Scarlets v Edinburgh Scrum V Live

That's the end of it. It's a draw in Dublin. Time moves fast in the Six

Nations, with Dublin a fading memory, the focus switches to

Scotland. But tonight, it's about another

Welsh/Scottish clash as the Scarlets and Edinburgh fight for a place at

the top. Two teams, two nations, two cultures - let battle commence.

Yes, this is the perfect warm-up for the main event tomorrow, a

Welsh/Scottish clash to saver in the Pro12. The Scarlets desperate for

victory after losing three in the last four, they know that defeat

could put a severe dent in the title ambitions. And here is why. This

season's Pro12 is closer than ever before.

Nine points separating first from sixth. And two other games going on

contesting the top four change places, so by the end of the night

it could all change. Good evening, welcome to the

programme. We have a Wales/Scottish theme. Arched fittingly, a very warm

welcome to Chris Pattinson and James Bond, I mean, Gareth Thomas... The

Milk Tray man! Yes. We talk about depleted resources but

it is a time for the fringe players to put up their hands to show what

they can do? It is a good opportunity for a lot of players. If

you are in the national team, you are a definite for the region. This

is a great opportunity for the regions to start letting in new

players and seeing how the combinations can go. You can get

struck with injuries or lose a player, so it is an exciting time

for the advance of regional rugby to see where the next superstar is

coming from. Chris, both teams gunning for the

top four positions. Edinburgh's recent record, they have lost five

in the last six but creditly, the one they won was against the

Scarlets at home? Yes, it drew at home in Murrayfield. But Edinburgh

are a tough team to beat. They don't play the most parton rugby but are

hard to beat. The meanest defence in the league. They are bringing that

tonight to hope that they can break one or two tackles.

We spoke about depleted resources, there are many internationals

missing from both sides but one man that is known as Mr Dependable it is

Hadleigh Parkes. We caught up with him earlier in the week.

And Regan King juggles with it but it is out of his hands and a try in

the corner for that man, #45d league Parkes.

It was a great start but we have fallen off a few. We have lost a few

tight games but we are still in a good position.

We had a bit of a relationship with Wayne P at Auckland. I have known

him for three years. Once we got the job, he asked if I was keen to move

to Wales. I was getting to the stage where I thought it would be good to

experience European rugby. Obviously New Zealand is a long way from

anywhere where else, Wayne kept in touch and it pulled through for me.

I have had a great opportunity so far.

12 is the most preferred position. Having played there most of my life.

But I have been chucked at full whack, never before, so a sink or a

swim situation. But I really enjoyed it. I don't mind the utility tag too

much but prefer to be in mid-field. At the start of the season, it was

top four. Being realistic now, it could be aiming for two-for-one. The

next four weeks are important. We want to put the best foot forward

for rugby next year, you want to play against the best teams in the

world. To be in the mix and playing each week.

There he is. The man, Hadleigh Parkes captaining the Scarlets for

the second game running. He is a real fans' favourite in West Wales.

Wayne from Auckland knew what he was getting when he signed this man to

play for the Scarlets. And Phil Davis is our analyst tonight.

Welcome welcome, Phil. We talk about signing foreign players, the this is

the kind of guy that the region should be going after? Absolutely.

You have to do the research, know what type of players you want. Who

will fit into the culture, who brings to the team and Hadleigh

Parkes, as you can see the Scarlets have done this well. He is powerful

in defence. Ripping the ball of a prop forward. A great cover tackle

against Leinster. He is relentless in terms of physicality and contact.

He is difficult to put down. Here he spots a gap. He gets over and scores

a great try. You have DTH, arguably one of the

best broken field runners in the Pro12. The Scarlets have the great

start. The best in terms of line breaks. He is the reason why. He

scored great tries, had a great World Cup for Canada. Making a great

impact for the Scarlets. And here, David Bulbring. Tonight, here is a

real contrast in styles. The Scarlets with the attacking flair

and as Chris has said, Edinburgh with the meanest defence. A tackle

completion rate of 91%. So the Scarlets's attack must be red not

break it down. A real clash of styles to look

forward to. Chris, the Scarlets will miss their Scottish opening cider,

by up know you are impressed with a man capped twice for Scotland and

never fails to impress for Edinburgh? Yes, Hamish Watson. He is

really combative. I like to see him break being tackles, and here he has

the gas to finish it off. A good old fashioned seven. Ironically

Edinburgh and Scotland need players like that to play quickly. Hopefully

he will get the ball in hand. A quality player.

On the clash of styles, it is intriguing a side with the most line

breaks and the Edinburgh side who pride themselves on on the defence.

Edinburgh are hard to beat. Here we are have a quality defence. Duncan

Hodgkins has been giving the team a real attacking edge. If they get

quick ball, as all team, Edinburgh have the quality to strike out wide.

I hope that they can do that tonight.

I was speaking to Adam Solomons, the Edinburgh head coach.

We caught up with him. You have to put right what you did

not do well in the last round against Connaught, what did you

mean? It was obvious, the set piece did not go well and discipline. The

two areas that we have to get right. Edinburgh are a good set piece, so a

test for us. And what happened the last season?

They beat news the Pro12 at home. We would like to get that right.

Have a good one. Alan it is a lesser Wales clash but

I don't think you see it like that? No it is a important game for both

teams, for the Scarlets and for ourselves. We know that the Scarlets

at home will be tough. So we have to be at our best.

How will you play it? It is about each individual performing really

well so that the collective can perform well.

Enjoy it. Thank you very much. Two more games going on in the

pro-12. Both could impact in the top four. They kicked off at 7. 30pm.

Leinster, 21, Zebra, 0. And Ulster 3-5, Glasgow beating Ulster. Also a

game between the Dragons and Connaught. This is what happened.

That is Blade getting the ball away to Rodney.

That is the dragon's 22. Blade to Muldoon. And Matt Healy and

under the post for a first try for Connacht. Blade and Adam Hughes is

in with a chance. If he can dribble it, he is over. Adam Hughes for the

Dragons. Good control by the forward. Blade

has options. They are going wide. Here is O' Halloran. How simple was

that for Connacht? Landman, Harris, Ashton-Hewitt to finish for the

Dragons. Beautifully enneared by the forwards, the wing did the rest. The

grunt and shunt coming on from Connacht. It is Masterson lurking

with intent. And he is over. Are the Dragons going to succumb with two

minutes to go? In the shadow of the post. And Bundiake is there.

To have four players dropping out of a game is really difficult for us.

We are also nursing an injury list as long as a marathon. Full credit

to the players. We stuck at it. I thought we played good rugby at

times. Connacht had five chances to score tries, they took four of them.

You have to give them credit. And more evidence that Connacht are

to be taken seriously. The other game, it has just finished. Behind

into the 80th minute but then Giles went over for a third try. From the

ospreys' academy. Before the final whistle was blown, a dramatic

penalty for an 18-15 victory. Chris Pattinson seeing here?

So, fantastic news for there them. Right down to the touchline. Phil

Steele is paroling. We know it will be a forward battle,

which the Scarlets have to win to win the game, are they up to it? We

have made four changes in the front five with a lot of weight in the

area. We have a bit of experience in the

front row. We know we have a great scrum and a great rolling wall. So I

think that the boys will be up for it.

The injuries? Yes, unfortunately, five weeks in to it, now with my

injury but getting better. Good luck to you.

Perfect conditions. It should be a cracker.

And we heard Emyhr talking about the parity. Even without the

internationals, Regan, King, Van der Merwe, they have serious strike

weapons? They have. And the Scarlets have been renowned for playing

rugby. Obviously you need a platform. But a great opportunity

for some of the players, who are potentially on the fringe. Not

constant first starters. That is what this is about, these guys

performing well. They have the firepower to score the tries, no

doubt about that. Indeed. And we have a centurion from

Scotland, a centurion from Wales, and if the scrum line is not

star-studded, we have real royalty in the commentary box, you have

probably guessed what I am talking about but if not, here is a clue.

COMMENTATOR: Gerald Davis ?, what is he doing there? You can

see Phil Bennett out to Butcher. Oh, this is going to be the try of the

championship. I could watch that all day long and

never get bored, it is the President of Scarlets, Phil Bennett. Great to

have you on board. A very warm welcome to you. I will talk about

Scotland after that cracking try. Scotland v Wales, how confident are

you of a home victory? I think we could have won in Dublin, had we got

it right tactically. We had a them good backwards in the scrum, the

forwards dominant. We could have won. Confident for tomorrow. A great

pitch to run on. They will want to play expansive rugby. I think it

will be a great game. You can never write off Scotland but Wales for me.

