Ulster v Scarlets Scrum V Live

Ulster. United they stand at the top of the table. Unbeaten at home

in the Pro 12. Unbelievable in Europe. And unstoppable against

Welsh sides this season. Out of nothing, there is another try

coming. The Scarlets arrives as underdogs this evening. They came

unstuck at the Liberty Stadium. New Year, same season and with the old

arguments raging about the region's, everyone is under pressure to

perform. It is a mouth-watering match

tonight. First verses second at Ravenhill as the battle for the

play-offs begins to heat up. Ulster faltered in recent weeks losing to

Northampton in Europe and Munster in the Pro 12. The Scarlets had a

mixed festive period. Beating the Blues put losing to the Ospreys.

They remain second but those behind them are breathing down their necks.

Good evening and welcome. Happy New Year to Rob Jones and Jonathan

Davies. The Pro 12 is starting to heat up. Ulster are nine points

clear but only six points separate second from six. I think this

second half of the season is where the play-off positions will be

decided. There are six teams in the mix. Leinster and Munster in terms

of selection in recent weeks suggests they will make a real push

for it. The Ospreys' performances of late suggest they will be there.

The pressure will be on the Scarlets to sustain this position.

It is a huge game for them tonight. They have some injuries tonight so

the pressure is on. Ulster looked invincible until recently. What is

their secret? Their new chief executive in 2010 said we wanted to

make Ulster the biggest in Europe. Everybody laughed but they were in

the European Cup final last year. They are at the top of the Pro 12.

They have a great base at Ravenhill. A good crowd and a great atmosphere.

They have brought in Ruen Pienaar and John a foul. The tragic

circumstances of what happened to Nevin Spence has gelled them

together. It just shows what can be done if you have ambition and a bit

of money has been put in as well. They have been the form team in the

Pro 12 so far this year. They lost to Munster last weekend but they

had a slightly inexperienced side that day. They have brought the big

guns back this week. Nick Williams and Chris Henry and Dan to we are

all back. -- Dan Tuohy. Darren Cave is back to bolster the back line.

They must be firm favourites tonight. Yes. But their loss to

Munster and suffered a surprise defeat to what Canton. They're not

as confident as they were but you look at the bench and the bench is

extremely strong. Those players can make an impact. They have targeted

this game to get back on track. Nine changes for the Scarlets, most

of them injury enforced. Rob McCusker is back in the starting

line up. And a second row on -- aim you second-row pairing. Gareth

Maule joins Jonathan Davies in the centre. Kristian Phillips is

preferred to Andy Fenby on the wing. Dan Newton takes over at fullback.

What do you make of that Scarlets side? They are down to the bare

bones. They should be applauded for developing young players but those

young players will be put to the test today. It is no way near what

the Scarlets can potentially put on the field and against one of the

best sides in Europe, there will be massive pressure on them. At they

have to bounce back from their Boxing Day defeat. That was one of

the most one-sided games I've seen for a long time. They were bullied

into submission. Looking at the Pro 12 table, I think Munster and

Leinster and the Ospreys will finish in the top four. They

youngsters have got to come through. -- the youngsters. It will be a big

test for the Scarlets tonight but if you have a competitive front

five, you can be competitive in the match. How much will that defeat at

hurt them? -- have heard them. - Simon Easterby does not like to

be at the end of a defeat against a local rival and he will have done

all he could to make sure his side is ready for this game tonight. It

is an inexperienced side but the pressure will be on an unsure the

coaching team will have done all they can. When they were at beaten,

they lost their discipline. Rob McCusker showed some frustration

with the stamp. He is back tonight. They have to keep their discipline

because they need all their players fit and ready for -- ready to go

for the rest of the season. They finished the game with 12 men last

week. That was down to frustration. They were not in the game from the

start. They were at up against the better side and that will have hurt

them. Simon Easterby well have done all he could and the players have

to step up and perform. The front five need to set a platform and the

rest of the players have to play as well as they can. The kick-off is

fast approaching. There are three of the games tonight. The Ospreys

are playing at home at the Liberty Stadium. Edinburgh are hosting

Leinster and Glasgow against Treviso. Phil Steele is in Belfast

for less and he will keep us up to dates with all of those games. --

up to date. We can cross now to our commentary team in a Ravenhill,

Stuart Davies and Gareth Charles. - Scarlets will be aware of that with

Ulster having just come onto the field to a rousing chorus from the

crowd. It is an old fashioned rugby ground. The atmosphere is fantastic.

It is first against second. A great match ticket of the new year with.

Both teams seeing if they can kick on after stumble over recent weeks.

Paddy Jackson will be celebrating his birthday tomorrow. Dan Newton

will have to deal with a lot tonight. Rob McCusker was given a

red card against the Ospreys but his back leading the team tonight.

