the autumn series, in his favourite

full back position or on the wing for Wales as well. The Scarlets

will be anxious to get the ball to the dangerous midfield and back

three as much as possible. The Blues will be trying to front up

the forwards, they are the ones who have to give them the platform, and

especially after the conditions we have had over the last week or so,

the pitch will cut up, it will get heavy. The big boys are going to

the bench for the Scarlets after being out since September. They

look to have the stronger bench, the visitors. There will be a

minute's silence, and that in memory of Rob Reed, father of Lui

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regions will want to win, get their Christmas gave games off to a very

good start. Looking at the Scarlets, their back row looks dangerous, if

anything, a bit stronger on the bench. So, Cardiff Blues will be

hoping for the home advantage. A good kicking game will be crucial.

called upon? What have they got up their sleeves? Ian Davies the man

in charge this evening. The man the Welsh Rugby Union are looking to to

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the way, cleaned up by Lewis Jones. No way through for Breeze. The

blues will be unhappy having brought Navidi down to the front t

delivery couldn't be better from the supporting players. It will be

interesting, because you know, the back row position today, it will be

a huge tussle. I think the referee could also be crucial in that area.

It is an interesting battle. You have two natural sevens for the

Blues and no real natural sevens to save the Blues. They are going

to put the up and under up for Tovey. The prop rushes out,

veryliky, because you have the back row, if had onceed to the line,

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and they do. Almost 250 games for the ball being kept by the Scarlets,

their reWard is a shot for goal. They have to go for goal. It is not

going to be a pretty game. Any It is not number three, it is

Bradley Davies. Number three has off side position. He has something

about him, he has quick feet. Acceleration. A tough customer too.

He is. Also, it is interesting, because they have to test Jason

evening to give the Scarlets a three point lead. They have turned

their pressure into point, one up and under, one charge down,

unfortunately not the greatest box kick by Lewis Jones which gave them

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field position, and they have come ball was taken back. There is the

playing on, but the ball was kicked and taken back inside. They could

have had a line-out inside the than the front. Norbiton was there

to clean up. It had gone for it anyway -- Sam Warburton. I think it

was off the head. Touched it. Takes it back inside. He kicks it, the

Cardiff Blues should have been playing inside for the first time,

following up. It will be interesting to see how he goes come

up against been george. We have not seen much of Harry Robinson, really.

-- big george. He burst onto the scene. Needs to give him the

he propped himself up as he got back upon to his feet. He slipped

and his hand went down. The elbow of the Cardiff Blues for what went

down first. Interesting to see how the scrum goes. Both sides have

suffered a little bit, especially when the referee does flying! --

on the Christmas sherry! It is amazing when someone falls over and

excellent scrum by the Scarlets. feel sometimes when that happens,

the scrum-half has to get the ball away quickly. Because they did not

go in for it. Straight in... Oh, No. Such a push. It was a powerful

Scarlets scrum. It was. This is a big kick, I think, for Aled Thomas.

Conditions underfoot are difficult, to get a standing foot solid for

there, as well. Two touch judges, crouched and looked. They agreed it

was an excellent three points for Thomas. Thinking about the pitch. I

went on it before the game and it is in remarkable condition

considering the rain we have had. And Thomas had no problem with the

non- kicking foot. The ground staff will be out till 11:30pm, doing

whatever they have to do in preparation for the Dragons on

corner. Support your body weight. His it is like a game of football.

Most of the game has been played in the 50 metre area but because of

the territorial advantage the Scarlets have had... That is a

tough call. I think the referee will be important. I thought Harry

Robinson... He got the support of body weight. Until he got knocked

over by the time the ball was out. That is such a technical area,

isn't it? I do feel sorry for the referees sometimes. It is so tough.

got him on the front for what -- fund for it and gave the forwards a

play. Good play, Rhys Patchell. Everybody stopped. You do not want

to throw long balls up there. I know they want to move them around

a little bit, the Cardiff Blues. Fenby recovered his position in

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Jason Tovey. That was unlucky. They game from both teams early on. Can

The scholars defence, getting more defenders and attackers. --

Scarlets. That was a good kick, as Andrews to bring Alex Cuthbert in.

will come back. Obstruction. Taking the space. Taking the space in

Shingler inching his way across. Clearing out players for the

Patchell and the Cardiff Blues are gets on the restart. It is a

difficult circle to kick from -- how much hyped. Very difficult to

defence stayed well back in anticipation of the kick. And that

chase by the Scarlets. -- kick. have the coach of the scholars. You

have the shafts up front and the heavy conditions, how much of the

advantages that? In suggests perhaps we have something to work

with from the scrum perspective. Things can change quickly. We have

to work in that area. If it is constant, in these heavy conditions,

a good scrum is important. How are you looking forward to the tour?