Well said. We have spoken about the importance of getting points while

the internationals are away. Critical for the Scarlets to retain

the title? They have to win. Absolutely. This is one of the

biggest games of the season. What we look out for as viewers and

supporters is the discipline. Scarlets are leaking yellow cards.

They cannot do that tonight. Stent a vital game. Discipline is the watch

ward. Andrew Brace is the man who has given the Scarlets a few yellows

this season. But a big one tonight. Both teams looking to climb the

table. It is close between the two. The last five games settled by a

margin of four points or fewer. Will tonight be as close. Let's find out

in the company of Phil Bennett and Gareth Giles.

Thank you very much. Late on a Friday night in West Wales

and the men from the Scottish capital have come down to see if

they can continue their good form. They have won three of the last

four, four of the last six. Edinburgh continuing their climb up

the table. They have managed to get up to fifth. The Scarlets dropping

down to third. Obviously some people are looking forward to a good rugby

weekend. The whole Edinburgh front row is on duty. A useful back row,

led by the captain, mike Coman. Damien Hoyland with five league

tries, Phil Burleigh with three. So they have defence but they are

capable of scoring tries as well. The Scarlets know that they have to

get back to winning ways tonight. Hadleigh Parkes, back to lead the

team as he did at the beginning of the season.

He did that at the start when the international crew were on duty in

the World Cup. Now they are in the Six Nations. His duties return here.

The every green Phil John and Edwards. South African, David

Bulbring, and Boyde. Back after injury.

Shingler gets his start. Pad league Parkes, ever present.

The Scarlets can only muster four forwards on the bench. Steff Hughes,

the extra man. For Edinburgh, two players in Kinghorning and Richie,

who could have been playing for the U 20s.

Andrew Brace of Ireland. He is the man in charge this receivening. The

Scarlets in third take on Edinburgh who are in fifth.

It is Wales v Scotland in the prince Principality Stadium.

And it is Parc y Scarlets this receivening.

And Van der Merwe getting a gift in the opening second.

David Bulbring there. A dramatic start.

Will Boyde takes it off Aaron Shingler. Desperate defence by

Edinburgh. They have managed to turn it over. The Scarlets lose

possession and lose a chance. Van der Merwe almost snuck in under the

radar and Edinburgh, in the end, happy to get the ball off. What an

opening to the game. That was a shocker by Edinburgh.

Nobody called for the ball. Nobody claimed responsibility. Van der

Merwe could have been in there. I don't think that the coach would

have been pleased with that defence. But it turned over.

Phil Burleigh with the all important tackle to save Edinburgh and keep

the scoreboard blank. A real slack pass and huge pressure on Hadleigh

Parkes in the centre. Not his fault that the ball was knocked on. Chris

joins us in the commentary box. You only just made it. I almost missed

that. Phil Burleigh making that tackle. In the corner, how important

was that. It could have been a great start for

the Scarlets. Seven points around the post but here we go. A good

attacking opportunity for Edinburgh. It will give an idea of how

Edinburgh play. I would like to see them attack from here. I think we

shall see a kick. Well, it is in their own half.

A free kick. Early engagement from the Scarlets'

front row. And they have opted for another

scrum. Chris can tell me more but I was

speaking to the Edinburgh committee, sitting in the front row in Pro12,

yet going for a scrum here. It is the two that work so well

together. Rory Sutherland and Cochrane is a good player and

Andress has experience. I would like them to take a quick tap. Well, they

have played 11, 12, and 13 games this season, so they know their way

around the Pro12. The referee almost gave them another penalty.

Michael Collins under pressure. He gets it out the back door to Rhodri

Williams. Ju taking that back.

Bless her does the cleaning up work. In comes Tom Brown.

-- Bresner does the cleaning up work.

It's half-time in the other two games, Leinster with a healthy 26-0

lead. Glasgow ahead in the game 5-3. Tom Brown getting hit hard. He is an

exciting runner. Setting the stall. I don't think that the hands of John

Andress were meant to go there. But welcome possession for Edinburgh.

Scrambling that one away. Time for Greig Tonks.

There is a bit of a breeze out there. They are trying to see who

can get the advantage with that. Shingler gets the Scarlets going

forward. They look for a bit of width. Morgan

Allen, straight through the middle! That will be so disappointing for

Alan Solomons but very welcome for Wayne as Morgan Allen bursts his way

through. . It started from poor kicking. Then

George Earle reacted and it was moved out. Moved out to Morgan

Allen. He bought the time from the defence and decided to go for it.

Burst through the tackle with Hoyland.

There was a better line speed there. It was a poor kick. But you make

that a better kick with your line speed and chase. To be honest

Edinburgh were not interested. So Morgan Allen, thinks, hang on, I

can fend off a tackle and he is in for the easiest try of the season.

They gave him all the rights to make his decision. A hell of a score.

Steven Shingler supplies the extra two points. So even though the

Scarlets did not get of to a flier, they get off to a dpeent start and a

7-point lead. -- different start and a 7-point

lead. Greig Tonks taking the re-start.

No nonsense from the Scarlets's scrum-half. Polytheists It was a

great catch from Rhodri Williams. You mentioned it, the wind is

getting up here. It is swirling. There was a catch from Williams that

set up that attack and there was the try score of Morgan Allen with all

of the time in the world to assess options and drive through the tackle

of Hoyland. After missing the start are of the

season, he is adding in another try tonight.

Phil Burleigh... Waiting for the off load.

A beautifully delayed pass. The clearance is good for Nathan

Fowles. Both teams showing good attacking

intent early on. It has been slowed down. Phil

Burleigh takes his eyes off it. Hoyland recovering for Edinburgh.

This is what Edinburgh need after conceding points. Some confidence

and attack. It is a dozen phases that they have

gone through. The Scarlets defence is standing firm and pushing them

backwards. Not committing if they don't have to

the break down. Good for the space. Tom Brown on the outside.

Fowles... Still Edinburgh keep the possession.

Keeping the ball well, Edinburgh. They are being patient.

They are edging their way forward. Just inside the Scarlets's 22. Greig

Tonks has the ball ripped from his grabs by Steven Shingler. That

allows Michael copiness to clear. -- Collins to clear.

They sort that out. Steven Shingler didn't like the reaction.

Clearly a late hit by you. You reacted by pushing him. When the

whistle is gone, you stop what you are doing. The penalty is against

you for a late tackle. We can see exactly what happened.

The ball was whipped away from Greig Tonks. As he got his pass away, the

suggestion that he got the tackle in late. Nice attack. But look at the

bottom of the screen... Coming in... Clean and out. Shingler... Just

missed it. Did not connect. It was high and slate. -- it was high and

late. Trying to keep him from the floor. A

maul has been called. Good defensive work from Edinburgh. The one thing

we saw from the last movement, a bit of flair and skill and a few passes

from behind the players, keeping their patients, unfortunately they

lost the ball, but much better play from Edinburgh. The hold-up tackle

their... If the ballplayer's knees touches the ground, then that is a

tackle. Quite often it is about getting gamma MI5 -- getting gamma

knees -- getting down the knee. So much time on the ball. Does not look

big. Talking about the second row from South Africa, we would talking

with the coach, so much homework on him... Victor Matfield, one of the

greatest second row forwards in world rugby. They are very keen on

him making his mark. He has signed until 2019, so he has time. So much

time on the ball here, to weigh up... You do not often see that in

today's game. Usually you see the ball under pressure. One thing we

can say, Edinburgh have not yet got the gist of the wind. Some of the

kicking has been very poor. It has picked up, since the start of the

game. Steven Shingler, allowed the ball to bounce sensibly, because it

was held up in the wind. Good scrum by Edinburgh. Edwards and

Sutherland on the far side. Cochrane enjoying himself. Good

scrum. Scarlet have got a couple of veterans as prop forwards. A strain

all season. This is effectively the second front row. The first will be

tomorrow. So choreographed together. I tell you what, that scrum-half

reminds me of Justin Martyr when he was 18. When he was 18...

Rediscovered himself. Old-fashioned player, I think it is a really good

thing. Passes, distribute first, does not look himself. Purely there

to be the link between the forwards and the backs, when you have a

dominant pack, it is a good thing to have as a scrum-half. Such a good

player on the bench for Scotland as well. Failing to find touch where

they end up. As I say, the wind is swirling all over the place. Will

have to learn to keep it fairly low. It is all over the place. No, step

off. Line-out calls. That says something

about the power of the Edinburgh front row. Good position. Opting to

go back for the line-out. Aaron Shingler asked if they could have a

line-out, he is a goatee man for this. Shingler called that, yes.