-- but he is back. Aled Thomas has just overcooked it. It is out on

the full. Those are the kinds of little errors that the Scarlets

can't afford this evening. If they produce those, they will be

immediately be back on the back foot. It is great to be in a rugby

environment like this. 40 minutes before kick-off tonight and put

terraces were completely full. The stands are full. It is a

magnificent rugby occasion. Herring is the stand-in hooker with

Rory Best out injured. Ruen Pienaar with a tester for Kristian Phillips.

Dan Newton is there to support. Aled Thomas with the kick. Did Ruen

Pienaar take that into the 22? The Scarlets asking for the line-out

back up the field but the referee deciding that Ruen Pienaar got it

right. The forward battle will be important but the battle at half

back will be intriguing. Ruen Pienaar is one of the best in the

world at the moment and Paddy Jackson is very assured. Richard

Kelly's delivery did not find Tavis Knoyle but he was being prevented

from getting it by Chris Henry. Chris Henry was tugging at his

jersey. Pressure on the Scarlets line-out. Chris Henry was being

held as well. Aled Thomas straight out to Rob McCusker. They could

offload before the tackle came in. -- a good offload. Loose ball. They

are almost gave an interception try away. It was difficult for the

referee to see. Andrew Trimble trying to pick up the loose ball

but he knocked on. You do not want your tighthead props throwing loose

balls like that! Nice to see the offload from Rob McCusker. That is

a nasty one. Andrew Trimble quick to pounce. It was a let off for the

Scarlets. Let's see how the scrum and fares. They have come under

pressure up front at times this season. John a flower on the bench

imagine. -- up. He needed help from Louis Stephenson to do the tidying

up. They have got the ball back. Paddy Jackson spotted it was Josh

Turnbull and Richard Kelly guarding and he ordered to take them on.

This is what else to do so well. They play what is in front of them

and can vary their game. Great hands from Jonathan Davies.

Kristian Phillips will not get on the end of that but it has worked

out as a lovely kick from Gareth Maule. You just wonder whether

there was a chance on turnover ball to keep the ball in hand but a good

territorial gain from Jonathan Davies. There were numbers outside

but it was the big boys so he backed himself. The Scarlets trying

to put pressure at the front of the line. Dance we get it away. Nick

Williams carries from his own line. all-star's game, but at the same

time there is freedom and occasions, one goes five and six,

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did not allow any to be released. They will be lucky to get away with

a penalty. The Scarlets did very that right. The crowd were

disappointed the penalty went the way of the Scarlets, because Ulster

shouting for the Scarlets, they were told to be quiet by the home

fans. Three points from Aled Thomas. Some real encouragement for the

Scarlets. They have got the first points. They say that league tables

don't like, but no argument as far as are all teams, five seconds at

the base of the breakdown. They had been won cleanly and was

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occasion. Phil, on the far side of the field? The conditions here are

absolutely perfect. A slight wind advantage to the Scarlets, it is a

real City Del of rugby, an absolute pleasure to be here. Ulster rugby

will put two stance, two new stands at either side of the ground. This

will be an 18,000 seat stadium in a couple of years. Fantastic ambition

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field. Various Adam D'Arcy. -- firm. Evidence of their complete

game. You would expect them to shunt it back down the pitch, but

it Trimble comes looking and starts the counter immediately off the

Adam D'Arcy is struggling. This may be the end of the road for the

fullback. Sympathetic applause, he has to leave the field. It will be

He has had a couple of starts and one off the bench, Ricky Andrew.

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Another new face been developed by forwards to come round. They have

the kick. I dare say they will very dangerous. Jonathan Edwards

this kick. What breeze there is favours the Scarlets in the first

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of options, and in the end he just put it back down now. They will

start all over again. The Scarlets will be pretty pleased with the

opening quarter. I was just going to say the same thing, a very

encouraging opening 20. Certainly not just absorbing Ulster attacks,

is the one having treatment at the that they have strike runners like

George North and Jonathan Davies. Those guys can do real damage with

Ruen Pienaar. That was fine. No way was that forward. It looked good to

me. The 10 metre line will give us the indication. It may have been

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because at the moment. He wants them to be left of the mark. Phil

John looks suitably bewildered. disbelieving eyes have a prop! --

weekend starting on Radio Wales at 8:30am tomorrow morning. Radio

Wales sport from 1:30pm. The FA Cup third round. Macclesfield against

Pienaar. Straight down the middle and Ulster aback on level terms. --

Ulster are back on level terms. lovely first strike at goal. That

will not be the last scrum penalty will see before the night is out. -

- we will see. A great kick by Dan Newton. Jonathan Davies. He stepped

inside Darren Cave easily. It was a great break -- great break by

Jonathan Davies. Tavis Knoyle to Phil John. Jacobie Adriaanse says.

-- Jacobie Adriaanse. The Scarlets willing to have a go. Dan Dearden.