It is a great honour to coach the Scarlets and being selected for

your country is the fantastic achievement. We have more pressing

things at the moment. Betty, Gareth. That was great by Shingler -- back

to you. The Scarlets needed to bring him down. Shingler got across.

It was a good handle. And could play by Jason Tovey. -- good play.

Unfortunately, the first Cardiff Blues player goes to ground. George

North. A strong base. Excellent timing of the run, Rhys Patchell.

20 in May. All the pressure of the spotlight. He is a young player,

learning his trade, hopefully he will come through. Hopefully he

will be an international player, but at the moment he is learning

his trade. Tough circumstances, you have just got to get on with it,

that is all. He is a very level- headed boy. He is coping well it. -

- with the scrutiny he has come REFEREE: I have no interest in who

started it. It end there we will restart with the scrummage. OK. You

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happy now? Restart, scrum red. Scarlets, Phil John. He is in his

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tenth season. He has played over head as he makes his way back.

was an opportunity for the Scarlets, because definitely Patchell had a

little look at George coming in. If the ball had come quickly, they had

numbers on the right hand side. was talking about the fact the

Scarlets had the slight edge um is that something you picked up?

have in the first couple, when they are on top, I think interestingly,

as well the Scarlets are kicking, the kicking game is better than

Blues at the moment they have obviously put a lot of pressure on

patch's right boot. At the moment you say they are on top, but there

is a long way to go. They have the backs behind the scrum as we know.

If they are going well up front, is there a temptation to keep it tight

and not use the backs? I think so. As well as the pitch may look it

gets sticky out there. There is a lot of mistakes and the Scarlets

are attacking. At the moment, I think it is down to the kicking,

putting the Scarlets in front. do you Gareth. On the kicking game,

you do feel that he needs help, and Tovey is a left footer. He needs to

stand on the outside of him. You have two kicking options, if they

rush up on Patchell, they have the option of Tovey, the same thing,

when Halfpenny is playing he has a big boot on him, he has to help

Patchell as well. There is a far better scrum by the Blues, Alex

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you, he is so powerful with the ball in hand. You know, Fenby isn't

small. I think he smashed Kieran Murphy earlier on, the Scarlet's

number eight. If you can get this bloke into midfield, either o

either off ten or 12, use him as a dummy or give it to him, he will

cause a lot of havoc. There is a lot of offers on the table. He

decided to stay can the Blues. spoke to... He was pick his

alcopops up for Christmas and he is delighted he is staying. Hopefully,

that will be the first of many internationals. I hope that the

regions and the union can work something and try and keep the

players, because it imperative we keep our players in Wales. If we

incentivise them, nowhere near as France, but they have to try and

stay here. I think Nigel has, you know, his views, plying his trade

across the bridge. Yeah, niemle, we had a chat about this over a pie

earlier on, didn't we, what are your views? I hope your pie has

been digested? This is a satellite link to Gloucester. I will catch up

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tackle area. Well, it is what people are doing now. Yes, but you

know, once the referee spotted it he will be consistent. I don't

think he will go for goal, because she very much on his limit last

time. When it goes into touch. Nigel your views, plying your trade

in Gloucester, do you think more of an effort should be made to keep

these players in Wales? Yes, it is fundamental to game in Wales and

how it progresses, I think if you look at England, they made it clear

that any players playing outside of England don't get picked. They have

made hard calls there, but it is working for them. They see the same

system in New Zealand and Australia and all the French players play in

France. It is something we can do it might be painful initially but

we don't have an option, we need guidance on what we need to do

feet in field. At least, Tovey on the shortside with a different

kicking option takes a bit of long, you throw one to the side,

and we'll do the same. -- miss one been in midfield. I think I would

like to again, going back to Cuthbert, he is not going to give

you that kind of impact with pace, cutting in from full back, so why

didn't he put Cuthbert at full back? Use him more, just because he

is on the wing, you can't just, you can put him full back, if he is

going to be your best cutting the moment. Very difficult to make

yard damage. -- yardage. Forced to go for the boot of Rhys Patchell.

spotted by Scott Williams. North and Robinson. Eating up the ground.