Just to fill us all, they go for George Hill. -- fool. A penalty at

least to come from it. Speculative from Shingler.

I wonder if they fancy a chip for the caller, trying to repeat it. I

would go for the corner again, difficult in the wind, go for the

drive. When they pull them all down in that area, yellow card, warning.

Then it is in the mind of the referee. You can see him in from the

side, trying to tackle the maul. If you go back to three minutes,

similar position, Edinburgh had the penalty... The pressure has come on,

they have conceded a penalty, where they should have had an attacking

set piece, over halfway, they are now facing Shingler.

Somewhere in the mid-60s, percentage-wise, Steven Shingler.

Crucial one against Connacht, last time out.

They extend their lead to ten. It was a very good kick. Good kick

against Connacht to win the game. Last kick of the game went inside

the post, is used to pressure kicking. Shingler had a fair bit of

ground to make up to get to that one.

Boyd, loses possession. Edwards has gone forward. Can I make a quick

point, Shingler having to come forward to take the kick reminded me

of Dan Biggar, taking the kick at the Aviva Stadium last week, the key

number ten coming forward, and taking it for the Edinburgh forward.

Somebody else should claim that ball, not Steve Shingler. We are

playing an. And the knock-on effect, nobody organising, from their use or

a good tackle from Cochrane. -- from there, you saw a great tackle from

Cochrane. Lets have a look at this scrum and see what pressure there is

on them. Do you want to keep it straight,?

The referee wants a word with the two front rows. Come here for a

second, we had a discussion inside, stability was the minimum

requirement, holds the hit, take the pressure off. I cannot make my

message any clearer than that. -- hold the hit. Having a chuckle...

Both Tynedale laces, finding something to occupy themselves with.

They really took a lot of notice of what the referee said. -- both tying

their laces. Only his 18th game in charge. Trying to impose himself on

the front rows but as always, they are a law unto themselves. Good,

steady scrum by Edinburgh. Winning the penalty for his team. Kept him

in there, got the extra drive going, Llanelli Scarlets standing up. Good

position, do they get the three points? Do they put in from the

corner? Let's have a look. I think they go for the three points. Chris

will know the kick is better than I do. A couple of options, Greg

Johnson has kicked, fill has kicked as well. -- Phil

keeping the power on. Look at Phil Jones, saying, look at that, not my

fall to! Amazing, the prop forward. Deserving all of the credit for

getting in there. You were making the point about Dan Biggar, earlier,

you are quite right. We have played in those kind of positions, if it is

good early ball, take it, if it is dangerous, leave it to the back row.

The same thing has happened to Dan Biggar, and Steve Shingler is the

same. Nathan falls curls it around,

Edinburgh have their first points of the evening. Good clip, we mentioned

that he blasted it, never easy outside the right-hand side, not a

regular kicker, did well to keep his composure.

Sad to see Shingler coming off. -- Nathan Fowles. He is making way, so

we will find some company. I am behind enemy lines, in the BBC

Scotland commentary position! What have you made of this so far, looks

like a classic case of the Edinburgh scrum against the Scarlet backs.

Absolutely, Edinburgh scrum has been dominant, three penalties, but this

is a key moment, Steve Shingler going off, he has been a class act,

controlling things very well. He has gone off with an injury which is

really going to hinder them. Member you are in the BBC Scotland

commentary box but this is BBC Wales you are talking to. This is a better

game to play the last way, it is going to be more unstructured, both

sites willing to play. Last week against England they got strangled.

With the defence. I expect Scotland to press and be better, but I also

expect Wales to be better. Stepping his way back in feel. --

infield. Up to Aled Thomas to take advantage.

Phil Jones, driving, defying his age. And a chance there. 192 league

games, only John Muldoon O'Connor who has played more. -- Phil John.

Telling Andy Parks how to play the game! LAUGHTER

Thomas continues where Shingler left off. What is important from the

Scarlet 's point of view, gaining points, so soon after conceding,

from the kick-off. That is good from the Llanelli Scarlets. Putting

height in it. Swerve, takes the ball, who is in charge? Here he

goes. Similar kind of position, more Carrie. -- carry.

Unfortunately for Neil Cochrane, the reason he could not roll away, he is

down hurt. He made the tackle, well taken by Morgan Allen. Quite often

it is the hip, it is a brave tackle, a good tackle. Called him around the

hip area, strongman, brave man. I don't think that he will be playing

much more, he will not play any greater part -- further part in this

game. Getting the treatment that he needs, we will go back to Phil. 13-3

after 25, are you happy? Definitely, we have a lot of intensity. We look

quite sharp in attack. Morgan took his try well. Definitely happy. What

about Steven Shingler? It is an injury to Disney, so he will be seen

by the medics and hopefully it is not going to be too dangerous. --

his knee. Straight into the kicking, and getting one over. E has been

kicking well, over 80%. If you can keep the Edinburgh scrum at bay, it

will be great. Queued for them, the scrum and the set piece. We have not

done too badly so far, we have conceded a couple of penalties,

still looking quite strong. Thank you for your time, as always. Neil

Cochrane departs. Another hooker goes missing. Two in the Scottish

centre, Turner replacing Cochrane. Young lad, he was in the academy

when I was there, plays in the back as well.

Looking to go wide early, the ball has been ripped from their

possession. Beating the man very easily. Just enough to halt the

progression. Now it is Sam Baird's chance to go for it. Slips it back

inside. Good pressure by the Scarlet defence.

As yet, the Scarlet defence coping very well in the Edinburgh attacks.

Building the faces, keeping them in the same place in the end. As to go

for possession. All onside. Back in the hands of Gareth Owens. Just

missing out, Phil Burleigh. All kinds of things happening, how on

earth... Just a quick point, Tom Brown, looking very sharp. Gareth

Owen, normally a centre guard, known for his skills and not his pace. If

I knew that, I would be wanting to movable as quick as I can. Tom Brown

is a good player, really quick. Kicking game is not his strongest. I

think he is really at home on the wing. Fast, quick. Gareth Owen I

like as well. Good luck describing this, this is the end of it, the

penalty comes in. Dropping over. Actually reacted very well. Good

work with that, you have got to stay on your feet. Wrestler was involved

in the tackle. -- Bresler. Edinburgh have had a lot of possession but

they have not done much with it. Hamish Watson protecting the ball

but not getting a chance to drive on. Slow ball, cannot use that. Take

it up again. George Turner, replacement hooker.

Called them all very early. -- called the maul. And as usual,

Shingler is in the thick of things. This is it, the tackle... Shingler,

he as well, because the ball was called, he does not have to roll

away. I'm not sure I like that law. I can understand it but I would like

to see that player have to go away, so the ball is in continuity.

Leinster already racking up the bonus points, against Zebre.

Leinster are the ones in between them in the table. And trailing 5-3

at half-time, but now leading 10-5, Leinster. That is a huge result.

That puts them into third, second or third. So tight at the top. A lot of

players lose fitness towards the end of the season. Glasgow have two

games in hand. 17 fighting former pro Quattro places. -- seven teams

fighting for four places. Top six for Europe, and top four, for the

play-off matches at the end of the season. A couple of battles. Well,

if the results go as they stand at present, that is what the table will

look like. Ulster will top. Leinster will jump over the Scarlet 's. That

is how it stands, that is if it stays the same way. -- Llanelli

Scarlets. Five of the six there. To be fair, Connor had been surprise

package. The big thing, looking at the table I have in front of me,

they have nine bonus points, when they have lost games, they have made

sure that they away with the bonus points. That is testament to the way

that they play the game. Great to see Connor doing well, for years he

had been regarded as a junior. And getting representation in the Irish

team as well. Plain good rugby as well. That is great to see. Bonus

point away from home. That should be rewarded.

Feet going away from him, John Andress.

Touch finder. John Andress being penalised this time. You see his

feet going away. His feet are so far behind him, there was always only

going to be one result. Played well by Ben Tullius, getting

in there. That replacement, Neil Cochrane

going off with a head injury assessment, now permanent, so George

Turner will stay on the field. Just getting up. Only 15, 20 metres.

Might Allen. Greig Tonks, and Brown is straight through a crowd of

defenders. Just a little bit strong. Very unlucky. Might Allen could not

gather that one. Great work by Tom Brown, emerging from a mass of

defenders and getting the ball away, just that little bit too strong. Two

steels in a row. Watch Tom Brown here, no space to work with, steps

inside, good feet. Little bit too hard, and hits his chest. -- steals.