George North. He received man and ball. Tavis Knoyle. Aled Thomas. A

change of angle from Gareth Maule. The Scarlets are certainly asking

questions of the Ulster defence. Simona to Manny. Again, timing his

run well. A good steal in the tackle. It is advantage to the

Scarlets. Jonathan Davies times it nicely to Kristian Phillips. Ruen

Pienaar eyes back there. The advances -- advantage is presumably

gone. Great hands. Gareth Maule with the tackle. Ruen Pienaar in

the right place again. Paddy Jackson with the pass Cape which is

taken by Aled Thomas. Jonathan Davies slotted through. It is all-

action as Jonathan Davies follows up. Craig Gilroy is back there. The

presence of Paddy Jackson. Nick Williams to Tom Court. Chris Henry.

A superb tackle by Sione Timani. That was end-to-end stuff.

Incredible rugby. What a sequence of rugby! Great passages of play.

Ruen Pienaar on the counter-attack. Such ambition from Ulster. When the

Scarlets get their turn, they look dangerous as well. Jonathan Davies

with a very death kick through. Nearly gets the bounce. And just

when you think it's over, the last counter-attack by Ulster. Great to

see two sides being positive and looking to keep ball in hand and

play some rugby. That was great stuff. The Scarlets have had to

make a change. Jonathan Edwards has been replaced by Craig Price. His

one start for the Scarlets came as number 8 against Munster. He has

come on as a flanker this time. Down to Phil Steele. I am with the

Scarlets forwards coach. How pleased are you with the opening 25

minutes? We have got some good field position. That is something

we did not do last week. We have taken opportunities to get field

position and put them under pressure. So the key is to get a

lead again? If we can find some field position and play in the

right areas, we are capable of forcing some pressure. We will keep

working hard. As Jonathan Edwards heard is hamstrung -- heard his

the binding. -- Jacobie Adriaanse. Dance we -- Dan Tuohy. They will

try again from the scrum. Scarlets will have to keep an eye

out on this phase of play. Scarlets are asking whether that

was a collapsed maul rather than Iraq but if the catcher is pulled

down, it cannot be a maul. Jacoby address is up against Tom Court. --

Jacobie Adriaanse. It has gone down on the other side. A straight drive

Gilroy. Craig Price got across. He slowed him down but the pressure is

on the Scarlets at the moment. Robbie Diack back towards his for

it. -- towards his forwards. Ricky Andrew up from fullback. The

Scarlets have to keep their wits about them. Robbie Diack gets over

the gain-line. The crowd getting behind the Ulster team. The

Scarlets defending near their own try-line. The ball is there to be

used. Ruen Pienaar has all the experience but he will not have the

ball on this occasion. Again, the Scarlets hang on and Josh Turnbull

brings it away. They did very well. They are almost secured a turnover

in the ruck before. -- they almost. Craig Gilroy is such a lovely

runner. Pace, balance, he is a dangerous strike runner. They may

have lost Tommy Bowe but there have an able deputy. He had his one and

only cap against Argentina. I think he will have plenty more. Into the

final 10 minutes of the first half. Still just a penalty apiece but not

Knoyle takes them back down field. The George North chasing well.

Andrew Trimble comes away with the ball. Ulster were lucky to get away

with that. Arm was to turn over for the Scarlets in midfield. -- almost

a turnover. Chris Henry in support. Phil John trying to rip the ball

clear. Nick Williams straight down the middle. A brave tackle by Dan

Newton. Nick Williams was only going one way. That is harsh. No

Ulster players were in support of Nick Williams and I thought the

Scarlets had won it Foley. -- Foley. I think George North should have

done better there. When you are rate fullback, you don't want to

see Nick Williams running towards you. He does well to bring him down.

They win this base at the contact and you feel that should be

turnover ball. The Scarlets were unlucky. Nick Williams is a big

presence. He has scored 10 tries -- he has scored five tries in his

a second strike from Ruen Pienaar puts the home team ahead for the

first time. Let's go down to Phil Steele. The big night in the Pro 12

tonight. The Ospreys could leapfrog the Scarlets if they win tonight.

There are losing 8-6 at the moment. Leinster and Edinburgh have just

kicked off. We will be keeping in touch with

all those games tonight. Ulster have men wide. Darren Cave links up

with Luke Marshall. Good tackle by Gareth maul but the Scarlets need

to hold their ground between now Louis Stevenson does just that. --

Ulster are very impressive. Touchline to still -- touchline,

field. Neil McComb is his been a very good half that for the

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that for a chat? -- he moved away Hodges said, he told what McCluskey

that he only wants any challengers or queries to come through him as

captain. Ruan Pienaar has another league match of the season, but he

has already crossed 50 points and is putting some daylight between

Ulster and the Scarlets towards the end of the first half of. --

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in this first half. - Ulster can denies the Scarlets the chance of

an attack opportunity before this half is out. Pienaar's kicking game

bring an end to what he's -- to what has been a very interesting

first half. Them might not have been a try, but there has been

plenty of rugby, and the Scarlets gave it a good shot until the putt

of Ruan Pienaar has shown that all staff have got stronger as the game

has gone on and they are worthy of that lead. -- has shown that Ulster

have got stronger as the game has Jonathan, did you get the

impression that the tide was beginning to turn in Ulster's

favour in the last 10 or 15 minutes? Yes. The scrum looked a

little bit weak in the last couple of scrums, they were penalised. But

I thought they started very well in the first half. The two penalties

were key decisions for me, they have done exceptionally well, the

Scarlets, but those two offences, I am not sure if they were that clear

cut. For backchat, certainly, the last one. I thought that the tackle

was made and he was going with the ball in the flow. They have done

exceptionally well and I think they are unlucky to be 9-3 behind.

