0:00:11 > 0:00:21Ulster. United they stand at the top of the table. Unbeaten at home
0:00:21 > 0:00:24
0:00:24 > 0:00:34in the Pro 12. Unbelievable in Europe. And unstoppable against
0:00:34 > 0:00:37
0:00:37 > 0:00:43Welsh sides this season. Out of nothing, there is another try
0:00:43 > 0:00:53coming. The Scarlets arrives as underdogs this evening. They came
0:00:53 > 0:00:57unstuck at the Liberty Stadium. New Year, same season and with the old
0:00:57 > 0:01:03arguments raging about the region's, everyone is under pressure to
0:01:03 > 0:01:08perform. It is a mouth-watering match
0:01:08 > 0:01:14tonight. First verses second at Ravenhill as the battle for the
0:01:14 > 0:01:18play-offs begins to heat up. Ulster faltered in recent weeks losing to
0:01:18 > 0:01:25Northampton in Europe and Munster in the Pro 12. The Scarlets had a
0:01:25 > 0:01:29mixed festive period. Beating the Blues put losing to the Ospreys.
0:01:29 > 0:01:37They remain second but those behind them are breathing down their necks.
0:01:37 > 0:01:43Good evening and welcome. Happy New Year to Rob Jones and Jonathan
0:01:43 > 0:01:49Davies. The Pro 12 is starting to heat up. Ulster are nine points
0:01:49 > 0:01:52clear but only six points separate second from six. I think this
0:01:52 > 0:01:57second half of the season is where the play-off positions will be
0:01:57 > 0:02:03decided. There are six teams in the mix. Leinster and Munster in terms
0:02:03 > 0:02:08of selection in recent weeks suggests they will make a real push
0:02:08 > 0:02:12for it. The Ospreys' performances of late suggest they will be there.
0:02:12 > 0:02:16The pressure will be on the Scarlets to sustain this position.
0:02:16 > 0:02:23It is a huge game for them tonight. They have some injuries tonight so
0:02:23 > 0:02:30the pressure is on. Ulster looked invincible until recently. What is
0:02:30 > 0:02:38their secret? Their new chief executive in 2010 said we wanted to
0:02:38 > 0:02:43make Ulster the biggest in Europe. Everybody laughed but they were in
0:02:43 > 0:02:51the European Cup final last year. They are at the top of the Pro 12.
0:02:51 > 0:02:58They have a great base at Ravenhill. A good crowd and a great atmosphere.
0:02:58 > 0:03:02They have brought in Ruen Pienaar and John a foul. The tragic
0:03:02 > 0:03:09circumstances of what happened to Nevin Spence has gelled them
0:03:09 > 0:03:14together. It just shows what can be done if you have ambition and a bit
0:03:14 > 0:03:22of money has been put in as well. They have been the form team in the
0:03:22 > 0:03:26Pro 12 so far this year. They lost to Munster last weekend but they
0:03:26 > 0:03:32had a slightly inexperienced side that day. They have brought the big
0:03:32 > 0:03:42guns back this week. Nick Williams and Chris Henry and Dan to we are
0:03:42 > 0:03:43
0:03:43 > 0:03:49all back. -- Dan Tuohy. Darren Cave is back to bolster the back line.
0:03:49 > 0:03:54They must be firm favourites tonight. Yes. But their loss to
0:03:54 > 0:04:00Munster and suffered a surprise defeat to what Canton. They're not
0:04:00 > 0:04:06as confident as they were but you look at the bench and the bench is
0:04:06 > 0:04:15extremely strong. Those players can make an impact. They have targeted
0:04:15 > 0:04:20this game to get back on track. Nine changes for the Scarlets, most
0:04:20 > 0:04:30of them injury enforced. Rob McCusker is back in the starting
0:04:30 > 0:04:36
0:04:36 > 0:04:39line up. And a second row on -- aim you second-row pairing. Gareth
0:04:39 > 0:04:43Maule joins Jonathan Davies in the centre. Kristian Phillips is
0:04:43 > 0:04:53preferred to Andy Fenby on the wing. Dan Newton takes over at fullback.
0:04:53 > 0:04:56
0:04:56 > 0:04:59What do you make of that Scarlets side? They are down to the bare
0:04:59 > 0:05:06bones. They should be applauded for developing young players but those
0:05:06 > 0:05:09young players will be put to the test today. It is no way near what
0:05:09 > 0:05:15the Scarlets can potentially put on the field and against one of the
0:05:15 > 0:05:20best sides in Europe, there will be massive pressure on them. At they
0:05:20 > 0:05:24have to bounce back from their Boxing Day defeat. That was one of
0:05:24 > 0:05:31the most one-sided games I've seen for a long time. They were bullied
0:05:31 > 0:05:37into submission. Looking at the Pro 12 table, I think Munster and
0:05:37 > 0:05:43Leinster and the Ospreys will finish in the top four. They
0:05:43 > 0:05:47youngsters have got to come through. -- the youngsters. It will be a big
0:05:47 > 0:05:56test for the Scarlets tonight but if you have a competitive front
0:05:56 > 0:06:06five, you can be competitive in the match. How much will that defeat at
0:06:06 > 0:06:06
0:06:06 > 0:06:11hurt them? -- have heard them. - Simon Easterby does not like to
0:06:11 > 0:06:16be at the end of a defeat against a local rival and he will have done
0:06:16 > 0:06:23all he could to make sure his side is ready for this game tonight. It
0:06:23 > 0:06:28is an inexperienced side but the pressure will be on an unsure the
0:06:29 > 0:06:35coaching team will have done all they can. When they were at beaten,
0:06:35 > 0:06:41they lost their discipline. Rob McCusker showed some frustration
0:06:41 > 0:06:45with the stamp. He is back tonight. They have to keep their discipline
0:06:45 > 0:06:50because they need all their players fit and ready for -- ready to go
0:06:50 > 0:06:58for the rest of the season. They finished the game with 12 men last
0:06:58 > 0:07:02week. That was down to frustration. They were not in the game from the
0:07:02 > 0:07:10start. They were at up against the better side and that will have hurt
0:07:10 > 0:07:15them. Simon Easterby well have done all he could and the players have
0:07:15 > 0:07:20to step up and perform. The front five need to set a platform and the
0:07:20 > 0:07:26rest of the players have to play as well as they can. The kick-off is
0:07:26 > 0:07:31fast approaching. There are three of the games tonight. The Ospreys
0:07:31 > 0:07:35are playing at home at the Liberty Stadium. Edinburgh are hosting
0:07:35 > 0:07:45Leinster and Glasgow against Treviso. Phil Steele is in Belfast
0:07:45 > 0:07:47
0:07:47 > 0:07:55for less and he will keep us up to dates with all of those games. --
0:07:55 > 0:08:05up to date. We can cross now to our commentary team in a Ravenhill,
0:08:05 > 0:08:11
0:08:12 > 0:08:17Stuart Davies and Gareth Charles. - Scarlets will be aware of that with
0:08:17 > 0:08:27Ulster having just come onto the field to a rousing chorus from the
0:08:27 > 0:08:39
0:08:39 > 0:08:47crowd. It is an old fashioned rugby ground. The atmosphere is fantastic.
0:08:47 > 0:08:57It is first against second. A great match ticket of the new year with.
0:08:57 > 0:08:57
0:08:57 > 0:09:03Both teams seeing if they can kick on after stumble over recent weeks.
0:09:03 > 0:09:10Paddy Jackson will be celebrating his birthday tomorrow. Dan Newton
0:09:10 > 0:09:16will have to deal with a lot tonight. Rob McCusker was given a
0:09:16 > 0:09:24red card against the Ospreys but his back leading the team tonight.
0:09:24 > 0:09:29-- but he is back. Aled Thomas has just overcooked it. It is out on
0:09:29 > 0:09:36the full. Those are the kinds of little errors that the Scarlets
0:09:36 > 0:09:41can't afford this evening. If they produce those, they will be
0:09:41 > 0:09:46immediately be back on the back foot. It is great to be in a rugby
0:09:46 > 0:09:51environment like this. 40 minutes before kick-off tonight and put
0:09:51 > 0:09:58terraces were completely full. The stands are full. It is a
0:09:58 > 0:10:07magnificent rugby occasion. Herring is the stand-in hooker with
0:10:07 > 0:10:15Rory Best out injured. Ruen Pienaar with a tester for Kristian Phillips.