The golden raw with off-loading, if you can see the player you are

passing to and you know that the lane is clear, give it, but this was

rushed. Great attack from Tom Brown, again. He has certainly been the

danger man for Edinburgh. Gareth Owen, as I have said, on the right

wing, normally a centre, known for his skills and not his pace. Tom

Brown looking very dangerous and sharp. Looks like he's getting

treatment at the moment. I have always thought that he is a good

ball player. Good attacking kicking game. Tom Brown as an out and out

winner... Getting clipped as they looked to cover. He knows that he

has a big nights work on his hands defensively.

Scarlet will have to try to sort out this crime problem, they are coming

under pressure. -- Scarlets. Greig Tonks... Goes aerial... Safely

taken by Aled Thomas. Gareth Owen... Slip the tackle...

Could not quite keep his feet... Could not keep control of the ball.

Back downfield. Lovely break by Gareth Owen, I said

that he lacks a yard of pace, but he's very skilful. Lost control of

the ball there. Sped away as he looked to present it back.

Underneath the flanker, a little show of the ball, half past ten.

Talented footballer, people tipping him to reach the very top, suffering

injuries but a valuable member of the squad.

Yep, top quality player in the centre in mid-field. Not at his best

this evening but always useful he can move about positions.

If is interesting that Hadleigh Parkes started on the wing but he is

such an important player, they need him in the centre.

He is a strong man. Down the middle. A lovely off road from Toolis. To

Phil Burleigh. Coman just a couple of metres short.

Fowles looks to see who is there. The pressure is still on.

Coman has stayed down. The Edinburgh captain is hurt. His team need

points here at the end of the first half.

Mike Allen, no way through the forwards.

Defence, though, has reformed as they slowed the ball down. Greig

Tonks, oh, a good step from Greig Tonks. It passed Allen easily.

Toolis arrives. A good drive again.

Rory Sutherland around the corner. The Scarlets have won it.

They get a chance to clear. Important for them. It looked as

though they were going to score. They have come away empty handed but

the rush kick puts the pressure been by Damien Hoyland.

Coman back up on his feet on the far wing.

Hamish Watson... Again the Scarlets not committing to the breakdown

unless they think they can win it. Two New Zealanders, 10 and 12 for

Edinburgh. The Southern Hemisphere influence is big in the squad.

The Scarlets slowing down. A big decision for the cape. Take

the three points or the corner. They have had little change from the

Scarlets defence. Yes, the defence has been great. I

think that they will take the three points. Lots of ball. Lots of

excitements, thrills and aggression. Great running here.

You think there is bound to be a try but great covering defence from the

Scarlets. And they are still odds on to get the ball and make use of it,

possibly get a try but a wonderful turnover for the Scarlets.

Morgan Allen, a good night for him. And Kirby Myhill with the important

tackle on Coman to save the day on the far side.

Oh! Outside of the post. Damien Hoyland gets it quickly. A good

reaction from Rhodri Williams. The Scarlets don't concede late on.

There will be time for one more play.

I know there is a swirling wind but he will be disappointed with that.

Not the hardest one in the world. Relief for the Scarlets.

They need to keep them out one more time to go in with a 10-point

advantage. A simple mistake in the end and the

Scarlets' defence stands firm. It hasn't been breached at all. Just

the one penalty from Nathan Fowles. Striking the woodwork with his

second effort. The only try of the evening, bhe longing to the

homeside, Morgan Allen. I think that they would be pretty satisfied.

13-3 they lead. Pleased with the defence there, you were under the

coche? Yes, we were. I think that we have played really well.

The line speed has been lacking in the last few weeks, so this is

pleasing. How much ball do you need to extend

the score? We have looked OK. Hopefully we can get the ball a bit

more and get a bit of a crack at them. That would be nice.

Thanks for your time. These games are almost always close.

Often one score that separates the two teams it is close tonight as

well. Morgan Allen with that try. And well

taken by the big man as well. Edinburgh had a few shots at goal.

One at the dying half-time. 13-3 is the half-time score. The statistics

there. Scarlets making three times more

possession. Edinburgh making twice as many

carries. If Alan Solomons is having a look at the statistics, he is

probably thinking why are they not ahead? The defence has been

powerful. They have had a great scramble defence. Any time Edinburgh

have looked dangerous, they have snuffed it out. And the discipline,

two kickable penalties, one they have kicked, one they have missed.

So it is more what the Scarlets are doing.

Edinburgh has had possession but the Scarlets' defence impressed me.

And both of that is something that they were not renowned for,

Scarlets. Discipline, and the yellow cards, in discipline. In terms of

defence, it wassedburg's defence but the Scarlets are snuffing them out

at each opportunity. You read the riot act, the penalties

have been bad for the Scarlets, so there is a time that they put it to

bed. Defensively, the Scarlets are better but they are passive. It is

not often you can get a ball to outside of the 13 channel off set

phase. Both teams are managing to do that. There is a sense of

passiveness. As the Scarlets have a more dangerous back line, that makes

them a more potent threat. Even though the statistics may show

something, I think that the Scarlets are attempting to play more rugby

than Edinburgh. So for me, they are deservedly in the lead. It was like

the teams were listening to the pre-match analysis. We spoke about

the contrasting styles. In the opening minute we saw the Scarlets

attack and the Edinburgh defence? It was a great start. Highlighting the

contrast. As we can see here. There is a great kick-off. Edinburgh

misjudged it. Then a great defensive tackle by Phil Burleigh. The

Scarlets pick up the ball, they are on the attack. Edinburgh's des fence

is well organise Nuysed. -- organised. A great start by both

teams and highlighted what the Scarlets are about. And in fact what

Edinburgh are about in terms of a great turnover, getting the game off

to a quick start. Chris, if you were wearing the red and black shirt,

what might you be saying? I think that they have to mix the attack up.

You need a better balance. There is space out wide but often there is a

forward at first receiver. I would like to see Greig Tonks and Phil

Burleigh, the right footer and the left footer and more variation in

the play. Morgan Allen was not the first

receiver, in the back line but he took it well? He showed good pace.

Bur this happened from a poor kick. The Scarlets take it back. The key

thing, run it back, sorry. The key thing they got three front five

forwards. They are working hard to make up the inside shoulder. There

is a winger in two minds with two Scarlets backs, and then the path is

clear for Morgan Allen to attack the winger and score a great try. A good

try from the Scarlets. Morguan far too powerful. Over he goes.

Looking comfortable in the wide channels. Gareth you spoke about the

strength of the Scarlets back line even without the Wales

internationals. You were surprised, the conditions good but getting the

ball early? They have the intent to go wide. Outside of the 13 channel,

it is difficult for the defence to come up. They take the ball forward.

As soon as the ball is away, you see the Edinburgh defence is tracking

back with the Scarlets attack, so an easy place to get the ball. Once

there, you are almost guaranteed lines. It is great skill. Getting

into the middle to hit it up to make the numbers to go wide it is

intelligent play by an intelligent Scarlets back right. And Chris a

similar thing from Edinburgh in the wide channels nearly on the outside

of the Scarlets defence but snuffed by the cover tackling? For me, that

is where the space is. The first place is near the break down, the

guard, the shield, the A. The first three defenders. They were obsessed

with organising them. Towards the edge there is space for the defender

to corp. So getting the ball there, there is space to atang. -- attack.

It is an area with Tom Brown on the left and Greig Tonks hitting the

line and Damien Hoyland, we should be attacking more.

Plenty of dangerous players in the back line. Phil has been paying

close attention to the Scarlets defence, it has been watertight?

Yes, as Gareth said, clinical but well organised.

Will Boyde comes out. There is George Earle and Shingler holding

him up, there is a great turnover. They are well organised in the

defence. They are off the line and making good tackles.

Thank you, Phil. The second half is fast approaching. As always on BBC

Television, we have a packed feast of rugby coming your way this

weekend. Might that be the try now, yes it

is! Stuart showing all the way! Wales go again. He reaches out and

scores. Wales v Scotland is live tomorrow

from the Pincipality Stadium from S 4 C and BBC Wales.

And to the big event Wales v Scotland at the Pincipality Stadium.

The time to hear the news that Dan bigger has recovered.

-- Dan Bigger. Lazarus powers of recovery. So back

in the saddle. A huge boost? It is a huge boost to the team and for the

confidence. What I like about it, is the fact they put him back in there.

For me last week came a resurgence of receivening Priestland. We have a

world-class player in Dan bigger. -- Bigge are.

I have great confidence we have a great ten sitting on the bench as

well. As good as it is for him to come back, last week for him to

leave the field gave us that Priestland effect.