has been a cracking first half, no tries but plenty of enterprise.

have seen some drama over the last couple of weeks and conditions have

not helped. These two sides are intent on playing rugby. What has

been impressive is the offloading game of boast -- of both teams, but

Ulster in particular. Once they get someplace they get the pass away,

that has brought continuity. It has been a great game to watch, the

Scarlets have done exceptionally well. There has been emphasis on

the contact area and the commitment and desire to win that. I think the

Scarlets have to try to loosen up a bit. Their strength is when the

ball is being thrown about, we have seen clips of it, Ulster are

responding to it. The more loose the game, the better for the

Scarlets. It has not been a clear- cut opportunity yet. I think the

one break in the first half came to the Scarlets, the opportunity was

that and maybe they could have capitalised more. Rob, you mention

the contact area, that has been a big positive for the Scarlets?

Quite a few Steels in the breakdown? Four in the first 20 a

25 minutes. Jacobie Adriaanse does very well here. He manages to pinch

it. It is a good quality ball. Their isolating the tackle, which

is always impressive. -- they are isolating the tackle. Jonathan

Edwards has unfortunately left the field, Josh Turnbull, they do the

hard work. Edwards manages to turn over possession. They are not just

slowing possession down, they are stealing. That continued through

the half. Ulster had an opportunity two or three metres from the line,

but good work at the tackle area. I am not saying it has kept them in

the game but it has given no momentum. It perhaps emphasises

their commitment to the cause. They are really working hard to in those

tough areas. Jonathan, your namesake, Jonathan Davies, the one

clean break the Scarlets had through the middle. Evidence that

there are some holes in the Ulster defence? The Ulster defence, there

are three defenders and Thomas is there. He should be creating the

space, these outshots -- these outside men should be hitting this

whole. Now it is three on 3 and Jonathan Davies has to do it all

himself. He steps inside. The man inside the centre was the second

row, so there are mismatches. Because of the turnover, they had

an opportunity to go wide. The looser the game, the better the

Scarlets are. The players on the inside have to acknowledge where

the space will be, they have to hold their defenders to create the

space for George North and players like Jonathan Davies. Unfortunately

they did not do it on that occasion, but they have to be aware of what

is happening, because the number of turn owned up -- turnovers, you get

two passes away from the turnover and then see what is happening. I

think there is a bit of a problem coming into it with the scrum and

maybe all stubble close up a little bit, -- and maybe Ulster will close

up a little bit, but they have to bring their strike runners into it.

Rob, you have been looking more closely at the scrum? Are the

Scarlets creaking? I think the Scarlets have done well when they

has emerged early on and got the ball in quickly. Ulster have proven

that they can exert pressure. There has been pressure on Jacobie

Adriaanse. He is not a big, big man, some others are getting the edge.

As the game goes on, they could dominate. They have Deacon Manu and

Rhodri Jones on the bench, I expect to see them sooner rather than

later. It is becoming pivotal in matches, in the results of matches.

I saw the Leicester coach going mad when they played against Gloucester,

he said they were dominant, and they were so dominant, yet they

were penalised. Because it is so pivotal, do you need on the video

referee, a specialist prop forward sat next door to him to say, though,

that has gone down, it is his problem? It takes some pressure off

the referee, because the front rows will know that there is a

specialist in the truck looking at them and going, you know, it is

white or it is red, then feeding back to the referee. We are trying

to make sense of it and he was closer to the scrum and I was! You

have no idea what goes on, and I think sometimes it is unfair for

the official to make a call with such significance to the outcome of

the match these days. Interesting stuff, maybe it will come in. The

second half is fast approaching, and there is plenty more sport this

After a short Christmas break, Last year, it was a bit daunting

going into the first deal of training and meeting Paul Tito and

Xavier Rush. -- first day of training. Make sure you tune in for

that. Liam Williams and Rhys Patchell will be featured and

Jonathan Davies will be in the studio. A couple of updates from

the other games. The Ospreys are losing at home at the Liberty

Stadium at half-time. The Ospreys could leapfrog the Scarlets with a

victory but they are up against it at the moment. In the other game,

Edinburgh are 3-0 Aberdeen-Leinster. -- against Leinster. The Ospreys

will be looking for a bonus point win tonight. The game is in

Murrayfield for Edinburgh but you would expect Leicester to win that.