0:10:15 > 0:10:24Dan Newton is there to support. Aled Thomas with the kick. Did Ruen
0:10:24 > 0:10:28Pienaar take that into the 22? The Scarlets asking for the line-out
0:10:28 > 0:10:38back up the field but the referee deciding that Ruen Pienaar got it
0:10:38 > 0:10:41
0:10:41 > 0:10:44right. The forward battle will be important but the battle at half
0:10:44 > 0:10:51back will be intriguing. Ruen Pienaar is one of the best in the
0:10:51 > 0:10:54world at the moment and Paddy Jackson is very assured. Richard
0:10:54 > 0:11:00Kelly's delivery did not find Tavis Knoyle but he was being prevented
0:11:00 > 0:11:10from getting it by Chris Henry. Chris Henry was tugging at his
0:11:10 > 0:11:15
0:11:15 > 0:11:25jersey. Pressure on the Scarlets line-out. Chris Henry was being
0:11:25 > 0:11:29
0:11:29 > 0:11:39held as well. Aled Thomas straight out to Rob McCusker. They could
0:11:39 > 0:11:42
0:11:42 > 0:11:52offload before the tackle came in. -- a good offload. Loose ball. They
0:11:52 > 0:11:53
0:11:53 > 0:11:56are almost gave an interception try away. It was difficult for the
0:11:56 > 0:12:01referee to see. Andrew Trimble trying to pick up the loose ball
0:12:01 > 0:12:11but he knocked on. You do not want your tighthead props throwing loose
0:12:11 > 0:12:17
0:12:17 > 0:12:27balls like that! Nice to see the offload from Rob McCusker. That is
0:12:27 > 0:12:32
0:12:32 > 0:12:42a nasty one. Andrew Trimble quick to pounce. It was a let off for the
0:12:42 > 0:12:43
0:12:43 > 0:12:48Scarlets. Let's see how the scrum and fares. They have come under
0:12:48 > 0:12:58pressure up front at times this season. John a flower on the bench
0:12:58 > 0:13:17
0:13:17 > 0:13:22imagine. -- up. He needed help from Louis Stephenson to do the tidying
0:13:22 > 0:13:27up. They have got the ball back. Paddy Jackson spotted it was Josh
0:13:27 > 0:13:31Turnbull and Richard Kelly guarding and he ordered to take them on.
0:13:31 > 0:13:39This is what else to do so well. They play what is in front of them
0:13:39 > 0:13:43and can vary their game. Great hands from Jonathan Davies.
0:13:43 > 0:13:51Kristian Phillips will not get on the end of that but it has worked
0:13:51 > 0:13:56out as a lovely kick from Gareth Maule. You just wonder whether
0:13:56 > 0:14:04there was a chance on turnover ball to keep the ball in hand but a good
0:14:04 > 0:14:11territorial gain from Jonathan Davies. There were numbers outside
0:14:12 > 0:14:19but it was the big boys so he backed himself. The Scarlets trying
0:14:19 > 0:14:29to put pressure at the front of the line. Dance we get it away. Nick
0:14:29 > 0:14:42
0:14:42 > 0:14:52Williams carries from his own line. all-star's game, but at the same
0:14:52 > 0:15:00
0:15:00 > 0:15:10time there is freedom and occasions, one goes five and six,
0:15:10 > 0:15:10
0:15:10 > 0:16:10Apology for the loss of subtitles for 60 seconds
0:16:10 > 0:16:20did not allow any to be released. They will be lucky to get away with
0:16:20 > 0:16:40
0:16:40 > 0:16:44a penalty. The Scarlets did very that right. The crowd were
0:16:44 > 0:16:54disappointed the penalty went the way of the Scarlets, because Ulster
0:16:54 > 0:17:19
0:17:19 > 0:17:25shouting for the Scarlets, they were told to be quiet by the home
0:17:25 > 0:17:31fans. Three points from Aled Thomas. Some real encouragement for the
0:17:31 > 0:17:41Scarlets. They have got the first points. They say that league tables
0:17:41 > 0:18:07
0:18:07 > 0:18:17don't like, but no argument as far as are all teams, five seconds at
0:18:17 > 0:18:23
0:18:23 > 0:18:33the base of the breakdown. They had been won cleanly and was
0:18:33 > 0:18:33
0:18:33 > 0:20:11Apology for the loss of subtitles for 60 seconds
0:20:11 > 0:20:16occasion. Phil, on the far side of the field? The conditions here are
0:20:16 > 0:20:24absolutely perfect. A slight wind advantage to the Scarlets, it is a
0:20:24 > 0:20:30real City Del of rugby, an absolute pleasure to be here. Ulster rugby
0:20:30 > 0:20:36will put two stance, two new stands at either side of the ground. This
0:20:36 > 0:20:46will be an 18,000 seat stadium in a couple of years. Fantastic ambition
0:20:46 > 0:20:46
0:20:46 > 0:21:46Apology for the loss of subtitles for 60 seconds
0:21:46 > 0:21:52field. Various Adam D'Arcy. -- firm. Evidence of their complete
0:21:52 > 0:21:57game. You would expect them to shunt it back down the pitch, but
0:21:57 > 0:22:07it Trimble comes looking and starts the counter immediately off the
0:22:07 > 0:22:15
0:22:15 > 0:22:24Adam D'Arcy is struggling. This may be the end of the road for the
0:22:24 > 0:22:34fullback. Sympathetic applause, he has to leave the field. It will be
0:22:34 > 0:22:47
0:22:47 > 0:22:57He has had a couple of starts and one off the bench, Ricky Andrew.
0:22:57 > 0:22:57
0:22:57 > 0:24:15Apology for the loss of subtitles for 60 seconds
0:24:15 > 0:24:25Another new face been developed by forwards to come round. They have
0:24:25 > 0:24:37
0:24:37 > 0:24:47the kick. I dare say they will very dangerous. Jonathan Edwards
0:24:47 > 0:25:23
0:25:23 > 0:25:33this kick. What breeze there is favours the Scarlets in the first
0:25:33 > 0:25:33
0:25:33 > 0:27:41Apology for the loss of subtitles for 60 seconds
0:27:41 > 0:27:46of options, and in the end he just put it back down now. They will
0:27:46 > 0:27:50start all over again. The Scarlets will be pretty pleased with the
0:27:50 > 0:27:56opening quarter. I was just going to say the same thing, a very
0:27:56 > 0:28:06encouraging opening 20. Certainly not just absorbing Ulster attacks,
0:28:06 > 0:28:23
0:28:23 > 0:28:28is the one having treatment at the that they have strike runners like
0:28:28 > 0:28:38George North and Jonathan Davies. Those guys can do real damage with
0:28:38 > 0:29:15
0:29:15 > 0:29:25Ruen Pienaar. That was fine. No way was that forward. It looked good to
0:29:25 > 0:29:39
0:29:39 > 0:29:49me. The 10 metre line will give us the indication. It may have been
0:29:49 > 0:29:49
0:29:49 > 0:30:42Apology for the loss of subtitles for 60 seconds
0:30:42 > 0:30:51because at the moment. He wants them to be left of the mark. Phil
0:30:51 > 0:31:01John looks suitably bewildered. disbelieving eyes have a prop! --
0:31:01 > 0:31:14
0:31:14 > 0:31:20weekend starting on Radio Wales at 8:30am tomorrow morning. Radio
0:31:21 > 0:31:30Wales sport from 1:30pm. The FA Cup third round. Macclesfield against
0:31:31 > 0:31:49
0:31:49 > 0:31:59Pienaar. Straight down the middle and Ulster aback on level terms. --
0:31:59 > 0:32:05
0:32:05 > 0:32:15Ulster are back on level terms. lovely first strike at goal. That
0:32:15 > 0:32:16
0:32:16 > 0:32:26will not be the last scrum penalty will see before the night is out. -
0:32:26 > 0:32:39
0:32:39 > 0:32:47- we will see. A great kick by Dan Newton. Jonathan Davies. He stepped
0:32:48 > 0:32:57inside Darren Cave easily. It was a great break -- great break by
0:32:58 > 0:33:04
0:33:04 > 0:33:10Jonathan Davies. Tavis Knoyle to Phil John. Jacobie Adriaanse says.
0:33:10 > 0:33:20-- Jacobie Adriaanse. The Scarlets willing to have a go. Dan Dearden.