Dan Biggar is going to start tomorrow. That injury looked

painful. Will Scotland target him tomorrow? They won't target the

injury. The problem will be kicking. If it is not quite right, he may

have to strap it up, it may have the effect. Scotland have to concentrate

on themselves. They did to an extent last week. But I was blown away with

the physicality of the Welsh team. I know Gareth was in Dublin but the

physicality was mind blowing. Scotland cannot cope with that. So

by focussing on your ten, you are not thinking about how you can

affect the game. Hopefully Scotland will think of themselves, and bring

in attacking space and bring a tempo that is great to watch.

We have a world-class 12, if he needs to protect his ten, he can

protect him. The guys can get around him. If they need to protect them,

they can do that. They are strong on the back three.

And on last week's game, no better buyered guard than Jamie Roberts.

Now the thoughts of a families man to wear the Welsh Number 10 jersey.

Phil, we have spoken about how receivening Priestland has performed

but in terms of Dan Biggar, how good is this? It is great. For him to be

declared fit. There was talk of four to six weeks, he he is back. Gareth

alluded to receivening Priestland in great form -- radios Priestland, so

two great Number 10s. Hope that they will not risk him. He has to be 100%

fit, if he is, a huge boost to the Welsh team. Thank you very much. The

teams are on the way back out. Edinburgh, get them out on the field

before crossing over to the commentary box. I will ask for a

quick prediction? 10 points ahead? I think that they

will. This is a back line with a lot more

play in it. I think that the Scarlets will have

more possession in the second half. So Edinburgh's defence will have to

improve. But there are runners on that side that can pick up a loose

ball and finish them off. They have been close. So it will be another

tight one, I think. All to play. Ten points in it. The

teams are on the pitch. We can return to the commentary box, to

Phil Bennett and Gareth Giles. 13-3, the Scarlets lead. They have

been theres about all season. They want to stay there in the top four.

They will find out that Leinster has got maximum points. The games of

Ulster and Glasgow is another to keep an eye on. All that the

Scarlets can do is to carry on what they have been doing in the first

half. A good take by Hamish Du Preez.

Excellent defence by the Scarlets in the first half. Kept out Edinburgh,

down to one penalty. A nice flick out of the back door

from Greig Tonks to Tom Brown. Hamish Watson.

Edinburgh keep the possession. Going Hamish Watson.

through the phases, working their way downfield. But in this effective

defence by the Scarlets, they are almost managing to get the ball. In

the end it is DTH Van der Merwe who is amongst the forwards to give away

the penalty. What worries me, Edinburgh have lots of possession.

They are keeping their patience well. There must be a line break

sooner or later. It is only good defence.

That is unlucky on Van der Merwe. The ball was in Nathan Fowles'

hands. It was clear of the breakdown.

He just knocked it away. That is very unlucky.

This is a vital kick. The one he missed before half-time. A vital

three points. It could be 9-13. So this is a big kick for the

scrum-half. No problem at all. At the beginning

of the second half, Edinburgh are back.

The other two games this evening started earlier. Leinster have the

maximum five, they are up to 44 points.

Ulster have fought back to beat Glasgow. So Ulster as well. They are

on had 5. It is very tight at the top.

At the moment, Connacht, 4 #5shgs Ulster 45, Leinster, 44. .

Scarlets starting the evening on 40, Edinburgh on 37.

And a brilliant break by Rhodri Williams.

And Nathan Fowles coming back with a very important tackle. Shingler

loses the ball. Immediately a half chance disappears.

A great run by Rhodri Williams. He is such a live wire. I think he is

off to Bristol. Scarlets will miss him. He has quick feet.

That is where he is dangerous in open play. A skillful runner.

Those are the half chances that in a tight game need to be nailed.

But it is was very good coffer tackle from Nathan Fowles.

It is a pity he is off. We lose a good youngster.

Rhodri Williams his father was a very good scrum-half. With three

scrum-halves, it is probably one too many.

Aled Davies of course included in the Welsh squad. He has been

released. He is on the bench this evening. They need a good corner man

there for Rory Sutherland. Allan Dell coming off the bench.

Another South African import coming on for the Edinburgh side.

A big scrum for Edinburgh. Just scoring three points. They are back

in the game. I'm sure that the Scarlets will want to put on the

pressure. An important scrum here. The referee trialing to say before

the game we had spoken about being steady but it is in through one ear,

out of the other. They are not worried.

Two new faces in the Edinburgh front row.

Yep. Scarlets celebrating winning that

penalty. Hamish Du Preez just lost patience

there. George doesn't agree with it. They

are both going down again. It is probably this side. It must

have come from the assistant referee.

35 in April, Phil Jon. A wealth of experience.

Aled Tomas should come into his own. He has done well but he needs to

nail this. Great kick.

Thomas succeeds. That keeps Edinburgh just at bay.

Just what the Scarlets wanted. Right, Phil. It was a good kick.

Wide out. It's hard when you have to deliver

but he ask it there. -- he did it there.

Rhodri Williams indicating he is going to put the ball in the air. It

didn't go out of play. Edinburgh almost caught napping.

This is a little back field. Well inside the 22.

This time he makes sure. That's Rory Sutherland, quickly and

ready to return. They breed them tough up Melrose

way. A couple of stitches will not bother him.

A good young player is Sutherland. They are both small. Not big. But

tremendous accountsly strong. And hopefully ball players. Guys who can

carry hard. And ultimately looking for space

when they are carrying. You need a better line chase than

that. Good feet again from Kirby Myhill.

He is taking a chance this evening, is the young hooker.

Edinburgh's defence pressing. Aled Thomas loath to go over the top.

Putting the pressure on Michael Collins then. I'm a bit

disappointed. Edinburgh are under pressure but when the Scarlets have

the ball, the main man, Regan King, he is the man makes it work and gets

the space. He has not worked this evening. Regan King, a lovely long

pass there but not, there it goes. That is simple passing. Kirby Myhill

is playing very, very well. He is taking his chances tonight.

He looked like a centre there. A balance, the show, the handle.

Really comfortable on the ball. It is Kirby Myhill getting treatment.

So let's go back to Phil. Thank you very much, Gareth. A

council of Premiership games. The Scarlets' Derby. And then a big one

Quince against Llanelli. A couple of games in the

Premiership, Ebbw Vale wins against Cardiff.

A good Scarlets scrum there, Gareth. That Is Mike Allen making his way up

towards halfway. Damien Hoyland slips through. Still going, a great

run by Damien Hoyland! That was a close-run thing it was a good run by

Damien Hoyland. Good attacking player, Damien

Hoyland. He played in the Seven Series. Before that a great piece of

play between Sam Beard and Michael Allen.

Damien Hoyland made the break there after.

Two good wingers, Edinburgh, fast and sharp on their feet. They just

need to get the ball more often. Not exactly what he had planned!

LAUGHTER As ever, Burley is patrolling, back

in the 22. When Damien Hoyland made that lovely

chip over the top... Was it tripped? He said he would carry on. You do

not want to incur the commentators curse.

Damien Hoyland's last contribution. He is replaced by the experienced

Dougie Fife. Kennedy comes on at scrum-half.

Very untidy, pressure came on the Scarlet. They will be happy to just

get back downfield. -- Scarlets. Fair bit of kicking, and scrappy

play in the second half. Rhodri Jones. And Pete Edwards has done his

work for the evening. Rhodri Jones making it seven games in a row.

Departing for the Ospreys next year. Morgan Allen has had a view carries

this evening. And the game's only try. Bad

discipline. Ten yards for talking... Going right into the corner. The

referee is not going to take no-nonsense. Calling the skipper

over, listening to what he says. If he speaks to me like that one more

time, is leaving the field. No-nonsense. Knock-on effect, extra

ten metres. That is where discipline comes in, that is bad play. Young

referee, wants to get his composure on the game full top this gives Aled

Thomas a far better chance. Here he is under pressure... A wee bit

harsh. No excuse at all. Morgan Allen has carried... No problem with

the distance, just the accuracy. Perfectly judged. Big kick, in every

sense. Never easy, a goal kick, certainly when you come into the

game... Three difficult kicks, well struck. Edinburgh will be

disappointed, back in the game, and then they concede two silly

penalties, and all of a sudden, it is 19-6.

Out to Greig Tonks. Good break. Tom Brown again? Good tackle. He is

going to be a danger, they are going to have the watch out for him, they

cannot fall to give him any opportunities at all.

Watson, George Earle trying to hold him up.

Will not be too disappointed with that. I don't know what Chris feels

about it, but Edinburgh, lots of possession, good across the field,

apart from Tom Brown, nobody really threatening. I would be a bit

disappointed with some of the attacks. It is one thing getting the

ball to the outside channels but you must stop the defenders getting

there as well. Movement of the ball, to try to stop... The drawings look

at those two men having a chat, referee having a chat with them.