Brian O'Driscoll, Gordon D'Arcy, they are all back. The selection

tonight suggests they want to push for those top four places. They

have got a Heineken Cup weekend ahead as well. I expect them to

come through. Edinburgh have been poor for most of the season. You

would expect Leicester to come away with the victory. I think Leinster

and the Ospreys will finish in the top four. With Leinster now, they

are struggling in the Heineken Cup. They need to win something with the

stars they have on the books. Maybe what they're doing is getting them

all playing together in this game and they will have to look for

bonus points in the Heineken Cup. Last year, the Ospreys timed their

run to perfection. It is all about the rhythm of the season with the

the play-offs. Perhaps Leinster have got the chance to make that

push. This is the important half of the season. Earlier on, there is a

lot of rotation and a lot of players get a lot of opportunities.

There are a lot of distractions. Ultimately, you have to be more

consistent in the next few months in order to get in the top four.

That is the key. That has to be the focus. We have to make the Pro 12

competitive. The stronger it is the better it is for the Celtic nations.

Whether they take it seriously enough, I am not sure, but it's

going to be tough to get in that top four this year. Last year, the

Ospreys were fantastic and they were not given the credit they

deserved. To win out there in Dublin was an amazing performance

and it is a lot to do with momentum. But you have to have internationals

playing and I think our international players have to play

more often. You can't all of a sudden, if you are injured, go back

and play for Wales without having the run of games for your region.

It is ludicrous. Players are being picked on reputation but they

should be picked on what they do in the Pro 12. We can cross back to

Ravenhill now and Phil Steele is with David Humphreys. A legend of

Ulster rugby. David Humphreys. Ulster are flying high and doing

well in Europe as well. This game is sold out. What are you doing

right? We are doing better than we haven't the past. The starting

point has always been putting a team on the pitch that can compete

with the best in Europe. If we can do that, our supporters will come

out. When you look around Europe, to compete against the top teams,

our starting point was trying to compete with Munster and Leinster.

We are getting better and better. The regional game in Wales is flat

at the moment. How do you do it? -- the we it was like. The rubber

direct get stronger and stronger. - - RaboDirect Pro 12. As the game

develops, we want to see the Celtic nations at the top of European

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rugby. They love their rugby here Phil Steele with Hal -- will have

updates throughout the second half. It is time for us to return to

with they youngsters playing touch interval. A bit of experience

coming on For Ulster end the shape of John at Tower and Paddy Wallace.

Scott Williams is on in the centre to partner Jonathan Davies for the

Scarlets. That is a nice combination. Rob Herring

controlling well. Ulster drive on. Paddy Wallace with his first touch

under pressure. Ulster certainly took it up a couple of notches at

the end of the first half and are looking to do the same at the

beginning of the second. Craig Price with a bit of ripping work.

Aled Thomas puts it behind Craig Gilroy and the initial storm has

been weathered. It was very well timed from Craig Price. Hands on

the ball, round he cans and steals the ball. -- around he comes.

Pienaar. Minimum effort for maximum rewards. Great timing with the kick.

He has got all the attributes of the game. Pure class. Gareth Maule

has moved back to fullback in this second half. Dan Newton has gone

off. Paddy Jackson. Ricky Andrew. Clever patterns being woven by

Ulster. Here they come again. A great offload to Rob Herring, to

Robbie Diack. Pure class from Ulster. That is a cracking try at

the set -- at the start of the second half. Little the Scarlets

could do about it. That was a gorgeous try. Everything we've

talked about in terms of the positive and attractive style of

Ulster rugby, all to be seen there. Very cheeky patterns initially. And

then a flat ball to the big man on the charge and a good offload. The

number rate to the hooker and then to the blind side flanker. --

number 8. You have to give credit to Paddy Jackson for picking out

his runners as I'll. -- as well. The conversant -- the conversion

was it -- was a formality for Ruen Gareth Maule back covering the

right wing. Craig Gilroy. Nothing silly from Ulster. After all that

flamboyant rugby, they don't have to attack from deep every time.

That is the mix they have got. That is Neil McComb. Ulster trying to

drive a line-out. They did not do that in the first half. They have

all the variation and they have every such -- possible string to

their Bowe. Gareth Maule sweet so to wait Kristian Phillips. Paddy

Jackson patrolling. Out to Ricky Andrew who has Andrew Trimble in

support. Andrew Trimble? Andrew Trimble's road was blocked.

blow of an early score will be compounded by three points straight

Scarlets were in the first half, that the captain is the only point

and three more points for Ulster. The building blocks are being put

in place and Simon Easterby has a lot to think about in the opening

10 minutes of the second half as midfield. Paddy Jackson safely

talking about a moment ago, we know it is an attacking game but they

also like to play from the right areas. Amazing to think that Paddy

Jackson will only be 21 tomorrow. He has got a lot of top class rugby

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Knocked off by a red? I think there was a bit of Kilroy on that one. --

a bit of Craig Gilroy. Even the decisions are going Ulster's way in

you've still got to drive straight! won with half-an-hour to go, now

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penalised. Leaching? I am not sure here. -- step on the market. The