0:33:20 > 0:33:23
0:33:23 > 0:33:31George North. He received man and ball. Tavis Knoyle. Aled Thomas. A
0:33:31 > 0:33:41change of angle from Gareth Maule. The Scarlets are certainly asking
0:33:41 > 0:33:42
0:33:42 > 0:33:48questions of the Ulster defence. Simona to Manny. Again, timing his
0:33:48 > 0:33:55run well. A good steal in the tackle. It is advantage to the
0:33:55 > 0:34:03Scarlets. Jonathan Davies times it nicely to Kristian Phillips. Ruen
0:34:03 > 0:34:12Pienaar eyes back there. The advances -- advantage is presumably
0:34:12 > 0:34:18gone. Great hands. Gareth Maule with the tackle. Ruen Pienaar in
0:34:18 > 0:34:23the right place again. Paddy Jackson with the pass Cape which is
0:34:23 > 0:34:32taken by Aled Thomas. Jonathan Davies slotted through. It is all-
0:34:32 > 0:34:38action as Jonathan Davies follows up. Craig Gilroy is back there. The
0:34:38 > 0:34:48presence of Paddy Jackson. Nick Williams to Tom Court. Chris Henry.
0:34:48 > 0:34:56
0:34:56 > 0:35:02A superb tackle by Sione Timani. That was end-to-end stuff.
0:35:02 > 0:35:12Incredible rugby. What a sequence of rugby! Great passages of play.
0:35:12 > 0:35:14
0:35:14 > 0:35:24Ruen Pienaar on the counter-attack. Such ambition from Ulster. When the
0:35:24 > 0:35:25
0:35:25 > 0:35:33Scarlets get their turn, they look dangerous as well. Jonathan Davies
0:35:33 > 0:35:40with a very death kick through. Nearly gets the bounce. And just
0:35:40 > 0:35:43when you think it's over, the last counter-attack by Ulster. Great to
0:35:43 > 0:35:51see two sides being positive and looking to keep ball in hand and
0:35:51 > 0:36:01play some rugby. That was great stuff. The Scarlets have had to
0:36:01 > 0:36:02
0:36:02 > 0:36:06make a change. Jonathan Edwards has been replaced by Craig Price. His
0:36:06 > 0:36:16one start for the Scarlets came as number 8 against Munster. He has
0:36:16 > 0:36:18
0:36:18 > 0:36:23come on as a flanker this time. Down to Phil Steele. I am with the
0:36:23 > 0:36:27Scarlets forwards coach. How pleased are you with the opening 25
0:36:27 > 0:36:31minutes? We have got some good field position. That is something
0:36:31 > 0:36:39we did not do last week. We have taken opportunities to get field
0:36:39 > 0:36:43position and put them under pressure. So the key is to get a
0:36:43 > 0:36:49lead again? If we can find some field position and play in the
0:36:49 > 0:36:57right areas, we are capable of forcing some pressure. We will keep
0:36:57 > 0:37:07working hard. As Jonathan Edwards heard is hamstrung -- heard his
0:37:07 > 0:37:43
0:37:43 > 0:37:49the binding. -- Jacobie Adriaanse. Dance we -- Dan Tuohy. They will
0:37:49 > 0:37:59try again from the scrum. Scarlets will have to keep an eye
0:37:59 > 0:38:01
0:38:01 > 0:38:06out on this phase of play. Scarlets are asking whether that
0:38:06 > 0:38:16was a collapsed maul rather than Iraq but if the catcher is pulled
0:38:16 > 0:38:23
0:38:23 > 0:38:33down, it cannot be a maul. Jacoby address is up against Tom Court. --
0:38:33 > 0:38:40
0:38:40 > 0:38:50Jacobie Adriaanse. It has gone down on the other side. A straight drive
0:38:50 > 0:39:30
0:39:30 > 0:39:34Gilroy. Craig Price got across. He slowed him down but the pressure is
0:39:34 > 0:39:44on the Scarlets at the moment. Robbie Diack back towards his for
0:39:44 > 0:39:48
0:39:48 > 0:39:54it. -- towards his forwards. Ricky Andrew up from fullback. The
0:39:54 > 0:40:04Scarlets have to keep their wits about them. Robbie Diack gets over
0:40:04 > 0:40:08the gain-line. The crowd getting behind the Ulster team. The
0:40:08 > 0:40:18Scarlets defending near their own try-line. The ball is there to be
0:40:18 > 0:40:19
0:40:19 > 0:40:24used. Ruen Pienaar has all the experience but he will not have the
0:40:24 > 0:40:30ball on this occasion. Again, the Scarlets hang on and Josh Turnbull
0:40:30 > 0:40:40brings it away. They did very well. They are almost secured a turnover
0:40:40 > 0:40:50in the ruck before. -- they almost. Craig Gilroy is such a lovely
0:40:50 > 0:40:50
0:40:50 > 0:40:57runner. Pace, balance, he is a dangerous strike runner. They may
0:40:57 > 0:41:06have lost Tommy Bowe but there have an able deputy. He had his one and
0:41:06 > 0:41:13only cap against Argentina. I think he will have plenty more. Into the
0:41:13 > 0:41:23final 10 minutes of the first half. Still just a penalty apiece but not
0:41:23 > 0:41:38
0:41:38 > 0:41:45Knoyle takes them back down field. The George North chasing well.
0:41:45 > 0:41:53Andrew Trimble comes away with the ball. Ulster were lucky to get away
0:41:53 > 0:41:59with that. Arm was to turn over for the Scarlets in midfield. -- almost
0:41:59 > 0:42:05a turnover. Chris Henry in support. Phil John trying to rip the ball
0:42:05 > 0:42:15clear. Nick Williams straight down the middle. A brave tackle by Dan
0:42:15 > 0:42:18
0:42:18 > 0:42:22Newton. Nick Williams was only going one way. That is harsh. No
0:42:22 > 0:42:31Ulster players were in support of Nick Williams and I thought the
0:42:31 > 0:42:40Scarlets had won it Foley. -- Foley. I think George North should have
0:42:40 > 0:42:48done better there. When you are rate fullback, you don't want to
0:42:48 > 0:42:52see Nick Williams running towards you. He does well to bring him down.
0:42:52 > 0:43:02They win this base at the contact and you feel that should be
0:43:02 > 0:43:05
0:43:05 > 0:43:15turnover ball. The Scarlets were unlucky. Nick Williams is a big
0:43:15 > 0:43:20
0:43:20 > 0:43:30presence. He has scored 10 tries -- he has scored five tries in his
0:43:30 > 0:43:53
0:43:53 > 0:44:01a second strike from Ruen Pienaar puts the home team ahead for the
0:44:01 > 0:44:10first time. Let's go down to Phil Steele. The big night in the Pro 12
0:44:10 > 0:44:17tonight. The Ospreys could leapfrog the Scarlets if they win tonight.
0:44:17 > 0:44:24There are losing 8-6 at the moment. Leinster and Edinburgh have just
0:44:24 > 0:44:30kicked off. We will be keeping in touch with
0:44:30 > 0:44:36all those games tonight. Ulster have men wide. Darren Cave links up
0:44:36 > 0:44:46with Luke Marshall. Good tackle by Gareth maul but the Scarlets need
0:44:46 > 0:44:53
0:44:53 > 0:45:03to hold their ground between now Louis Stevenson does just that. --
0:45:03 > 0:45:27
0:45:27 > 0:45:37Ulster are very impressive. Touchline to still -- touchline,
0:45:37 > 0:46:05
0:46:05 > 0:46:15field. Neil McComb is his been a very good half that for the
0:46:15 > 0:46:15
0:46:15 > 0:48:00Apology for the loss of subtitles for 60 seconds
0:48:00 > 0:48:04that for a chat? -- he moved away Hodges said, he told what McCluskey
0:48:04 > 0:48:14that he only wants any challengers or queries to come through him as
0:48:14 > 0:48:52
0:48:52 > 0:48:58captain. Ruan Pienaar has another league match of the season, but he
0:48:58 > 0:49:07has already crossed 50 points and is putting some daylight between
0:49:08 > 0:49:17Ulster and the Scarlets towards the end of the first half of. --
0:49:18 > 0:49:18
0:49:18 > 0:51:00Apology for the loss of subtitles for 60 seconds
0:51:00 > 0:51:07in this first half. - Ulster can denies the Scarlets the chance of
0:51:07 > 0:51:17an attack opportunity before this half is out. Pienaar's kicking game
0:51:17 > 0:51:57
0:51:57 > 0:52:02bring an end to what he's -- to what has been a very interesting
0:52:02 > 0:52:06first half. Them might not have been a try, but there has been
0:52:06 > 0:52:10plenty of rugby, and the Scarlets gave it a good shot until the putt
0:52:10 > 0:52:18of Ruan Pienaar has shown that all staff have got stronger as the game
0:52:18 > 0:52:28has gone on and they are worthy of that lead. -- has shown that Ulster
0:52:28 > 0:52:40
0:52:40 > 0:52:43have got stronger as the game has Jonathan, did you get the
0:52:43 > 0:52:49impression that the tide was beginning to turn in Ulster's
0:52:49 > 0:52:53favour in the last 10 or 15 minutes? Yes. The scrum looked a
0:52:53 > 0:52:57little bit weak in the last couple of scrums, they were penalised. But
0:52:57 > 0:53:04I thought they started very well in the first half. The two penalties
0:53:04 > 0:53:09were key decisions for me, they have done exceptionally well, the
0:53:09 > 0:53:18Scarlets, but those two offences, I am not sure if they were that clear
0:53:18 > 0:53:22cut. For backchat, certainly, the last one. I thought that the tackle
0:53:22 > 0:53:27was made and he was going with the ball in the flow. They have done
0:53:27 > 0:53:32exceptionally well and I think they are unlucky to be 9-3 behind.