They were having a few words. Not very happy with each other.

A little bit of the ball... You can see him, catching him around the

next full of grabbing his neck. -- catching him around the neck.

Grabbing his next white Hamish Watson was the recipient, that is

the end result. Nice kick to get there, given possession away. 40, 50

metres. Almost a line in the sand. They have

to change the game. -- chase the game. -- grabbing his neck. Hamish

Watson was the recipient. They have got to risk it, that may mean that

Llanelli Scarlets get a score, but Edinburgh have got to change their

tactics. They have got to play more positively in order to get that win.

Only four forwards on the bench, they have really got to put in a

shift. Hughes is like an extra back. They will have to dig in deep, and

one of those forwards, with Rhodri Jones.

The substitute is ready to come on. Ben

-- Ben Toolis was on from the start, and now it is the other Toolis who

is going to be coming on. He was the star the other week. One of the two

men who could have played. James Ritchie. 19-year-old, coming on, for

Hamish Watson. Scarlets have been first to win any

kick that has been touched in flight.

Edinburgh finding it hard to break down the line. Phil Burleigh has

taken over the captaincy. That is better from Edinburgh.

Really good support from the hooker. Setting up here on the 22. Mike

Allen... A sense of urgency. Driving forward... Stabbed through. Picked

off by Gareth Owen. He is the one who comes away with it. Edinburgh, I

think, will be ruing knocking the ball in hand. Five metres from the

line, men on the outside, if you keep all in hand, keep possession,

that little chip, that was a waste of time, left the Scarlet is -- let

off the Scarlets. These chips work if there is no one in the back, in

the build-up, wonderful attack... Michael Allen, two or three... Look

at that, George Turner, the hooker. That makes the kick all the more

frustrating. They needed to keep possession and keep patients. Worked

so hard to get there. A little non-chip, nothing came from it, all

of that hard work has come to nothing. Big boost for the Scarlets,

soon. I have been impressed with Rhodri Williams, who has come off,

he has had an excellent game. Lets see what Edinburgh's Drive is like,

certainly, with Ritchie standing. Could not get the drive on and the

ball is beautifully picked up by George Turner. Tackle is early on

Kennedy. Reaches out, I think he has got there, yes indeed, the try is a

good one from Cornell du Preez, could not get the line-out drive on,

but twice the number eight was involved, and crucially got over the

whitewash. Powerful one, good finish from him, initially, the line-out,

the shift drive, very well defended. Edinburgh kept their composure...

There is Cornell du Preez, powerful man, hard man. Targeting between two

defenders. Inside Phil John. He had to come, all the possession, all the

territory, just cannot keep doing it like that. That is great, hard work.

They have picked up the banal tempos. This man, Ritchie, they have

added spark to the forwards. George John is a hooker, but he plays from

the back row, so dynamic, hard tackler, good runner.

Taking over the kicking duties, Greig Tonks. Bush is it to the left

of the post. Scarlett is still two scores clear. Edinburgh, certainly,

picked up the pace, showing their intent. Rory Pitman comes on to

replace Boyd. Certainly not the traditional seven. Is another big

ball-carrier, he and Morgan Allen. Couple of big ball-carrier 's.

-- ball-carriers. Morgan Allen. Carried well, as we said earlier on,

five yards, getting him across the line. Abandon what has had a very

quiet evening. -- abandon work. -- Van Dam are worth.

-- van der Merwe. Into the final quarter. And are

Aled Thomas's pace on the ball and distribution is really good,

bringing runners into the game. Gareth Owen... Held, let it go... It

is a mess anyway. Turned over... Burley. Looking for position.

Looking to keep the pressure on the Scarlets and that is just what he

does. Has just left. Added that game feel, did it feel like Scarlets were

in control? Yes, tight game, seems like both games are trying to play.

Hopefully we can hold out now. 20 minutes remaining. How damaging was

the Edinburgh scrum? They did not dominate with got some penalties

ourselves. -- they did not dominate, we got some penalties ourselves.

What we thought? I will take your word for it! -- -- what were your

thoughts. Yet to hear a prop say that they

were under pressure. What a thing to ask of a prop forward. Two fresh

props on for Edinburgh. Phil Burleigh, still, Edinburgh,

enjoying the possession. Now, this kick could put them back within

striking distance. This would be a vital kick for them, they may go for

the corner and hope for the catch and drive. He's quite a long kicker,

Greig Tonks, but I would go for the corners. The pressure they have, the

momentum. Showing urgency. Concede a penalty.

Not moving away from the breakdown area.

Moving the target... Defending it well. Taken by one Toolis and handed

down to the other! Ritchie making something on his own. Calling for

the heavy artillery around him for the then tool is leading the way.

Even though George Turner was there, for the walkover, I think... You to

chance gone begging. Defending the driving maul, but the big fellas

need to take those passes. George Turner was round the corner... Just

off the bench, tighthead, you want your handle the ball, five metres

out. Tipping the scales at just over 20 stone, he will take some stopping

from a couple of metres out! This is an opportunity for Edinburgh. Good

pressure. Sometimes the momentum sinks a little bit. Scarlets feeling

good about themselves. Edinburgh should really attack the scrum.

Looking for a solid scrum, looking for Morgan Allen to make a

difference. Concentration you, because Edinburgh have done well on

occasions. Solid scrum from Scarlet 's. -- Scarlets.

Probable you meant he was on top while he was on! -- probably meant.

Straight in front of the posts. All of the years I have played rugby and

watched rugby, the referee would give a scrum there, who the heck

knows what is going on, only the tall ones, the six foot four

forwards. You are right, given for collapsing, wasn't it. We have the

benefit of a replay. Edinburgh do have a dominant scrum.

It would not be the worst idea in the world to take another one. But

because of the unknown outcome... This I did not do roll like that.

Greig Tonks succeeds and slowly but surely, Edinburgh fighting their way

back into this one, momentum is with them. Less than 15 minutes

remaining. They need a firework, Scarlets, something to spark them,

both team and ground have gone quiet, I would like to see this gets

up, Scarlets forwards chasing. Edinburgh showing the urgency at the

moment. Not Scarlets. All the time in the world to put this back. You

certainly feel that Scarlets are looking to hang on. But there is so

much time left. Thomas put the penalty over. Looking fairly

comfortably. -- comfortable. Two of the four forwards on the bench have

been used. Half-backs changed. They've is getting his hand on the

ball. -- Davis. Van der Merwe. -- Pitman. Straight running... Going

down field. Good kick swirling back. Take and

give. Burley sends them back down field. Scholars will be happy to see

that go dead. Alan Thomas very well played. Cool under pressure from

Dougie Fife. He knew what he was doing, wanted to get out from under

the dead ball, while the ball was still moving. That could be a game

changers, lots of space... It has gone dead. Way back down side, five

metres inside the other half, controlled here, very calm. He knew

that somebody would be flying down...

Edinburgh going through the bench. Justyn Warner placement they haven't

used. Desperate for a victory. Looking to put the ball into the

corner. The nearly Scarlet 's only lost one of their last eight league

games... Against Ospreys, on Boxing Day.

Try to keep a bit more space. Looking for somebody bit like Davis

to take control. He has experience. Looking to wrap up the game. Then

come right back into the game. With the scrums in the centre of

midfield, both... Covering it... Could be a yellow card, or a severe

warning. Certainly not happy with the way that Rhodri Jones is

scrimmaging. Word is that he would like to be a loose end. Certainly

having problems here this evening. Thompson near the 22. Not sure how

Pete Edwards's engine was, ruing the decision to take him off, perhaps.

Is a great prospect, Rhodri transforming him into a tight head

prop. I am no expert, I cannot say, but apparently he would rather play

at the loosehead. Dougie Fife has moved into the 13

shirt. One or two changes. Good impact, last 20 minutes or so. Man

of the match in the under 20s last weekend. That is a real let off for

Llanelli Scarlets. Not done yet. Still has not cleared. Thomas had

more time than he realised. As it is, Michael Collins is under immense

pressure. Now, scrambling to get the ball away, from just a couple of

metres from the try line. After kicking the ball from outside the

22. As exit strategies go, not the best. Half charge down again. DTH

van der Merwe. They are really making life difficult for

themselves, Scarlets. Showing a lack of composure. Look at this, kick

charged down... Look at how much time Thomas had, all the time in the

world to turn around and put it safe, instead he puts his foot back

into trouble. Severe lack of composure, shown by Scarlets. What a

position here. Another good position. Putting your body on the

line. Toolis Wins the line, alarm bells ringing. Cornell du Preez, he

got the try a few minutes ago. Turner... He has been lively. After

being ahead so long, they do not want to give it away in the final

seven or eight minutes. Edinburgh are only one try a drift, as Turner

has another go. Kennedy... Davies gets the tackle.