I think Harry was happy to see the touchline arrive. If that had

stopped short, that would not have been a nice position to be in.

Davies is with me, the Blues coach. We have seen the stats, it is all

round the half way line, what do you have to do negate that? We need

a bit more time in their territory, we have played good rugby at time.

We are not quite getting through. Generally just control the ball

with a bit more accuracy. And playing down in their half. If it

comes to the odd goal kick are you confident in Rhys Patchell? Both

kickers have done well. They have kicked the points. Let us hope they

game is a bit better than the Blues. And they are, you know, winning

territorial game. There is always going to be in these big games,

Blues against the Dragon, Scrum V game on Boxing Day. Yes. The same

day, Scarlets will be at the here. Sam Hobbs and Benoit Bourrust.

Taufa'ao Filise prefers to be on the right. But he is on the loose

this evening. Good hit Navidi. on both sides. Earle with the carry

as the Scarlets try and turn perish on the points. Well, it looks as if

it was going to be a Warburton special for a second. Everything

goal. There has not been an opportunity to score a try yet.

Again, tackle area is absolutely crucial. Most of the penalties have

come from it. There is the tackle and it is a good hit by the two

props. It does not matter, Sam Warburton is there before Phil John.

That is very good play by Sam Warburton and he has been penalised,

because his forwards did not roll away. He rolled away sufficiently

for him to go in. He had no interest in the play and he was

there quicker than the Scarlets player. I think that was a

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That is as close as they come. If you support Cardiff Blues, not, if

you are a Scarlets supporter, yes, The Cardiff Blues need a good field

position now. They have not had any in this half. A good kick into the

Scarlets' 22 and built the pressure through the phases. Taking up the

space, fits that bill tonight. obstruction. It was good defence by

Shingler. The first time we have seen that opportunity. He has taken

a space. He thinks he is on his feet. I think the players have to

have a word with the referee. He they have a drive on. Well

controlled by the Blues. Total control. It was an excellent line-

out cry from the Blues. He has gone down unfortunately. There he needed

to stay on his feet. The it was a good tackle by Jonathan Davies.

away from your own players, not the others. Your own players away, and

that is it! I saw a penalty try last week. If they had stayed on

their feet it would have been difficult to stop. With that

momentum, you have to have a chat for the yellow card. The momentum

was there. That is a tough kick for Rhys Patchell. I'll stay undefeated

in the competition this year. The penalty try has given them the lead

against Leinster -- Ulster. play. That should be a yellow card.

So silly inside the 22. That is a tough kick from there. Where is the

advantage for the Blues, you know. He puts too much into it. It was a

less toff for the Scarlets because the Blues pack was more than

rumbling to the try-line. Jason Tovey, the highest of the evening

so far. Williams just took his eye off it. They are having a look.

Peter -- Preotrius. It is amazing. He catches the tough ones. This is

where Jason Tovey and Rhys Patchell, just watch as well, Harry Robinson

Robinson, maybe utilising his plays. execution from the Blues in that

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position, keep the ball. Do not It highlights the difference. The

kicking game. Marginally better by the scallops. That is what has got

them big field position -- the be a great time for the Scarlets to

score a try. I have to say, they Marc Breeze was hanging on for dear

life. Very good tackle by Lewis Jones. The penalty advantage is

saying in the 22, too many. Maybe it didn't work this time the next

time the referee will be thinking. I am not sure he is having

statistics are hard time going time into the 22, the referee. See, he

with half-time approaching, the Scarlets Sir head by 9-3. -- the

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Scarlets are ahead. Neither side to be patient. Even a penalty.

Patience from the Blues and discipline from the Scarlets.

it is too laboured. The ball was given away and Williams can do

whatever he likes. Thanks, and let's get into the changing room.