0:53:32 > 0:53:35has been a cracking first half, no tries but plenty of enterprise.
0:53:35 > 0:53:40have seen some drama over the last couple of weeks and conditions have
0:53:40 > 0:53:46not helped. These two sides are intent on playing rugby. What has
0:53:46 > 0:53:51been impressive is the offloading game of boast -- of both teams, but
0:53:51 > 0:53:57Ulster in particular. Once they get someplace they get the pass away,
0:53:57 > 0:54:01that has brought continuity. It has been a great game to watch, the
0:54:01 > 0:54:06Scarlets have done exceptionally well. There has been emphasis on
0:54:06 > 0:54:10the contact area and the commitment and desire to win that. I think the
0:54:10 > 0:54:14Scarlets have to try to loosen up a bit. Their strength is when the
0:54:14 > 0:54:18ball is being thrown about, we have seen clips of it, Ulster are
0:54:18 > 0:54:24responding to it. The more loose the game, the better for the
0:54:24 > 0:54:27Scarlets. It has not been a clear- cut opportunity yet. I think the
0:54:28 > 0:54:32one break in the first half came to the Scarlets, the opportunity was
0:54:32 > 0:54:37that and maybe they could have capitalised more. Rob, you mention
0:54:37 > 0:54:42the contact area, that has been a big positive for the Scarlets?
0:54:42 > 0:54:50Quite a few Steels in the breakdown? Four in the first 20 a
0:54:50 > 0:54:5525 minutes. Jacobie Adriaanse does very well here. He manages to pinch
0:54:55 > 0:55:01it. It is a good quality ball. Their isolating the tackle, which
0:55:01 > 0:55:06is always impressive. -- they are isolating the tackle. Jonathan
0:55:06 > 0:55:12Edwards has unfortunately left the field, Josh Turnbull, they do the
0:55:12 > 0:55:17hard work. Edwards manages to turn over possession. They are not just
0:55:17 > 0:55:22slowing possession down, they are stealing. That continued through
0:55:22 > 0:55:27the half. Ulster had an opportunity two or three metres from the line,
0:55:27 > 0:55:31but good work at the tackle area. I am not saying it has kept them in
0:55:31 > 0:55:37the game but it has given no momentum. It perhaps emphasises
0:55:37 > 0:55:42their commitment to the cause. They are really working hard to in those
0:55:42 > 0:55:45tough areas. Jonathan, your namesake, Jonathan Davies, the one
0:55:45 > 0:55:54clean break the Scarlets had through the middle. Evidence that
0:55:54 > 0:55:57there are some holes in the Ulster defence? The Ulster defence, there
0:55:58 > 0:56:03are three defenders and Thomas is there. He should be creating the
0:56:03 > 0:56:08space, these outshots -- these outside men should be hitting this
0:56:08 > 0:56:14whole. Now it is three on 3 and Jonathan Davies has to do it all
0:56:14 > 0:56:19himself. He steps inside. The man inside the centre was the second
0:56:19 > 0:56:24row, so there are mismatches. Because of the turnover, they had
0:56:24 > 0:56:29an opportunity to go wide. The looser the game, the better the
0:56:29 > 0:56:33Scarlets are. The players on the inside have to acknowledge where
0:56:33 > 0:56:38the space will be, they have to hold their defenders to create the
0:56:38 > 0:56:42space for George North and players like Jonathan Davies. Unfortunately
0:56:42 > 0:56:48they did not do it on that occasion, but they have to be aware of what
0:56:48 > 0:56:51is happening, because the number of turn owned up -- turnovers, you get
0:56:52 > 0:56:56two passes away from the turnover and then see what is happening. I
0:56:56 > 0:57:06think there is a bit of a problem coming into it with the scrum and
0:57:06 > 0:57:10maybe all stubble close up a little bit, -- and maybe Ulster will close
0:57:10 > 0:57:16up a little bit, but they have to bring their strike runners into it.
0:57:16 > 0:57:22Rob, you have been looking more closely at the scrum? Are the
0:57:22 > 0:57:28Scarlets creaking? I think the Scarlets have done well when they
0:57:28 > 0:57:34has emerged early on and got the ball in quickly. Ulster have proven
0:57:34 > 0:57:39that they can exert pressure. There has been pressure on Jacobie
0:57:39 > 0:57:45Adriaanse. He is not a big, big man, some others are getting the edge.
0:57:45 > 0:57:49As the game goes on, they could dominate. They have Deacon Manu and
0:57:49 > 0:57:58Rhodri Jones on the bench, I expect to see them sooner rather than
0:57:58 > 0:58:03later. It is becoming pivotal in matches, in the results of matches.
0:58:03 > 0:58:07I saw the Leicester coach going mad when they played against Gloucester,
0:58:07 > 0:58:13he said they were dominant, and they were so dominant, yet they
0:58:13 > 0:58:18were penalised. Because it is so pivotal, do you need on the video
0:58:18 > 0:58:23referee, a specialist prop forward sat next door to him to say, though,
0:58:23 > 0:58:27that has gone down, it is his problem? It takes some pressure off
0:58:27 > 0:58:31the referee, because the front rows will know that there is a
0:58:31 > 0:58:36specialist in the truck looking at them and going, you know, it is
0:58:36 > 0:58:39white or it is red, then feeding back to the referee. We are trying
0:58:39 > 0:58:43to make sense of it and he was closer to the scrum and I was! You
0:58:43 > 0:58:48have no idea what goes on, and I think sometimes it is unfair for
0:58:48 > 0:58:53the official to make a call with such significance to the outcome of
0:58:53 > 0:58:57the match these days. Interesting stuff, maybe it will come in. The
0:58:57 > 0:59:07second half is fast approaching, and there is plenty more sport this
0:59:07 > 0:59:38
0:59:38 > 0:59:45After a short Christmas break, Last year, it was a bit daunting
0:59:45 > 0:59:55going into the first deal of training and meeting Paul Tito and
0:59:55 > 0:59:58
0:59:58 > 1:00:03Xavier Rush. -- first day of training. Make sure you tune in for
1:00:03 > 1:00:07that. Liam Williams and Rhys Patchell will be featured and
1:00:07 > 1:00:11Jonathan Davies will be in the studio. A couple of updates from
1:00:11 > 1:00:16the other games. The Ospreys are losing at home at the Liberty
1:00:16 > 1:00:22Stadium at half-time. The Ospreys could leapfrog the Scarlets with a
1:00:22 > 1:00:32victory but they are up against it at the moment. In the other game,
1:00:32 > 1:00:34
1:00:35 > 1:00:40Edinburgh are 3-0 Aberdeen-Leinster. -- against Leinster. The Ospreys
1:00:40 > 1:00:47will be looking for a bonus point win tonight. The game is in
1:00:47 > 1:00:53Murrayfield for Edinburgh but you would expect Leicester to win that.