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Davies. It was the right option. What a hit. John Davies is up and

smiling. That was an absolute bone- shaking tackle. I am not sure Rob

McCusker plays the right ball here, but Thomas does very well. He does

a great job of it. Have some of tree and is, and Tomas Vallejos is

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on for Sione Timani. -- Deacon Manu a return for Paddy Wallace, but it

did not quite come off. But such good rugby to watch. You can fill

the frustration of the Ulster crowd. Many will say go to ground if you

can't get the ball away. But this guy owns a rugby ball like a tennis

ball. He feels he can get it away. I think they got the benefit of the

doubt for that pass. It looks a little bit forward. He is asking

whether it is a try. I am not sure how that played out. I fancy it was

not. REFEREE: I don't think it is a try, but I will just double check.

I will just double check, then we will get the restart. Back

initially offered Scott Williams, but then I think there is a bit of

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Paddy Wallace in it. I think it is for the season for Nick Williams. -

- it is number six of the season. With a little help from his

friends! He looks completely disinterested when the ball is

thrown to him, but when he makes his decision, the whole Ulster pack

is in behind him. The twist, the term, the flop, a lovely,

individual score from Nick Williams. What a lovely career he is. -- a

lovely carrier. Nobody in the league has carried more balls than

him this season. What a lovely acquisition he has been. Two more

for Pienaar. Now it is damage limitation for the Scarlets.

are saying that on 56 minutes of what has been a gutsy and

encouraging performance from the Scarlets. A lot of time left.

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bully at the moment. Nothing the Scarlets can do at the moments

except think, here they come again! But what a great passage of play

again. That man is a wrecking ball. It is that combination again, Nick

Williams and Pienaar. Lovely to delighted with this! Listen to the

raw, Nick Williams has done his work for the evening. -- listen to

the roar. The crowds have loved every minute of it. The experience

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of Roger Wilson will replace the angles to cover for the Scarlets.

There is plenty of variety with Ulster. When they are throwing the

passes, they are throwing them flat and the guys are coming on apace.

Scarlets as Rob McCusker tries to lead by example. Approaching the

hour mark, and the third quarter. - - and the third quarter has

belonged completely and utterly to Ulster. 17 unanswered points in

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they can work their way down field as well. They need to respite. --

the respite. Eight change at scrum- half. Gareth Davies replaces Tavis

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air. He just gets the perfect depth on the kick to give his wingers

every opportunity to reclaim the ball. One of my big bugbears is

scrum-halves that simply look for where the opposition winger is and

take it to him. It is about putting the ball somewhere way you have a

chance of winning it. Somewhere where you can win it. We saw plenty

of the kicking game overt the new year period in Wales but it can be

such an effective weapon when it is Jonathan Davies back in. Jonathan

Davies is a little slow in getting up. Play continues with the

Scarlets in possession. Josh Turnbull. But they are being forced

back. George North. Using his power. But Andrew Trimble sticking with

him. Rob McCusker. George North has stayed down. Not good signs for the

Scarlets because Jonathan Davies is limping badly and George North is

Down the Phil Steele. A few interesting scorelines. The Ospreys

are leading 9-8. Glasgow lead Treviso 27-0. The top four will be

Ulster, Glasgow, Ospreys and Leinster if the results stay as

they are. The top two get the home draw. One of the Leinster tries at

Murrayfield came from Gordon D'Arcy. Brian O'Driscoll is back this

evening. Leinster were 6th going into this evening but they and the

Ospreys are both on 35 points and heading towards the top four.

George North is still lying on the ground. It was a good battle

between him and Andrew Trimble. When Andrew Trimble came in, I

think there was a clash of heads. The stretcher is on and it is not

looking good. Rhodri Jones came on for Phil John while all that was

going on. And Adam Warren is coming on as another replacement behind

for George North. Jonathan Davies will have to try and run off

whatever ankle injury he picked up. Kirby Myhill, the cooker, the only

replacement not used so far by the Scarlets. -- the hooker. Ulster are

preparing to bring on all of their North off the field but obviously

his welfare is the main concern. I am sure the Welsh management will

be looking closely and we can hear what the Scarlets viewpoint is.

Down to Phil Steele. The second half performance, how good has it

been by Ulster? They have been very good. Nick Williams has carried the

ball and they have crossed the gain line time and time again. We were

hoping to get more territory but we have not had enough ball. But no

lack of effort. The boys are trying hard. We are losing our patterns

and we need to get some control of the game back. George North is

being helped on to the stretcher. How much of a blow is that? They

have to wait and find out what the everybody involved, any injury

which involves some the being taken off on a stretcher. We will try and

bring you any updates we possibly can. Concerning times. You have to

get your concentration straight away and focus on the game even

though it is your friend who is down injured. Absolutely. You have

no option other tier -- other than to that. It is a distraction when

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these things happen. But you have An obvious concern for Simon

Easterby and the rest of the Scarlets team. Even though thoughts

may be turning towards the Six Nations, let's just hope he is OK.