The decision making of the Scarlets so is a little bit better but there

is nothing in the game. You do feel that the Scarlets looked to have

more potential for scoring, that is the only thing. The defence has

been good on both sides. I feel there are a lot of defenders going

out into the back line, so whether you commit more defenders or take

it up the ruck. The defenders are set well and that is why the

scoring opportunities have been limited. High on hits and low on

festive cheer. Nigel and Martin, in the studio,

the words Jonathan was using, it the words Jonathan was using, it

has looked laboured, it has been a low-key affair so far. Why?

difficult. It is a big derby game. The appetite is there. Both sides

have had opportunities. Line-outs have been overthrown and there have

been mistakes. It is a stop and start game. The referee has been

consistent and pinned bedsides for the obstruction but at the moment

there is no fluidity. There seems to be a lack of intensity. That

comes defence of any sometimes from the speed you can bring and also

being able to hold onto the ball. The referee had a significant

impact. He has refereed it's taking the space, that allowed four

penalties that produced points. In a game of this time that will be

important. The scallops are covering the back field better. --

Scarlets. When Rhys Patchell opens up, there is nowhere for him to

kick 2. When the Scarlets kick, they kick into space because the

space is there. Looking at the first half, you picked up examples

possibly of the Blues being naive. There is never going to be much in

it with a Derby and the occasion and the conditions. You have to be

careful with exit strategy. Territory is important. Up to 70%

at times for the Scarlets. When a maul collapses, most forward

players will be on the floor. This kick from the scrum-half goes down

the tramlines. One pass inside and he is retreating at the top of the

screen to get in position and Robinson is isolated. The Blues

have to be careful on the kip Chase. Naivety. The ball had been carried

in. They could have had a line-out here. The ball is kicked out and

instead they his naivety. Admiration that having a go at it,

Robinson, but when it develops, the kitchen is not good enough. The

first kick goes to the danger man, What do you think the Blues will

have do to improve? It is difficult to improve on that. The guys in the

key position are inexperienced and we spoke earlier, the kicking game

had been more accurate. Fine example there, the clock had gone

to 40 minutes. The Blues should have tried to eke out a penalty, 9-

3. Those three points will make all the difference at the end. Let us

go back to Shaun. You mentioned the Blues, looking at the Scarlets and

a lack of creativity in their play. Yes, some times we struggle with

this up here in Welsh rugby. The conditions are poor, for all their

territory the Scarlets have been predictable and not getting key

players in the game. Let us have a look. Again, bringing George North

in. He is such a threat. In he comes, straight off the scrum and

gets across the gain line. There is a bit of playing by number, we get

into this forward, round the corner, it is a battle. The Blues are in

good defensive shape. We go round the corner again, trying to exploit

any spaces there. Look at the blew line, and the gain line we

highlighted is never really breached from the George North

example. I can get turgid at times. Looking at the pictures there. The

examples that Shaun has chosen, we haven't seen much rugby in the 22s,

it has been in the middle of the pack. What we are seeing are two

sides desperate to win. They just have to relax a bit. Pick their eds

up and play what they see in front of them. Will is a lot of quality

players on the field. They are not showing their true qualities. It is

about chilling out and having a go. That is what we want to see. The

game that Scarlets want to play. At this moment in time we are not

seeing much of the game. Jonathan, what have you got say about what,

from what you have heard the boys say? I agree. One thing that Shaun

said, yes, the Scarlets, they are not getting over the gain line.

Number ten is clearing out ruck, the one thing on the top of the

screen, Breeze was there with his hand up pulling defenders out. If

you are an international full back or winger, you have got to be very

vocal and communicate to your ten, to say look, you have a Hooker out

here, let me have a crack at him. So there are opportunities there

when you are on the back foot, because, you know, a one-on-one is

like an overlap, if you have a Hooker in front of you. You have to

have the confidence and the vision to scan and spot the players,

because one thing like that is the difference between winning and

losing. We will bring you the second half shortly. There is a

feast of festive rugby coming your We will be backs at the arms park

for the Blues versus the kl dragons. If that is not enough to satisfy

your appetite, Scrum V Classics is on at four o'clock, a look back at

England versus Wales in 1976. At 5.00 on S4C the West Wales derby.

Ospreys versus the Scarlets at the Liberty Stadium. As usual this year

we have had more than our fayre share of rugby highs and lows.

Elsewhere without a doubt it has been a sporting year to remember.