1:00:53 > 1:00:57Brian O'Driscoll, Gordon D'Arcy, they are all back. The selection
1:00:57 > 1:01:02tonight suggests they want to push for those top four places. They
1:01:02 > 1:01:07have got a Heineken Cup weekend ahead as well. I expect them to
1:01:07 > 1:01:13come through. Edinburgh have been poor for most of the season. You
1:01:13 > 1:01:18would expect Leicester to come away with the victory. I think Leinster
1:01:18 > 1:01:25and the Ospreys will finish in the top four. With Leinster now, they
1:01:25 > 1:01:30are struggling in the Heineken Cup. They need to win something with the
1:01:30 > 1:01:33stars they have on the books. Maybe what they're doing is getting them
1:01:33 > 1:01:43all playing together in this game and they will have to look for
1:01:43 > 1:01:44
1:01:44 > 1:01:49bonus points in the Heineken Cup. Last year, the Ospreys timed their
1:01:49 > 1:01:58run to perfection. It is all about the rhythm of the season with the
1:01:58 > 1:02:04the play-offs. Perhaps Leinster have got the chance to make that
1:02:04 > 1:02:08push. This is the important half of the season. Earlier on, there is a
1:02:08 > 1:02:14lot of rotation and a lot of players get a lot of opportunities.
1:02:14 > 1:02:18There are a lot of distractions. Ultimately, you have to be more
1:02:19 > 1:02:28consistent in the next few months in order to get in the top four.
1:02:29 > 1:02:29
1:02:29 > 1:02:34That is the key. That has to be the focus. We have to make the Pro 12
1:02:34 > 1:02:37competitive. The stronger it is the better it is for the Celtic nations.
1:02:37 > 1:02:45Whether they take it seriously enough, I am not sure, but it's
1:02:45 > 1:02:48going to be tough to get in that top four this year. Last year, the
1:02:48 > 1:02:56Ospreys were fantastic and they were not given the credit they
1:02:56 > 1:03:01deserved. To win out there in Dublin was an amazing performance
1:03:01 > 1:03:04and it is a lot to do with momentum. But you have to have internationals
1:03:04 > 1:03:12playing and I think our international players have to play
1:03:12 > 1:03:16more often. You can't all of a sudden, if you are injured, go back
1:03:16 > 1:03:20and play for Wales without having the run of games for your region.
1:03:20 > 1:03:25It is ludicrous. Players are being picked on reputation but they
1:03:25 > 1:03:32should be picked on what they do in the Pro 12. We can cross back to
1:03:32 > 1:03:37Ravenhill now and Phil Steele is with David Humphreys. A legend of
1:03:37 > 1:03:41Ulster rugby. David Humphreys. Ulster are flying high and doing
1:03:41 > 1:03:49well in Europe as well. This game is sold out. What are you doing
1:03:49 > 1:03:53right? We are doing better than we haven't the past. The starting
1:03:53 > 1:03:57point has always been putting a team on the pitch that can compete
1:03:57 > 1:04:07with the best in Europe. If we can do that, our supporters will come
1:04:07 > 1:04:12
1:04:12 > 1:04:16out. When you look around Europe, to compete against the top teams,
1:04:16 > 1:04:25our starting point was trying to compete with Munster and Leinster.
1:04:25 > 1:04:35We are getting better and better. The regional game in Wales is flat
1:04:35 > 1:04:38
1:04:38 > 1:04:47at the moment. How do you do it? -- the we it was like. The rubber
1:04:47 > 1:04:51direct get stronger and stronger. - - RaboDirect Pro 12. As the game
1:04:51 > 1:05:01develops, we want to see the Celtic nations at the top of European
1:05:01 > 1:05:01
1:05:01 > 1:05:48Apology for the loss of subtitles for 60 seconds
1:05:48 > 1:05:56rugby. They love their rugby here Phil Steele with Hal -- will have
1:05:56 > 1:06:06updates throughout the second half. It is time for us to return to
1:06:06 > 1:06:41
1:06:41 > 1:06:47with they youngsters playing touch interval. A bit of experience
1:06:47 > 1:06:52coming on For Ulster end the shape of John at Tower and Paddy Wallace.
1:06:52 > 1:07:02Scott Williams is on in the centre to partner Jonathan Davies for the
1:07:02 > 1:07:19
1:07:19 > 1:07:28Scarlets. That is a nice combination. Rob Herring
1:07:28 > 1:07:38controlling well. Ulster drive on. Paddy Wallace with his first touch
1:07:38 > 1:07:42under pressure. Ulster certainly took it up a couple of notches at
1:07:42 > 1:07:52the end of the first half and are looking to do the same at the
1:07:52 > 1:08:00beginning of the second. Craig Price with a bit of ripping work.
1:08:00 > 1:08:10Aled Thomas puts it behind Craig Gilroy and the initial storm has
1:08:10 > 1:08:13
1:08:13 > 1:08:23been weathered. It was very well timed from Craig Price. Hands on
1:08:23 > 1:08:27
1:08:27 > 1:08:37the ball, round he cans and steals the ball. -- around he comes.
1:08:37 > 1:08:38
1:08:38 > 1:08:48Pienaar. Minimum effort for maximum rewards. Great timing with the kick.
1:08:48 > 1:08:53
1:08:53 > 1:08:58He has got all the attributes of the game. Pure class. Gareth Maule
1:08:58 > 1:09:08has moved back to fullback in this second half. Dan Newton has gone
1:09:08 > 1:09:11
1:09:11 > 1:09:20off. Paddy Jackson. Ricky Andrew. Clever patterns being woven by
1:09:20 > 1:09:26Ulster. Here they come again. A great offload to Rob Herring, to
1:09:26 > 1:09:31Robbie Diack. Pure class from Ulster. That is a cracking try at
1:09:31 > 1:09:39the set -- at the start of the second half. Little the Scarlets
1:09:39 > 1:09:44could do about it. That was a gorgeous try. Everything we've
1:09:44 > 1:09:54talked about in terms of the positive and attractive style of
1:09:54 > 1:09:54
1:09:54 > 1:10:04Ulster rugby, all to be seen there. Very cheeky patterns initially. And
1:10:04 > 1:10:09then a flat ball to the big man on the charge and a good offload. The
1:10:09 > 1:10:18number rate to the hooker and then to the blind side flanker. --
1:10:18 > 1:10:28number 8. You have to give credit to Paddy Jackson for picking out
1:10:28 > 1:10:32
1:10:32 > 1:10:42his runners as I'll. -- as well. The conversant -- the conversion
1:10:42 > 1:11:03
1:11:03 > 1:11:13was it -- was a formality for Ruen Gareth Maule back covering the
1:11:13 > 1:11:17
1:11:17 > 1:11:27right wing. Craig Gilroy. Nothing silly from Ulster. After all that
1:11:27 > 1:11:28
1:11:28 > 1:11:38flamboyant rugby, they don't have to attack from deep every time.
1:11:38 > 1:11:52
1:11:52 > 1:11:58That is the mix they have got. That is Neil McComb. Ulster trying to
1:11:58 > 1:12:05drive a line-out. They did not do that in the first half. They have
1:12:05 > 1:12:14all the variation and they have every such -- possible string to
1:12:14 > 1:12:19their Bowe. Gareth Maule sweet so to wait Kristian Phillips. Paddy
1:12:19 > 1:12:29Jackson patrolling. Out to Ricky Andrew who has Andrew Trimble in
1:12:29 > 1:12:40
1:12:40 > 1:12:43support. Andrew Trimble? Andrew Trimble's road was blocked.
1:12:43 > 1:12:53blow of an early score will be compounded by three points straight
1:12:53 > 1:13:14
1:13:14 > 1:13:24Scarlets were in the first half, that the captain is the only point
1:13:24 > 1:13:45
1:13:45 > 1:13:50and three more points for Ulster. The building blocks are being put
1:13:50 > 1:14:00in place and Simon Easterby has a lot to think about in the opening
1:14:00 > 1:14:29
1:14:29 > 1:14:3910 minutes of the second half as midfield. Paddy Jackson safely
1:14:39 > 1:15:03
1:15:03 > 1:15:11talking about a moment ago, we know it is an attacking game but they
1:15:11 > 1:15:16also like to play from the right areas. Amazing to think that Paddy
1:15:16 > 1:15:26Jackson will only be 21 tomorrow. He has got a lot of top class rugby
1:15:26 > 1:15:26
1:15:26 > 1:16:07Apology for the loss of subtitles for 60 seconds
1:16:07 > 1:16:14Knocked off by a red? I think there was a bit of Kilroy on that one. --
1:16:14 > 1:16:24a bit of Craig Gilroy. Even the decisions are going Ulster's way in
1:16:24 > 1:16:58
1:16:58 > 1:17:08you've still got to drive straight! won with half-an-hour to go, now
1:17:08 > 1:17:08
1:17:08 > 1:18:18Apology for the loss of subtitles for 60 seconds
1:18:18 > 1:18:28penalised. Leaching? I am not sure here. -- step on the market. The
1:18:28 > 1:18:28
1:18:28 > 1:19:22Apology for the loss of subtitles for 60 seconds
1:19:22 > 1:19:32Davies. It was the right option. What a hit. John Davies is up and
1:19:32 > 1:19:35
1:19:35 > 1:19:39smiling. That was an absolute bone- shaking tackle. I am not sure Rob
1:19:39 > 1:19:49McCusker plays the right ball here, but Thomas does very well. He does
1:19:49 > 1:20:14
1:20:14 > 1:20:24a great job of it. Have some of tree and is, and Tomas Vallejos is
1:20:24 > 1:20:24
1:20:24 > 1:21:19Apology for the loss of subtitles for 60 seconds
1:21:19 > 1:21:25on for Sione Timani. -- Deacon Manu a return for Paddy Wallace, but it
1:21:25 > 1:21:29did not quite come off. But such good rugby to watch. You can fill
1:21:29 > 1:21:34the frustration of the Ulster crowd. Many will say go to ground if you
1:21:34 > 1:21:40can't get the ball away. But this guy owns a rugby ball like a tennis
1:21:41 > 1:21:49ball. He feels he can get it away. I think they got the benefit of the
1:21:49 > 1:21:54doubt for that pass. It looks a little bit forward. He is asking
1:21:54 > 1:22:04whether it is a try. I am not sure how that played out. I fancy it was
1:22:04 > 1:22:06
1:22:06 > 1:22:15not. REFEREE: I don't think it is a try, but I will just double check.