After the long break, the Scarlets trying to get back into business.

The Scarlets one of the line-out but the defensive strength of

their effort. It is hard to see where it is going to come from.

Ulster will not give up easily. Ulster are the League's top try-

scorers. 36 so far this season. Kristian Phillips, it worked nicely

for him. He beat two men. A great run by Kristian Phillips. Quick

ball Fort Gareth Davies. Scott Williams. Gareth Maule. It just

needed one more pass. The Scarlets still have possession. So close.

Deacon Manu. Ulster's defence has found its shape. Aled Thomas goes

back to was the forwards. Gareth Davies has a look. Emyr Phillips.

Rob McCusker carrying the ball. Most of the Scarlets are in the

other direction. Josh Turnbull will need support quickly. Gareth Davies

to Aled Thomas. The skipper trying to hang on to possession. Rhodri

Jones has a go. The Scarlets will keep plugging away. Ulster not

committing too many to the breakdown. They are keeping their

defensive line. Josh Turnbull in the gap. Can he make it squares

might yes he can. That is just reward for the Scarlets for some

great play. Great endeavour from the Scarlets. They showed a lot of

patience. Ulster not willingly surrendering their line. It started

with a lovely run by Kristian Phillips. There was phase after

phase after this. That is a good line from Josh Turnbull. He ran at

the gap and realised he had to drift back out to get to the line.

A great bit of finishing from Josh Turnbull after what was a concerted

effort from the Scarlets. It looked as if the chance may have gone but

they never lost their composure and they get the try they fully

deserved. The two points added by Aled Thomas. The Scarlets are into

double figures. They have not given up yet. But they have a long way to

go. Let us hope that gives them of applause for Ruen Pienaar.

Michael Heaney is on at scrum-half. Ruen Pienaar, as usual, has made a

huge contribution to this Ulster effort. 16 points to go with the

two tries they have scored. But it has also been about the way he has

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marshalled the team throughout the who loves to join the line of

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have put in a shift and a half this evening. And still all * relentless.

Davies eventually gives some respite. -- a manufactured kick.

The Scarlets defence has been brought out of line, you can see

immediately that they are in trouble. Craig Gilroy is a silky

runner, but Gareth Davies was his tries to one in Ulster's favour.

The Scarlets have not wilted. Andrew Trimble Walters home under

the sticks. -- waltzes home. Try No. 34 Andrew Trimble. -- try number

three for Andrew Trimble. Look at that, running across defenders into

defensive line, there will be no just a drop goal over. Ulster know

they have the time to search for the bonus point try. Completely

relentless from Ulster. Scarlets fought back well but now Ulster I

in another gear again. -- are in another beer. -- another gear. Phil,

an update on George North? understand he has been taken off

precautionary on the stretcher, a neck/head injury is how it was

described. It is said to be a precautionary, he will go for a

scan tomorrow or sometime over the weekend. Even though it might put

him out for a few games, hopefully it is not as serious as the

stretcher would have made us think at the beginning. Not only is

George a great player but he is a great ambassador for the game.

Elsewhere, the Ospreys have won, couple of metres short. -- was

tracked down. The referee has called time off. What is the

decision? It is a yellow card for Aled Thomas. And it is a penalty

try, and in the most bizarre of fashions, Ulster have got their

bonus point try. Aled Thomas is entitled to come back, he is

outside the last Ulster player, he is the last man. Wonderful running

from Darren Cave. In the red zone, as they call it, all hands are

called for all. I am not sure what Aled Thomas did wrong. He is

entitled to try to get back into the defensive line. Somehow it is a

penalty try. I think that is harsh. The pass was made to him, he did

not obstruct or interfere. He was running out of the way of all the

Ulster players. To me, that was harsh. The Scarlets did not deserve

that. Possibly Ulster did for everything they have done this

evening, but that is a very harsh way to succumb in the end. The

Scarlets will have to see out the remaining four or five minutes

without their outside-half. only thing I am wondering is

sometimes a player will call for the ball, pretending he is on the

other side, but I did not pick up on that as a comment from the

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in their nostrils and they are conman and Ulster have got over

again. Eight is five unanswered tries in the second half, it will

be their best-ever win against the Scarlets. We have seen the running

game, this is the power game. Pick and go after pick and go. Each yard

making the difference. They are clever, it is not a single man in

isolation, there is somebody on his shoulder helping to lend weight to

make those extra yards count. McComb, the replacement second role,

gets his first for Ulster. That could round off what has been at a

comprehensive victory for the home side to keep them flying high on

Ruan Pienaar. Have they got time to make it 50? We wondered whether it

might get ugly. When Turnbull scored it was 26-10, you thought it

would be respectable. But they have gone through the gears. Fantastic

for Ulster. And still they have not Leighton Hodges brings them back

man of the match award. Even though he did not play in the final

quarter of the game, and more. Such was his influence earlier. He set

up the victory for Ulster and his team-mates are about to rounded off.