Great Britain have won the gold medal. You little beauty! 12 months

of gold medal s, Grand Slams, Premier League shocks, knock out

punches and penalty shoot-outs. Watch the Welsh sports review 2012,

tonight at nine on BBC Two Wales, straight after Scrum V live. Let us

go down to Phil with one of those Welsh Olympic heroes. Yes, double

cycling gold medallist Geraint Thomas, congratulations on what you

achieved, what has life been like since then? A back to the day job,

there has been a few good parties but I was racing 12 days later in

Germany, and went to Canada, Holland, been everywhere, so the

yuerm usual to be fair. You are going to change to go on to the

road rather than the track. Yes I am concentrating on the roadlet. So

the next few years will be about that. There are big races in

Holland and Belgium, where I look to get some results, and the Tour

De France as well. You didn't fancy bringing the gold medals out?

no. It can be a bit dodgy tonight. Your love of rugby, you went to the

same school at Sam Warburton, did you blai rugby in school? I did a

bit. Up until about year nine, I was out on the win, was the fast

kid, given the ball and run. Obviously, Steve Williams was the

teacher back then, he tried to keep me doing it, but, by the time even

started growing and I was not the biggest guy, so I just concentrated

on the cycling. What was it about that school that had you Sam

Warburton and Elliott the rugby player? I don't know. They loved

their sport, and they promoted that, so it helped a lot. And they helped

me out with a lot of time off. Finally, I have to get this into,

what have you thought of the recycling by the teams? Tonight?

Fantastic. Gareth, you didn't expect me to interview a cycling

gold medallist without getting that one in. No. It has been a fantastic

year of sport in Wales. What has been your sporting highlight?

think the Olympics was a huge occasion. For me it was jade Joan,

I thought she was fantastic, to co come away with a gold. She did

fantastic. What about you? He stole mine! As a football fan Cardiff and

Swansea doing so well. Swansea in the Premiership. I went up to watch

Cardiff against Liverpool in the Carling Cup final. They lost on

penalties, but a great occasion for Welsh sport. Well, don't forget

after Scrum V Live at 9.00, it will be the sports review of the year.

Now then, back to the game here at the Arms Park. We are hoping for a

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I have to ask you Nigel, you have experience of the Pro 12, the

Magers in as it was before, you are with Gloucester, how does this,

what you have seen compare with what you have experienced in the

Premiership this season? There is a lot of quality players on show. One

of the things probably, is the intensity of the arena. There is a

lot of big physical guys, it is a physical game, real intensity, 17

thousand people will be there for a game against Exeter, and it is an

exciting place to be. Mar tirpbgs it looks as if game this evening

could hinge on just one incident. think it will. One try, either way,

will probably win the game. You have the talent out there, Jonathan

Davis, Alex Cuthbert, Harry Robinson, so hopefully one bit of

magic will spark the game into life. There is a big game being played in

Belfast this evening. Ulster hosting Leinster. Ulster at the top

of the Pro 12. They have won every game so far this season. They are

ahead but only just. It is Ulster 13, Leinster 12 at the moment. The

Blues are on the way back, the Scarlets are on the pitch already

for the second half, so let us return to our commentators Jonathan

Davies and Gareth. Thank you. That game incredibly, the Ulster game is

being beamed live not just in Northern Ireland, and the Republic

of Ireland, but also in New Zealand, South Africa, it is as live in

Australia, it is in Dubai, it is unbelievable the coverage it is

getting. That is the way forward. I know the Leinster supporters are

very big in getting the game shown to the Leinster fap fans flung far

to the Leinster fap fans flung far and wide. There is an Irish bar in

every city you go to. Those will be second half. The passion has been

there, but the precision hasn't. Kieran Murphy did well, the crowd

thought he was going to spill it, measure. Good coffering there. Good

chase. -- covering there. Good chase. That is a knock on, just.

Hacked through from Lewis Jones. both teams have brought to the

table this evening. They see it as vital. They are sticking to it so

far. Looking to force mistakes from the opposition, rather than create

is a very very good kick. I think Shingler misread that, he thought

he was going into touch, but he had Cardiff Blues forwards, that was

such an aggressive tackle, they should have cleaned that out.

a little bit passive. Tavis Knoyle from Earle and Turnbull. Think he

is going to warn them. The tackle area is getting beyond a joke. He

has to try and tell them, this is what I want, if you don't do it,

trying to roll away, but it is very He it could have been deemed high.