1:22:15 > 1:22:19I will just double check, then we will get the restart. Back
1:22:19 > 1:22:29initially offered Scott Williams, but then I think there is a bit of
1:22:29 > 1:22:29
1:22:29 > 1:23:43Apology for the loss of subtitles for 60 seconds
1:23:43 > 1:23:51Paddy Wallace in it. I think it is for the season for Nick Williams. -
1:23:51 > 1:23:56- it is number six of the season. With a little help from his
1:23:56 > 1:24:01friends! He looks completely disinterested when the ball is
1:24:01 > 1:24:09thrown to him, but when he makes his decision, the whole Ulster pack
1:24:09 > 1:24:19is in behind him. The twist, the term, the flop, a lovely,
1:24:19 > 1:24:20
1:24:20 > 1:24:27individual score from Nick Williams. What a lovely career he is. -- a
1:24:28 > 1:24:34lovely carrier. Nobody in the league has carried more balls than
1:24:34 > 1:24:42him this season. What a lovely acquisition he has been. Two more
1:24:42 > 1:24:47for Pienaar. Now it is damage limitation for the Scarlets.
1:24:47 > 1:24:56are saying that on 56 minutes of what has been a gutsy and
1:24:56 > 1:25:06encouraging performance from the Scarlets. A lot of time left.
1:25:06 > 1:25:06
1:25:06 > 1:25:54Apology for the loss of subtitles for 60 seconds
1:25:54 > 1:25:59bully at the moment. Nothing the Scarlets can do at the moments
1:25:59 > 1:26:09except think, here they come again! But what a great passage of play
1:26:09 > 1:26:10
1:26:10 > 1:26:20again. That man is a wrecking ball. It is that combination again, Nick
1:26:20 > 1:26:25
1:26:25 > 1:26:35Williams and Pienaar. Lovely to delighted with this! Listen to the
1:26:35 > 1:26:43raw, Nick Williams has done his work for the evening. -- listen to
1:26:43 > 1:26:53the roar. The crowds have loved every minute of it. The experience
1:26:53 > 1:26:53
1:26:53 > 1:27:44Apology for the loss of subtitles for 60 seconds
1:27:44 > 1:27:51of Roger Wilson will replace the angles to cover for the Scarlets.
1:27:51 > 1:27:57There is plenty of variety with Ulster. When they are throwing the
1:27:57 > 1:28:07passes, they are throwing them flat and the guys are coming on apace.
1:28:07 > 1:28:33
1:28:33 > 1:28:40Scarlets as Rob McCusker tries to lead by example. Approaching the
1:28:40 > 1:28:45hour mark, and the third quarter. - - and the third quarter has
1:28:45 > 1:28:55belonged completely and utterly to Ulster. 17 unanswered points in
1:28:55 > 1:28:55
1:28:55 > 1:29:48Apology for the loss of subtitles for 60 seconds
1:29:48 > 1:29:57they can work their way down field as well. They need to respite. --
1:29:57 > 1:30:07the respite. Eight change at scrum- half. Gareth Davies replaces Tavis
1:30:07 > 1:30:07
1:30:07 > 1:30:51Apology for the loss of subtitles for 60 seconds
1:30:51 > 1:30:57air. He just gets the perfect depth on the kick to give his wingers
1:30:57 > 1:31:01every opportunity to reclaim the ball. One of my big bugbears is
1:31:01 > 1:31:04scrum-halves that simply look for where the opposition winger is and
1:31:04 > 1:31:14take it to him. It is about putting the ball somewhere way you have a
1:31:14 > 1:31:18
1:31:18 > 1:31:22chance of winning it. Somewhere where you can win it. We saw plenty
1:31:22 > 1:31:32of the kicking game overt the new year period in Wales but it can be
1:31:32 > 1:32:02
1:32:02 > 1:32:08such an effective weapon when it is Jonathan Davies back in. Jonathan
1:32:08 > 1:32:18Davies is a little slow in getting up. Play continues with the
1:32:18 > 1:32:18
1:32:18 > 1:32:28Scarlets in possession. Josh Turnbull. But they are being forced
1:32:28 > 1:32:32
1:32:32 > 1:32:42back. George North. Using his power. But Andrew Trimble sticking with
1:32:42 > 1:32:54
1:32:54 > 1:33:03him. Rob McCusker. George North has stayed down. Not good signs for the
1:33:03 > 1:33:13Scarlets because Jonathan Davies is limping badly and George North is
1:33:13 > 1:33:33
1:33:33 > 1:33:43Down the Phil Steele. A few interesting scorelines. The Ospreys
1:33:43 > 1:33:46
1:33:46 > 1:33:50are leading 9-8. Glasgow lead Treviso 27-0. The top four will be
1:33:50 > 1:34:00Ulster, Glasgow, Ospreys and Leinster if the results stay as
1:34:00 > 1:34:20
1:34:20 > 1:34:28they are. The top two get the home draw. One of the Leinster tries at
1:34:28 > 1:34:38Murrayfield came from Gordon D'Arcy. Brian O'Driscoll is back this
1:34:38 > 1:34:41
1:34:41 > 1:34:48evening. Leinster were 6th going into this evening but they and the
1:34:48 > 1:34:55Ospreys are both on 35 points and heading towards the top four.
1:34:56 > 1:34:59George North is still lying on the ground. It was a good battle
1:34:59 > 1:35:09between him and Andrew Trimble. When Andrew Trimble came in, I
1:35:09 > 1:35:10
1:35:10 > 1:35:18think there was a clash of heads. The stretcher is on and it is not
1:35:18 > 1:35:24looking good. Rhodri Jones came on for Phil John while all that was
1:35:24 > 1:35:29going on. And Adam Warren is coming on as another replacement behind
1:35:29 > 1:35:39for George North. Jonathan Davies will have to try and run off
1:35:39 > 1:35:44
1:35:44 > 1:35:52whatever ankle injury he picked up. Kirby Myhill, the cooker, the only
1:35:52 > 1:36:02replacement not used so far by the Scarlets. -- the hooker. Ulster are
1:36:02 > 1:36:24
1:36:24 > 1:36:33preparing to bring on all of their North off the field but obviously
1:36:33 > 1:36:40his welfare is the main concern. I am sure the Welsh management will
1:36:40 > 1:36:48be looking closely and we can hear what the Scarlets viewpoint is.