Forwards looking to do it initially. A levy slip past. If they keep

moving wide, there are men spare. That is Sam Beard.

Massive pressure and over the top it goes and it is Alex Toolis who gets

the try that puts Edinburgh back on level terms. The pressure proving

too great in the end and two tries in quick succession for Edinburgh

have drawn them level with a conversion to come. Edinburgh have

stepped up the pace. Nine phases here, under control, understanding

with the spaces. That is a wonderful pass from Cornel Dupre. Out of the

back of the hand. They deserve this. They have shown enterprise. It is

great to see a forward showing those skills. Taking two defenders out of

the game. Edinburgh wanted it more than the Scarlets. What a vital

conversion this is. No wonder there are some dejected faces on the

Scarlets' bench. They have led the game for 73 minutes but now this

kick could turn all that around in Edinburgh's favour. Not an easy one

though. From the touchline. A level you strike and it curls inside the

post. Greig Tonks puts Edinburgh ahead with just five and a half

minutes remaining. What a kick under pressure. It looked as if it was

going to stay outside but it just creeps inside the post. A wonderful

effort. Dylan Evans and Ryan Elias on the

field. The Scarlets need something special now in the final five

minutes. Phil Steele is with Garan Evans. He

is very busy at the moment. The two replacements who have just come on,

one was an injury but one was for more energy. He said they need more

energy in this final five minutes. Energy is the word. Energy and

opportunity. One opportunity is what they need to try and get Aled Thomas

within range. There is Aled Thomas to Hadleigh Parkes, now the skipper,

and he really had to galvanise them in these final stages. King.

Offside given. That is the three points. That has immediately given

the Scarlets a lifeline. That was a big decision. The Scarlets will be

glad of that. 16 white, he is saying. The hooker. It was Craig

Evans from the assistant who called it. Usually, if there is one person

offside, you stick out in the line. Look for him in the scrum cap. I

think that is harsh, to be honest with you. Usually, if you are

offside blatantly, you stick out. He is disappointed with that. The

biggest kick of the season for the Scarlets so far. A pressure kick for

Aled Thomas. He has succeeded with three so far. And that is the most

important of the lot because it puts the Scarlets back ahead. Now they

have got three minutes to hang onto one-point lead. We said earlier on

how good a gold digger he was. Coming off the bench and slotting

three, that was the important one, and Aled Thomas has done it again.

He stroked it over. No news whatsoever. Good temperament shown

by Alice Thomas. Temperament, technique, he had what he needed for

the big kick. Morgan Allen leads the charge again.

Laid-back by Rory Pitman. This time the clearance kick is good. It is up

to halfway. Du Preez. Edinburgh have had a real sense of urgency in this

final quarter. They have at the tempo and the stakes. They have got

themselves ahead. The Scarlets smack back through Aled Thomas. Now with

their defence needs to be as good as it was in the first half.

Sam Beard had time on the ball. The Scarlets are with a want to be now,

down in Edinburgh's half. Just a minute and a half to go. Edinburgh

have got to attack from deep. Du Preez keeps the ball alive but Tonks

is under pressure from Aled Davies. Du Preez. He has been very prominent

in the latter stages, has the Port Elizabeth born Edinburgh number

eight. And the Scarlets now within touching distance of a very, very

important victory. But they have not given up yet,

Edinburgh. Alan Bell leads the way. Still in their own half. Danger.

Have they created in space? No. The Scarlets' cover defence is there.

The game is almost over. Your choice for Man of the Match? Not many

candidates. I like Du Preez for Edinburgh, Tom Brown for pace, but I

will go for the Scarlets' Morgan Allen. He scored the try and carried

the ball superbly this evening. Morgan Allen is Man of the Match. He

got that try for the Scarlets in the sixth minute and that seems an awful

long time ago now. But he has carried his share, carried almost

100 metres this evening and deserves that Man of the Match as the Scala

-- Scarlets looked to have done just enough for the victory. Three

defeats in the last four in the league for the Scarlets. By the skin

of their teeth, they looked to have done it. Just enough to get that

all-important victory. They only need to get the ball off the park.

Aled Davies is ready to do the second if he gets his hands to it

and that is just what he does. And the Scarlets mighty close in the

end. It looked comfortable at one stage. Edinburgh fought back but the

Scarlets have done just enough to get a very important victory and

keep them in the hunt for a top four place. It was very nervous stuff in

the end. Edge of the seat stuff. Two tries from Edinburgh late on. That

threatened to turn things around. A superb touchline conversion from

Greig Tonks turned it their way but then Aled Thomas kept his nerve when

he needed to and Hadleigh Parkes celebrating victory as the Scarlets

skipper. A one-point victory but that one-point will be just enough

to secure the 10th win in 14 games for the Scarlets. The sigh of relief

from Aled Thomas. He held his nerve to put over the fourth penalty and

the Scarlets have snuck home by the narrowest of margins thanks to the

early try by Morgan Allen. He is the Man of the Match and after the 22-21

victory for the Scarlets, Morgan Allen joins Phil Steele.

Morgan, that was a game you have to win twice really. We went in at

half-time in quite a comfortable position, we had 25 minutes in the

second half, but the boys died in, showed some spirit, defended well

and came back for the win. I think it was a lack of concentration.

Something we will look at next week and put it right for Ulster away.

You carried a hundred metres. It felt like more, to be fair. I was

pretty tired. When you come back to win a game for the second time, what

does that do for the confidence of a side, particularly in the run-in? It

helps a massive amount because it shows the boys are willing to work

for each other. Not just 60 minutes but for 80 minutes. Well done.

It really was the proverbial game of two halves tonight. The Scarlets

started very strongly. Morgan Allen going over for an early try have to

just six minutes. They work of the bully in the lead at half-time by

ten points and they look to be coasting at 19-6, but then a late

flurry from Edinburgh. Two tries from Edinburgh. Du Preez the scorer

of the first and the creator of the second for Toolis. But Aled Thomas

with a last-gasp penalty. That is the final winning margin. Look how

tight the top four is. One point separating for teams. Ulster and

Connacht first and second on 45, Leinster and the Scarlets on 44. We

had Morgan Allen say there was a bit of a lack of concentration from the

Scarlets in the second half but Edinburgh played all the rugby in

the last quarter. Credit to them. Both teams would have gone in at

half-time and assess what had happened. The Scarlets would have

known Edinburgh would be more aggressive defensively. They came

out to defend a lead rather than come out to pull away. They

definitely have the capability to score tries, it just felt like the

second half, the team that came out was a completely different team. The

coaches will go away and have a lot of things they will want to say

about that second half. They played for five minutes in the second half.

We can hear exactly what the coach is thinking right now because Wayne

Pivac is with Phil. You only play for five minutes in the second half.

Is that fair? It felt like that. I thought we had done enough at 19-6.

We are happy to win, obviously, but there are too many games where we

are winning in the last minute. Any reason? A couple of scrum penalties,

that set us back and we lost a bit of momentum. But it was a bigger

movement from the Connacht game so we will look at the positives and

keep moving forward. The other things the boys in commentary said,

bringing Peter Edwards off. What was that? They started to pick on him

defensively and he was tiring. He put in a good shift but he was

getting exposed. Fair comment. What were the positives? Coming back to

win the game twice? In the first half in particular, in terms of

turnovers, our line speed was a lot better and working for each other.

They were sent good solid efforts there. We were in pretty good shape

at 13-3. When you have come back from the dead to win again, what

does that do for confidence? First and foremost it is important to get

the win. It keeps us alive in the top four. I think a loss would have

pushed this down to fifth or sixth. It is important to stay in the top

group. We will take some confidence out of that and look forward to next

week. Chris, if you had offered Edinburgh

a losing bonus point before that game, chances are they would have

taken it, but given the context of what happened, they will be

devastated. I am not sure they would have taken it. They are very good

defensively. I was really proud of how Edinburgh turned it around in

the second half. They did not start the second half but Italy well. At

that point, there was a decision to be made, either go and win the game

or except what we were doing. There really was an increase in tempo. The

tempo and attitude they brought at the end, scoring two late tries, if

you let any side get a 19 point lead, you are going to claw that

back. They were up against it at that point. Phil Davies has been

looking more closely at what Edinburgh did to turn things around.