If the referee doesn't blow that, you have to clean out and get the

still attached. Ian Davies thought otherwise. Nick Williams, has

in Canada. Happy Christmas jerraibt. -- ger raint. Very well played.

That should have gone, really, shouldn't it. Again, on the back

foot. He is putting pressure on. Navidi had a couple of runs with

the ball. He is a good example on the ball, isn't he. That is a tight

one. Tavis Knoyle not happy with his forward and quite rightly so.

Because they were giving him bad, bad, ball. He was going nowhere.

Just watch. Hands on the ball. I think that is play on. The ball is

to the referee bus-stop it is ridiculous. It is a ridiculous

state of affairs when he can put his hands on the ball in the area.

When he has done that, the ball should be life. -- live. This

second half, they have really put the pressure on the Scarlets.

have to take the penalty. WHISTLE BLOWS REFEREE: Get away

quickly, please. He has to take harsher action.

think he has refereed well. He has been consistent. But if they have

not listen to them, he has to tell something now with this pressure.

The momentum will change. Scarlets will have an opportunity. His it is

a strange state of affairs, in the opening minutes, although the Blues

have exerted pressure, Scarlets have still had more of the ball and

the Blues have still not got in their 22. At least they are

competing. Well, speechless. They have to be clinical. Both sides,

when they go into the 22 with the Josh Turnbull was driven back in

have been anywhere near their play. Immediately, they turn the Blues

and got back downfield. You think at the moment the Blues are having

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to earn that much harder than the Scarlets. Great tackle. It was an

way free, Evans was handing on. was on. The space was out wide and

Murphy could not take the tackle. In it was good play by George North.

It was an opportunity. They have not had many throughout the game

and those of a half chances that Scarlets and anyone has to take.

You feel Scarlets have to put width on it. He has turned the wrong way.

He did well, Fenby. It fell the have to keep their line speed.

Their defensive line speed. They are pushing them back. Keep

pressure, Scarlets come away empty handed. Jason Tovey knew that Liam

Williams, attacking, just making his way back. Isolated. Well done.

Yes, Liam Williams. It was slightly He was not sure which side of the

white wash it would go. I have Tom Shanklin with me. Who has dined

well in parliamentary language. One does it lack? In need some sort of

spark. Both teams are making mistakes. Not a lot of kicking. Not

what you would expect from a derby. The art kick to win? Ith think so.

9-3 at the moment. But so many mistakes, it is whatever team can

dominate possession and kick their goals. Mal de Nick Owen is looking

very well since he went out for lunch at 12 o'clock today, let me

clinical, George North has a run-in. If they kept it in, kept their

depth. If you see an opportunity out wide, you have the numbers, you

have to hold your depth. And now he is having his finger put back. He

then has to chuck the ball and strain the line-out with his

throwing hand. That was the cleanest cut opportunity of the

Phillips. This game is physical. I and creeping. Then he backs off,

The fullback was in Iraq. Somebody should have looked up. -- in the

spark, Josh Tavey. -- Jason Tovey. Bradley Davies came late. It was a

between them. Nick Williams spinning and making the try-line.

Did make it. And they got a conversion. 20-12, the lead from

Ulster. It is taking its toll on the players. Cardiff Blues will be

happier with the physicality in the second half. You have had a lot of

them down, George Earle, Josh Turnbull. Samson Lee is struggling.

They have to keep the intensity up now. Sione Timani comes on instead

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see what they can do now. The problem they have, but Scarlets

pack, really making it messy for four players against two. He has a

lot of work to do. If Jason Tovey can fix Tavis Knoyle, see what

happens. And again, great scrum. You cannot do anything with that.

They have done exceptionally well to keep possession. The pressure

again was on Preotrius. At the moment, then blues are happy.

Precious little they can do with they were going nowhere fast.

Absolutely manhandled Robinson in a Treading water, wasn't he. He had a

go. He has looked for the ball. He has got on the gain line. He has

remains as tight as ever. Those are the first points of the second half.