1:36:48 > 1:36:55Down to Phil Steele. The second half performance, how good has it
1:36:55 > 1:37:00been by Ulster? They have been very good. Nick Williams has carried the
1:37:00 > 1:37:05ball and they have crossed the gain line time and time again. We were
1:37:05 > 1:37:13hoping to get more territory but we have not had enough ball. But no
1:37:13 > 1:37:18lack of effort. The boys are trying hard. We are losing our patterns
1:37:18 > 1:37:25and we need to get some control of the game back. George North is
1:37:25 > 1:37:35being helped on to the stretcher. How much of a blow is that? They
1:37:35 > 1:37:47
1:37:47 > 1:37:51have to wait and find out what the everybody involved, any injury
1:37:51 > 1:38:01which involves some the being taken off on a stretcher. We will try and
1:38:01 > 1:38:01
1:38:01 > 1:38:06bring you any updates we possibly can. Concerning times. You have to
1:38:06 > 1:38:15get your concentration straight away and focus on the game even
1:38:15 > 1:38:20though it is your friend who is down injured. Absolutely. You have
1:38:20 > 1:38:30no option other tier -- other than to that. It is a distraction when
1:38:30 > 1:38:30
1:38:30 > 1:39:44Apology for the loss of subtitles for 60 seconds
1:39:44 > 1:39:52these things happen. But you have An obvious concern for Simon
1:39:52 > 1:40:02Easterby and the rest of the Scarlets team. Even though thoughts
1:40:02 > 1:40:05
1:40:05 > 1:40:14may be turning towards the Six Nations, let's just hope he is OK.
1:40:14 > 1:40:19After the long break, the Scarlets trying to get back into business.
1:40:19 > 1:40:29The Scarlets one of the line-out but the defensive strength of
1:40:29 > 1:40:50
1:40:50 > 1:40:57their effort. It is hard to see where it is going to come from.
1:40:57 > 1:41:05Ulster will not give up easily. Ulster are the League's top try-
1:41:06 > 1:41:12scorers. 36 so far this season. Kristian Phillips, it worked nicely
1:41:13 > 1:41:17for him. He beat two men. A great run by Kristian Phillips. Quick
1:41:17 > 1:41:26ball Fort Gareth Davies. Scott Williams. Gareth Maule. It just
1:41:27 > 1:41:33needed one more pass. The Scarlets still have possession. So close.
1:41:33 > 1:41:43Deacon Manu. Ulster's defence has found its shape. Aled Thomas goes
1:41:43 > 1:41:47
1:41:47 > 1:41:54back to was the forwards. Gareth Davies has a look. Emyr Phillips.
1:41:54 > 1:42:02Rob McCusker carrying the ball. Most of the Scarlets are in the
1:42:02 > 1:42:10other direction. Josh Turnbull will need support quickly. Gareth Davies
1:42:10 > 1:42:20to Aled Thomas. The skipper trying to hang on to possession. Rhodri
1:42:20 > 1:42:26
1:42:26 > 1:42:30Jones has a go. The Scarlets will keep plugging away. Ulster not
1:42:30 > 1:42:40committing too many to the breakdown. They are keeping their
1:42:40 > 1:42:48
1:42:48 > 1:42:54defensive line. Josh Turnbull in the gap. Can he make it squares
1:42:54 > 1:43:04might yes he can. That is just reward for the Scarlets for some
1:43:04 > 1:43:04
1:43:04 > 1:43:11great play. Great endeavour from the Scarlets. They showed a lot of
1:43:11 > 1:43:16patience. Ulster not willingly surrendering their line. It started
1:43:16 > 1:43:24with a lovely run by Kristian Phillips. There was phase after
1:43:24 > 1:43:30phase after this. That is a good line from Josh Turnbull. He ran at
1:43:30 > 1:43:36the gap and realised he had to drift back out to get to the line.
1:43:36 > 1:43:39A great bit of finishing from Josh Turnbull after what was a concerted
1:43:39 > 1:43:45effort from the Scarlets. It looked as if the chance may have gone but
1:43:45 > 1:43:55they never lost their composure and they get the try they fully
1:43:55 > 1:44:01deserved. The two points added by Aled Thomas. The Scarlets are into
1:44:01 > 1:44:11double figures. They have not given up yet. But they have a long way to
1:44:11 > 1:44:25
1:44:25 > 1:44:35go. Let us hope that gives them of applause for Ruen Pienaar.
1:44:35 > 1:44:37
1:44:37 > 1:44:42Michael Heaney is on at scrum-half. Ruen Pienaar, as usual, has made a
1:44:42 > 1:44:47huge contribution to this Ulster effort. 16 points to go with the
1:44:47 > 1:44:57two tries they have scored. But it has also been about the way he has
1:44:57 > 1:44:57
1:44:57 > 1:45:40Apology for the loss of subtitles for 60 seconds
1:45:41 > 1:45:50marshalled the team throughout the who loves to join the line of
1:45:51 > 1:45:51
1:45:51 > 1:47:59Apology for the loss of subtitles for 60 seconds
1:47:59 > 1:48:09have put in a shift and a half this evening. And still all * relentless.
1:48:09 > 1:48:21
1:48:21 > 1:48:26Davies eventually gives some respite. -- a manufactured kick.
1:48:26 > 1:48:30The Scarlets defence has been brought out of line, you can see
1:48:30 > 1:48:40immediately that they are in trouble. Craig Gilroy is a silky
1:48:40 > 1:48:54
1:48:54 > 1:49:03runner, but Gareth Davies was his tries to one in Ulster's favour.
1:49:03 > 1:49:13The Scarlets have not wilted. Andrew Trimble Walters home under
1:49:13 > 1:49:26
1:49:27 > 1:49:34the sticks. -- waltzes home. Try No. 34 Andrew Trimble. -- try number
1:49:34 > 1:49:44three for Andrew Trimble. Look at that, running across defenders into
1:49:44 > 1:50:04
1:50:04 > 1:50:10defensive line, there will be no just a drop goal over. Ulster know
1:50:10 > 1:50:15they have the time to search for the bonus point try. Completely
1:50:15 > 1:50:25relentless from Ulster. Scarlets fought back well but now Ulster I
1:50:25 > 1:50:34
1:50:34 > 1:50:41in another gear again. -- are in another beer. -- another gear. Phil,
1:50:41 > 1:50:45an update on George North? understand he has been taken off
1:50:45 > 1:50:50precautionary on the stretcher, a neck/head injury is how it was
1:50:50 > 1:50:54described. It is said to be a precautionary, he will go for a
1:50:54 > 1:50:59scan tomorrow or sometime over the weekend. Even though it might put
1:50:59 > 1:51:05him out for a few games, hopefully it is not as serious as the
1:51:05 > 1:51:11stretcher would have made us think at the beginning. Not only is
1:51:11 > 1:51:21George a great player but he is a great ambassador for the game.
1:51:21 > 1:51:37
1:51:37 > 1:51:45Elsewhere, the Ospreys have won, couple of metres short. -- was
1:51:45 > 1:51:53tracked down. The referee has called time off. What is the
1:51:53 > 1:52:00decision? It is a yellow card for Aled Thomas. And it is a penalty
1:52:00 > 1:52:06try, and in the most bizarre of fashions, Ulster have got their
1:52:06 > 1:52:13bonus point try. Aled Thomas is entitled to come back, he is
1:52:14 > 1:52:18outside the last Ulster player, he is the last man. Wonderful running
1:52:18 > 1:52:26from Darren Cave. In the red zone, as they call it, all hands are
1:52:26 > 1:52:34called for all. I am not sure what Aled Thomas did wrong. He is
1:52:35 > 1:52:44entitled to try to get back into the defensive line. Somehow it is a
1:52:45 > 1:52:46
1:52:46 > 1:52:51penalty try. I think that is harsh. The pass was made to him, he did
1:52:51 > 1:52:59not obstruct or interfere. He was running out of the way of all the
1:52:59 > 1:53:05Ulster players. To me, that was harsh. The Scarlets did not deserve
1:53:05 > 1:53:14that. Possibly Ulster did for everything they have done this
1:53:14 > 1:53:19evening, but that is a very harsh way to succumb in the end. The
1:53:19 > 1:53:26Scarlets will have to see out the remaining four or five minutes
1:53:26 > 1:53:29without their outside-half. only thing I am wondering is
1:53:29 > 1:53:34sometimes a player will call for the ball, pretending he is on the
1:53:34 > 1:53:44other side, but I did not pick up on that as a comment from the
1:53:44 > 1:53:44
1:53:44 > 1:54:44Apology for the loss of subtitles for 60 seconds
1:54:44 > 1:54:50in their nostrils and they are conman and Ulster have got over
1:54:50 > 1:54:58again. Eight is five unanswered tries in the second half, it will
1:54:58 > 1:55:08be their best-ever win against the Scarlets. We have seen the running
1:55:08 > 1:55:09
1:55:09 > 1:55:16game, this is the power game. Pick and go after pick and go. Each yard
1:55:16 > 1:55:21making the difference. They are clever, it is not a single man in
1:55:21 > 1:55:29isolation, there is somebody on his shoulder helping to lend weight to
1:55:29 > 1:55:39make those extra yards count. McComb, the replacement second role,
1:55:39 > 1:55:39
1:55:39 > 1:55:44gets his first for Ulster. That could round off what has been at a
1:55:44 > 1:55:54comprehensive victory for the home side to keep them flying high on
1:55:54 > 1:56:12
1:56:12 > 1:56:19Ruan Pienaar. Have they got time to make it 50? We wondered whether it
1:56:19 > 1:56:26might get ugly. When Turnbull scored it was 26-10, you thought it
1:56:26 > 1:56:36would be respectable. But they have gone through the gears. Fantastic
1:56:36 > 1:56:50
1:56:50 > 1:57:00for Ulster. And still they have not Leighton Hodges brings them back
1:57:00 > 1:57:18
1:57:18 > 1:57:24man of the match award. Even though he did not play in the final
1:57:25 > 1:57:33quarter of the game, and more. Such was his influence earlier. He set
1:57:34 > 1:57:43up the victory for Ulster and his team-mates are about to rounded off.