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little possession in the second the last word. Great credit to them,

they did not throw in the towel. lovely individual try from the

Scarlets. He had to beat a few tackles, Scott Williams, he did

very, very well. He looks for support, realises he is on his own,

he beads Trimble and then hits the gas. Nice try. The Scarlets have

the final word, but Ulster certainly stood up and were counted

this evening. No wonder they are at the top of the shop. That kind of

performance is what has made them clear leaders of the RaboDirect Pro

12. 47-17, the final score, what a treat for rugby fans. We saw some

beautiful rugby. If you go back a couple of seasons and Ulster were

boring, boring I'll stuff. You didn't really enjoy watching them.

It has been an absolute joy now, and some of the rugby we saw this

evening was spectacular. Individuals of great standing, but

as a side, they were untouchable. And a credit -- and credit to the

Scarlets for fighting, but they were outclassed. Three tries in the

final minutes show what Ulster are all about. Sometimes when you are

on the end of a 47 points defeat, the Mirror is not easy to look into

and there has been a lack of effort. But Scarlets were fighting till the

But Scarlets were fighting till the end, they just could not do it.

They may be dropping out of the top four but they went down fighting.

Ulster are very much top of the shop, five tries to two, a

spectacular rugby and their best An emphatic victory for Ulster. It

was a scintillating display and a deserved victory. 10 handling

errors from Ulster but it did not matter in the end. At half-time, we

thought the Scarlets might come back into it but it was a class

performance by Elsa. Very clinical. Unfortunately for the Scarlets, it

is another hammering. Ulster went through the gears. The first try in

the second half was crucial. They then went for the bonus point. Nick

Williams was special. Then you had Ruen Pienaar just controlling the

game. We can go back to Ravenhill now. I have got Jonathan Davies

with me. How good were Ulster? were extremely clinical tonight.

They put pressure on us and came away with points every time they

were in our 22. It was a lot of effort from the boys but we have to

keep our heads up and move on to next week. You have got a bit of

time now before you play in the Pro 12 again. We made a great start to

the season and they have to stay positive and look forward to the

great -- the rest of the season. There was no lack of spirit there.

It was just a lack of accuracy in the kales on but we are building

for the season and we have a lot to work on.

Downbeat but not defeated. The Robbie Diack try was the turning

point. As soon as Ulster scored that, they pushed on. I just felt

that Nick Williams was brushing of tackles and then the defensive

structure was in pieces. They followed the ball carrier. I

thought the Scarlets should have taken more care. The gap opens up

between two players and Nick Williams hits it. When you are on a

straight line, if Phil John takes him out, hears the try scorer. --

he is the try scorer. In that position, and you take him out, he

does not score the try. A couple of decisions went against the Scarlets.

The knock-on and the referee went to the video referee. That should

have been a drop by 22. Then we had the penalty try. We can go back to

Ravenhill now. Josh Turnbull is with Phil Steele. What was the big

difference between the first half performance and the second half

performance was Mark we put pressure on them in the first half

and kicked to the corners very well. In the second half, we did not do

the same. It is something we will have to look back on. What is it

like to face that marauding wall of White? It is tough when they have

got the crowd behind them. They were good in the contact area and

slowed our possession down. Scarlets scored two tries. What can

you take from that? If you look at the two tries, they came from

build-up of possession. We offloaded the ball and moved the

point of attack. That is what we spoke about during the week and

when we did it, we got two tries from it.

We can have a look at the table. There are still two games going on

tonight. The Ospreys 116-15. Edinburgh Leinster is currently

nine-17 up to Leicester. As things start -- as things stand, the

Ospreys are into the play-off zone. There was a long injury delay for

George North in the second half. He was eventually taken off. The

injury seemed quite innocuous but the stretcher was precautionary

because it was a head injury. He will go for a scan tomorrow to

measure the extent of that. Nick Williams went off very early in the

second half but he had already done enough to win the man-of-the-match

and he is a very special player. is a fantastic player. He is a huge

man. He was the difference. You talk about giving your side

momentum and this is in the first half. He picks the ball up and

drives through tackles. He hits great lines as well. When you have

got somebody with that ability host -- stays on his feet and he is

quick and he is a footballer, then you have every chance of making

things happen. Because of the possession they had and the quick

delivery, they got momentum and when you get behind defences, you

have chances of scoring. Scarlets have not been outside the

top four all season. Can they turn this season around? They are out of

Europe and they have got two Ferrie tough games to play. -- very tough

games. They will have a tough couple of weeks but they are a good