They go the Blues way and they put clear. Twice the Scarlets have

built up a six point gap, but that is still within the converted try,

always in the back of your mind, you know that one slip will be

enough to let the opposition in. aren't working. Scott Williams did

very well indeed, but as he got the ball off the floor, the supporting

players couldn't control. There we are, great run. Patchell goes

forward. And that is the forward pass. Phil, you have more company.

I am with Rob apple yard. What have you made of this game, as a coach,

as a Dragons coach as well? Both groups will be disappointed with

the skill levels. It is a heavy pitch but the kicking gapes have

resulted in lots of mistakes, there has been handling errors. It will

come down to territory battle, who wins that and the penalties. We are

coming down for a very important game on Boxing Day, looking at

Cardiff, having a very tough fixture list, we hope they will be

tired and battered and bruised. have had dene as a consultant.

is saying he is not going to have an angle on the coaching or the

playing side of it. But if anybody wants to ask the questions and use

him as a resource he is happy to answer questions from any of the

coaches. Thank you for your time. Don't forget Scrum V live on Boxing

Day, the Blues against the Dragons. It is an interesting substitution,

I think that Gareth Davies, scrum- half for the Scarlets will offer

something different. He is very quicker on the base, he will have a

crack, and be interesting to see how he goes. He is different to

Tavis Knoyle. He is different to Mikey Philips and Lloyd Williams as

well. It will be interesting to see. Alex Walker is on the bench for the

Blues tonight, former Dragons player, playing at Carr dif. Lloyd

is banned for that tackle. And Rob Lewis has gone to London Welsh on

loan. Andrew here has a five match ban for smacking Bradley Davies out

and Lloyd Williams, for a throw which they kind of practise, yes,

he was unfortunate, how he can be having a five match ban is

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absolutely ridiculous. There was no heads, almost but not quite. Few

the Blues forWard have done well carrying the ball. I think that

have been exceptional. To get up there, do the same. The Cardiff

Blues are desperate for this win, you know, maybe that is what it

the only man, Jason Tovey... Still there, Bernard Matthews ewe Rhys

and Phil John. -- Matthew Rhys. The territory is there, but like, you

know you have to go for those boys, if you have two front five players,

just... Look at them. You have two, a centre and a winger there. George

is out there. You have to have a crack at them. Take them on, one-

on-one, take him on. That has been the way of the evening. It has been

the kicking game. It is trying to induce mistakes from the opposition.

Both teams to a large ebb tent, not having the courage of their

convictions, -- extent. Relying on pressure, territory, mistakes, that

is why it's a 9-6 game, all the better of the second half. Only

keep him on. Jonathan Edwards is the other forward replacement for

the Scarlets, so that would be mean Josh Turnbull or Kieran Murphy or

Aaron Shingler stepping up to the second row, should George Earle

have to depart. The top team still ahead. At the moment. The Scarlets

just about keeping within touching distance, but the Blues will have a

chasing pack at the moment. Looking good tonight. Shock result and

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back to you. Nigel, compare to it the aviva Premiership, in terms of

skill level, game management, how does it fare ?. It is difficult

compare. What you have is a local derby, two reasonably young teams,

so it is very tough. I think the phyicality, the intensity some of

the games in the Premiership seem higher than this, but it is

difficult compare on a one off game. What about the tackle area, is that

different? It is refereed very harshly, the referee has been clear

how he has been ref rear -- refereeing this part of the game.

Scarlets can hang on?. I would think, so but it is anyone's game

at the moment. An attacking throw near the 22. Double change for the

Blues. Benoit Bourrust and Robin Copeland. The two players coming on.

Josh navdy, Scott Andrews departing. -- Navidi. That was very simply

Scarlet forwards. They made good Aled Thomas, John Davies. He has

been mar shelled well. -- the way there. He is trying to move

out of the way. I would bring rucking back. I would, I just think

that it's killing the game, absolutely killing the game, the

good. Every side defence is very good, especially when you have slow

ball. You either as Nigel said, you ref ere-the tackle area, viing

louse voi you create -- vigorously, if you don't you have to bring

rucking back. Every player who has been rucked they won't worry about

it. If you are off side you know you are going to have it. Aled

Thomas puts it wide again. And a couple of crucial kicks are being

missed by the Scarlets. That will keep hope going for the Blues.

big kicks he has missed. I think Aled Thompson will be disappointed

with those. He is a consistent kicker, and he should. That is well

but Liam Williams eventually got his hands on the maul. -- on the

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minutes. It is still a one kick game. The Scarlets have had the

best scoring opportunity. The Cardiff Blues with the drive in the

first half was the closest they have got. Preotrius has put in a

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went forward. The line was there. Just watch. That was forward. I do

not understand that if your hands are going back, in momentum.