They decided to play a bit of rugby, as Chris said, and it started for me

with a bit of purpose. They are moving the ball from the middle of

the field, a great bit of skill coming up out of the back door, a

great ball to the winger Tom Brown. They go back to the middle, back to

the right-hand side, good powerful running and a bit of a line break

and they are going forward quite nicely. They just keep the pressure

on, they go forward, hard, they keep the ball well and

then they get a penalty try. It was a good start by Edinburgh. That was

beautifully described, unfortunately we could not see the pictures but it

was almost poetry so we understood what you were talking about. Tennis

more about the mindset. Obviously the messages at half-time Sundin and

they came out a team transformed. Hopefully we can see them this time,

some of the line breaks they made. They were fantastic. They should be

coming up now. They are attacking, they are off-loading, they are

moving forward with the ball. They are keeping the pressure on the

Scarlets and they score a couple of good tries. They got themselves back

in the game. That was a great try. And the pressure is still coming on

by the Edinburgh team. They score a nice try, they have got plenty of

numbers. In the corner they go. They continued that through the second

half. We were watching it from here and we talked at the top of the half

about how strangely Edinburgh seemed lethargic -- the Scarlets seemed

lethargic. They were happy to defend. But at the very end when

they went down with that touchline conversion, they suddenly seemed

like a team alive again. Why did it take them to go behind? Sometimes

you need to gather behind the post, you can group together. You are in a

difficult place. It must be so frustrating as a coach to see your

team go behind on 75 minutes and yet, all of a sudden, see them come

to life, get one opportunity in the half, and sneak the game. I think

you can look at some good leadership from the Scarlets, the fact they got

behind the posts and got together. But at this level, you expect a team

to come out and not defend their lead. The capabilities they have,

the conditions, they could have come out and played more rugby. And when

they needed to, the frustrating thing is, they took the points. I

think we can have a look at that now. It was the restart after the

touchline conversion being scored. You can see from the intensity they

mean business. The energy was different. They know they have

something to do, they have a goal, a target. Everybody suddenly want the

ball and nobody wants to defend, nobody wants to be passive. They

want to get over the gain line. When you are that aggressive you can

force penalties. I think Alan Solomons has spoken to Phil Steele

in the post-match interview. I think there were a few bars at the referee

and when Chris Paterson came back to the studio, that last penalty was a

contentious one. Do you think Edinburgh are justified in feeling

hard done by. He was not ahead of the line, really. There was a decent

sector. Usually, if it is an obvious penalty, a multicoloured scrum cap,

he would be way ahead. But you go back to being 19-6 down, these

points can ultimately win the game. But don't allow a team such a big

lead. But on the positive side, when the team is attacking, if there is a

contentious decision, the referee is going to go with the intent to play

and attack. The mindset of the Scarlets almost won them the

penalty. We can hear now from Alan Solomons. Bad luck on the defeat but

how proud were you of the second-half comeback? I thought in

the second half we played tremendously. The last penalty, when

I looked on the television, there was no offside. I think it is time

in this competition we have three neutral officials. Can you elaborate

on that. I don't think he was offside. That is disappointing

because I thought we did enough in the second half to deserve to win

the game. What did you put your comeback down? We made too many

errors in the first half. All their points came through our errors and

we missed one or two opportunities because of mistakes. In the second

half we improve that, we got back into the game, and it is

disappointing to lose like that. Will you make an approach to the

referee or to the league? I will work through the referee manager.

What about the rest of the season? You did get a losing bonus point.

They all count at this stage. They do, but we are disappointed not to

get the win. That game was ours and, I think, deservedly so. Thank you

for your time. Where does this leave Edinburgh now? The Scarlets are

still in the top four. Do Edinburgh still looked like a team that can

challenge? I think so. Glasgow have two games in hand, the Scarlets one

tonight and dropped a place in the league. That is how close it is. The

Edinburgh office. The defence is so strong, they can set a foundation.

With Duncan Hodge coming in as assistant coach as well, you can see

a shift more to attacking lovely -- rugby. As the weather improves, the

pitches dry up, we can see Michael Allen, Sam Beard, Tom Brown, causing

problems. They are in a position to challenge the top four. Let's hear

from Phil Bennett. You watched that one from the commentary point and it

was tense at times and there was a point when we thought the Scarlets

work is doubly in the league but they almost lost that game. They are

still in the top four and with a third of the season left, on course

for a play-off place. They battled hard. I don't think it was their

finest performance. There was no enterprise at times, they panicked

on occasions, but as long as you get the win, that is all that matters.

Edinburgh were excellent in the second half, Tom Brown was good,

Morgan Allen was outstanding for the Scarlets. But at the end of the day,

they take the victory and they are still in the top four. We will talk

in a little while about the big-game tomorrow but here is a quick

reminder of how you can watch that and what other rugby is coming your

way. Jonathan Davies slips the tackle and

might be that right? Wales go again and Taulupe Faletau

goes with it and scores! Big weekend ahead. Warren Gatland

has been Wales coach since 2008 and in that time he has never lost to

Scotland. As he told the press this week, he is taking nothing for

granted. You can't rest on your role -- laurels in having that record and

we would like to continue it for as long as we can. As a side, they

don't look too far-away and I think one of the things you come in with a

new team is that, and it looks like Vern Cotter has done this, you

concentrate on playing rugby, you concentrate on being a test team to

beat and they are at the moment. And then you get the bounce of the ball,

a couple of decisions, a couple of lucky things and you start winning

games. I don't think Scotland are too far away. There seems to be a

lot of confidence coming out of their camp and there was a lot of

confidence before last week's game. Even though they lost, I don't think

that it would have dented their enthusiasm or confidence.

Chris, there has been a lot of positivity and optimism surrounding

Scottish lovely -- rugby, coming within a whisker of a semifinal at

the World Cup. But their Six Nations record, they have now lost eight in

a row. Where are Scotland at? I think in Scotland we are guilty, as

is everyone, of being way of their way down there. I think we are

somewhere in between. We have got a great coaching staff, a good set of

individuals, but at the World Cup, it was close but we were four

minutes away from being beaten by Samoa in the group stages. Whereas,

last week, we were not as bad as some people are making out. We have

got good players, good individuals, but we need to be more consistent. I

would like to see us change the way we play a little bit more and open

up. At the moment we have lost the first game ten years in a row in the

Six Nations. We have not won in Cardiff since 2002. It is great to

hear Greig Laidlaw to say they have got a few things about this leave.

Hopefully they will quicken the temple. But Wales are such a

physical team, it is going to be such a big ask. Even though we have

had talk of playing a more expansive game and looking to go wide,

presumably they will know against Scotland, power is probably the

route to success. We are a really powerful side, we are successful

side and I believe we are skilful side. It is just at the moment what

is good for us and what would for us is the power game. I believe

Scotland will have to come and bring something different because they

want out power is. It takes two teams to play rugby and I think if

the Scotland team come with an understanding to try and play

outside 13 or play wide and expansive, Wales can also do that

and I think if they come with it, Wales will match them and I think we

will see the best of Wales. The attacking ability. A quiz question

for you, the last time Scotland beat Wales was 2007. Who scored all their

points that day? You tell me. It was Chris Paterson. You are too modest.

It must bring back all kinds of fond memories. Your 100th cap. It was

such an incredible day. The game was set up, Shane Williams' last-minute

try in overtime to win it. We led from start to finish, almost. It was

my 100th cap. I love playing in Cardiff. But I ended up in Accident

and Emergency with a fairly bad injury and I have never watched the

game back. It is too painful. I have heard all the stories. There have

been some great Wales against Scotland clashes because Scotland

are skilful team. They have a great skill set and I think Wales buy into

that as well. Predictions? I thought Wales would win the championship.

They were my tip last week. I still think they will do that because of

the physicality. I was at Twickenham for the World Cup quarterfinal

between South Africa and Wales and I have never seen any team deal with

the South African's physicality like that. Scotland will need some of

that tomorrow. One word. Wales. As the boys have said, there have been

some ethics between these two teams and perhaps none more so than the

2010 game. It was the day Chris Paterson won his 100th cap but it

ended in defeat for the Scots. It was an enormously dramatic

encounter. Shane Williams went over in the 82nd minute. Look away now

Chris. If tomorrow's game is anyway as near as good as this, it will be

an absolute belter. They have got to go wide. Leigh

Halfpenny with the chase. Leigh Halfpenny! Five metres short. It is

there to be claimed by Wales. They have just got to keep their

composure now. Taken on by Alun Wyn Jones. They are lining up outside.

Bradley Davies infield. Shane Williams! And Shane Williams has won

the most dramatic game in this Six Nations, perhaps in any Six Nations.

What I'm raising my game

and I WILL come out on top. Bring it on. Bring it on.

Bring it on. This time, we're aiming higher

than ever before.