1:57:44 > 1:57:44
1:57:44 > 1:58:27Apology for the loss of subtitles for 60 seconds
1:58:27 > 1:58:34little possession in the second the last word. Great credit to them,
1:58:34 > 1:58:40they did not throw in the towel. lovely individual try from the
1:58:40 > 1:58:48Scarlets. He had to beat a few tackles, Scott Williams, he did
1:58:48 > 1:58:58very, very well. He looks for support, realises he is on his own,
1:58:58 > 1:58:58
1:58:58 > 1:59:04he beads Trimble and then hits the gas. Nice try. The Scarlets have
1:59:04 > 1:59:12the final word, but Ulster certainly stood up and were counted
1:59:12 > 1:59:19this evening. No wonder they are at the top of the shop. That kind of
1:59:19 > 1:59:29performance is what has made them clear leaders of the RaboDirect Pro
1:59:29 > 1:59:30
1:59:30 > 1:59:3412. 47-17, the final score, what a treat for rugby fans. We saw some
1:59:34 > 1:59:39beautiful rugby. If you go back a couple of seasons and Ulster were
1:59:39 > 1:59:44boring, boring I'll stuff. You didn't really enjoy watching them.
1:59:44 > 1:59:49It has been an absolute joy now, and some of the rugby we saw this
1:59:49 > 1:59:57evening was spectacular. Individuals of great standing, but
1:59:57 > 2:00:01as a side, they were untouchable. And a credit -- and credit to the
2:00:01 > 2:00:06Scarlets for fighting, but they were outclassed. Three tries in the
2:00:06 > 2:00:11final minutes show what Ulster are all about. Sometimes when you are
2:00:11 > 2:00:15on the end of a 47 points defeat, the Mirror is not easy to look into
2:00:16 > 2:00:19and there has been a lack of effort. But Scarlets were fighting till the
2:00:19 > 2:00:23But Scarlets were fighting till the end, they just could not do it.
2:00:23 > 2:00:28They may be dropping out of the top four but they went down fighting.
2:00:28 > 2:00:38Ulster are very much top of the shop, five tries to two, a
2:00:38 > 2:00:43
2:00:43 > 2:00:49spectacular rugby and their best An emphatic victory for Ulster. It
2:00:49 > 2:00:56was a scintillating display and a deserved victory. 10 handling
2:00:56 > 2:00:59errors from Ulster but it did not matter in the end. At half-time, we
2:00:59 > 2:01:08thought the Scarlets might come back into it but it was a class
2:01:08 > 2:01:13performance by Elsa. Very clinical. Unfortunately for the Scarlets, it
2:01:13 > 2:01:22is another hammering. Ulster went through the gears. The first try in
2:01:22 > 2:01:27the second half was crucial. They then went for the bonus point. Nick
2:01:27 > 2:01:37Williams was special. Then you had Ruen Pienaar just controlling the
2:01:37 > 2:01:38
2:01:38 > 2:01:44game. We can go back to Ravenhill now. I have got Jonathan Davies
2:01:45 > 2:01:48with me. How good were Ulster? were extremely clinical tonight.
2:01:48 > 2:01:53They put pressure on us and came away with points every time they
2:01:53 > 2:01:57were in our 22. It was a lot of effort from the boys but we have to
2:01:57 > 2:02:07keep our heads up and move on to next week. You have got a bit of
2:02:07 > 2:02:07
2:02:07 > 2:02:13time now before you play in the Pro 12 again. We made a great start to
2:02:13 > 2:02:18the season and they have to stay positive and look forward to the
2:02:18 > 2:02:23great -- the rest of the season. There was no lack of spirit there.
2:02:23 > 2:02:29It was just a lack of accuracy in the kales on but we are building
2:02:29 > 2:02:38for the season and we have a lot to work on.
2:02:38 > 2:02:45Downbeat but not defeated. The Robbie Diack try was the turning
2:02:45 > 2:02:49point. As soon as Ulster scored that, they pushed on. I just felt
2:02:49 > 2:02:55that Nick Williams was brushing of tackles and then the defensive
2:02:55 > 2:03:04structure was in pieces. They followed the ball carrier. I
2:03:04 > 2:03:09thought the Scarlets should have taken more care. The gap opens up
2:03:09 > 2:03:18between two players and Nick Williams hits it. When you are on a
2:03:19 > 2:03:28straight line, if Phil John takes him out, hears the try scorer. --
2:03:29 > 2:03:30
2:03:30 > 2:03:38he is the try scorer. In that position, and you take him out, he
2:03:38 > 2:03:44does not score the try. A couple of decisions went against the Scarlets.
2:03:44 > 2:03:51The knock-on and the referee went to the video referee. That should
2:03:51 > 2:03:58have been a drop by 22. Then we had the penalty try. We can go back to
2:03:58 > 2:04:01Ravenhill now. Josh Turnbull is with Phil Steele. What was the big
2:04:01 > 2:04:05difference between the first half performance and the second half
2:04:06 > 2:04:11performance was Mark we put pressure on them in the first half
2:04:11 > 2:04:17and kicked to the corners very well. In the second half, we did not do
2:04:17 > 2:04:21the same. It is something we will have to look back on. What is it
2:04:21 > 2:04:26like to face that marauding wall of White? It is tough when they have
2:04:26 > 2:04:35got the crowd behind them. They were good in the contact area and
2:04:35 > 2:04:41slowed our possession down. Scarlets scored two tries. What can
2:04:41 > 2:04:45you take from that? If you look at the two tries, they came from
2:04:45 > 2:04:48build-up of possession. We offloaded the ball and moved the
2:04:48 > 2:04:56point of attack. That is what we spoke about during the week and
2:04:56 > 2:05:01when we did it, we got two tries from it.
2:05:01 > 2:05:11We can have a look at the table. There are still two games going on
2:05:11 > 2:05:12
2:05:12 > 2:05:21tonight. The Ospreys 116-15. Edinburgh Leinster is currently
2:05:21 > 2:05:31nine-17 up to Leicester. As things start -- as things stand, the
2:05:31 > 2:05:36
2:05:36 > 2:05:43Ospreys are into the play-off zone. There was a long injury delay for
2:05:43 > 2:05:48George North in the second half. He was eventually taken off. The
2:05:48 > 2:05:55injury seemed quite innocuous but the stretcher was precautionary
2:05:55 > 2:06:04because it was a head injury. He will go for a scan tomorrow to
2:06:04 > 2:06:08measure the extent of that. Nick Williams went off very early in the
2:06:08 > 2:06:14second half but he had already done enough to win the man-of-the-match
2:06:14 > 2:06:18and he is a very special player. is a fantastic player. He is a huge
2:06:18 > 2:06:22man. He was the difference. You talk about giving your side
2:06:22 > 2:06:32momentum and this is in the first half. He picks the ball up and
2:06:32 > 2:06:32
2:06:32 > 2:06:39drives through tackles. He hits great lines as well. When you have
2:06:39 > 2:06:42got somebody with that ability host -- stays on his feet and he is
2:06:42 > 2:06:47quick and he is a footballer, then you have every chance of making
2:06:47 > 2:06:52things happen. Because of the possession they had and the quick
2:06:52 > 2:06:59delivery, they got momentum and when you get behind defences, you
2:06:59 > 2:07:05have chances of scoring. Scarlets have not been outside the
2:07:05 > 2:07:13top four all season. Can they turn this season around? They are out of
2:07:13 > 2:07:18Europe and they have got two Ferrie tough games to play. -- very tough
2:07:18 > 2:07:22games. They will have a tough couple of weeks but they are a good