Complicated. It was an opportunity, though. Rhodri Jones, good to see

him back on. Injured in the second game of the season. I think that

again, Liam Davies was involved in the catching of the high ball. Put

the ball down there. Here we are. Interest income at Ravenhill.

Andrew Trimble gets on the end of Pienaar's kick and that can be a

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to do before Boxing Day, trying to restore that. Especially if they

have rain everyday. I think they have done a great job. Scarlets

will be happy at the moment, just getting down there. Eating the --

eating away the time. The Welsh Sports Review is following at 9pm.

What a year it has been for Welsh sport and sport in general. We will

great -- bit of tracking and the pressure was on the Blues. They

managed to slow it down. And they managed to earn a penalty and clear

the decks. The first quick-play of the ball. George North steps in. It

was a good tackle. Dafydd Hewitt involved in a double tackle. He did

encourage the team for the remaining six-and-a-half minutes.

Liam Williams, peppered with those Lewis Jones, but he did not

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phases. They hang on to the ball outside half. But the passes for

word and Prague are denied a match- winning try. -- Scarlets are denied.

I do not think we are going to get a try tonight by the look of it.

Well, well, that was a chance. That was the break by Thomas. Forward

pass, again, I think. Just watch. It needed another short runner. I

have seen them given, but... Look at this. This is Gareth Davies, a

lovely break, up the middle. And, again, goes down again. He goes

through the phases. Plenty of numbers. The effort it took Aled

Thomas to get the extra yardage to find Williams and he could not

control it. It drifted forward. enough to get a losing bonus point,

even. 11 wins from 11 for Ulster. Aim for the No the halfway line. --

crash down the midfield and try to get aid penalty. Salvage a draw. --

a penalty. This is what it is all about. It has to be on the gain-

line. Scarlets have won the last crucial mistakes like that that

have made life difficult for both probed and kept the midfield

trying to Karine Scarlets out of trouble. Time is running out for

the Blues. -- to carry Scarlets. putting their hands up, but man of

the match? It has to be Shingler. He has dominated nine line-out

takes and eight tackles. He has carried the ball on numerous

occasions. Liam Williams has played well but this has been an

aggressive contest. Overall Aaron Shingler has done a lot of the

dirty work. He is still getting stuck in there, Shingler. All

Scarlets need to do is keep their hands on the ball and victory is

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Jonathan Davies. It was good play. That is an interesting one. I

thought maybe go for a line-out. What will happen is... He has a

minute to take the kick. After using them its... Not much of a

Edinburgh in a disappointing season so far for them. That is it. 80

one more go for glory from their own try-line. Only been down the

Scarlets 22 once all evening. And with the last move of the game they

have to get down there again. They have the ball. They have three

quarters of the field. To score from here they would have to have

about 80 phases. Give it Alex gone the way of Cardiff Blues. Play

from here on him. -- errors. And the ball has gone forward and that

is it. That chance has gone from the Blues and once again it is

defeat for the brewers. It is seven from seven for Scarlets against

their capital city opponents. Scarlets are still in a hunt. They

stay in second place. They have scraped home. Three penalties to

two penalties. Not the Christmas joy we hoped for, but it was a

hard-fought win for the Scarlets. We can look at the table as things

stand. Scarlets stain in second. Ulster beat Leinster 27-19. They

stay in the top. And Glasgow. They beat Edinburgh, a 17-11 in the

beat Edinburgh, a 17-11 in the Scottish Derby. Martin, we

discussed at half-time that possibly the game would hinge on

one incident but that incident did not happen in the second half.

highlight was Tom Shanklin's jumper! In fairness I think

Scarlets will be happy as the away side. They have a massive game

against Ospreys. And blues against Dragons. From the coach's point of

view, disappointed with the skill levels? Of course. Nobody would be

happy with that of Fair. Scarlets will be happier, they have kept

their record go in. They looked more threatening when they put

width on the game. I am sure they will look to progress. Scarlets