Episode 22 Scrum V

It is crunch time in the profession macro. It has been a bad weekend

for the champions. That tribal give Glasgow a bonus point. And they

left the back door wide open for their closest rivals. Jon Davies

saw the defence drifting across... Meanwhile, in Division Three South

West, they are getting tips from third top. They are so committed.

They turn up from work and do it for the love of the game.

London Welsh reflect on a traumatic season. To have five points

sanctioned was a big blow. Welcome to Scrum V. There may well be one

more twist in this play-off race. Jonathan Davies and Kingsley Jones

are here to assess play. We will start with Friday night's clash

between Glasgow and the Ospreys. Graham Morrison and John Barclay

were playing what would turn out to MacArthur. Support comes from John

Barclay. That is a great try by That, it to me, looks like

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Maitland, did it hit the line? If not, a Supreme finish. The try is

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still on. Brian Grant gets try No. a try? Yes. Cai Griffiths has got

give Glasgow a bonus point. -- doubt try. -- and that tribal give

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resounding victory. It has been disappointing, but the boys did

fight hard and try to get back into the gum. They are bitterly

disappointed. Meanwhile, back in South Wales, to room-mates were

about to do battle against each He has done well to juggle the Six

Nations and studying. A lot of the times he strolls into the room when

I am reading and he would leave me alone. He has asked a couple of

questions, but his medical knowledge is limited. There is a

lot of banter amongst the boys. However, you have to make sure you

concentrate on the game and deliver the right result for the Scarlets.

The Scarlets have won their last five fixtures in a row. They have

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defence drifting across. He stepped back inside and he gets the first

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again. Players are being bundled ball is out. Just hold it short of

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Blues could not finish it off. A got a second try! That could be the

try that heads the Scarlets towards the middle. It is a triumph for

Scarlets! A little bit nervous, but it was all about winning. We did

not talk about it before the game, but in the back of our minds, we

knew we had a golden opportunity to take another step towards the play-

offs. This is how the top half of Over the course of the season,

Ospreys were the meanest. They conceded five on Friday. Were they

are bad, are or were Glasgow just too good? Glasgow were really good.

They have been aggressive in their defence, the Ospreys. For some

reason, they were passive on Friday. Glasgow took advantage of that.

There are three off loads there. It is one of those things where it was

just strange to see that happen again. I think Jones misses again.

Those attacks, you don't usually see the Ospreys miss. You do have

to give credit to Glasgow though. They have gone about their business

quite be all season. They have built a confidence to throw the

ball about. They all chip in. It was strange though. Even the line-

out fell to pieces. They had opportunities. One line-out goes

astray and then the same again. Not only in the line-out, again at the

meat inside the Glasgow 22. They were all very poor. All of the

scrums as well. They are usually so powerful. That is their platform.

It was as if they said, it has been a long season and we have given it

our best shot. Unfortunately, it was not good enough. Between the

Scarlets and Cardiff Blues, the Scarlets have won most of the Games.

What was the problem? A Scarlets were a little bit more experienced

and clever. They had a better scrum and brought in some good tactics at

the line-out. They have shifted the ball to the back. The Scarlets

cleverly stay away from the attempted drive. It is all a bit

loose and untidy. Here, we are just on the half-time. There is

inaccuracy again. There is a scrum and scarlet have the upper hand.

They do get a penalty. When the Blues to get the line-out correct,

there is great accuracy. Damage is done behind the gain line and the

ball is forced. It was the story all night. This is the last play of

the game and Owen Williams produced an unforced error. I think the

inexperience of the young players in the Cardiff Blues showed on the

And they didn't really go for that bonus point at try, will that come

back to haunt them? Treviso will come to spoil and slow the game

down, and this is where the Scarlets have got to get the ball

into the hands of the backs. This is the danger men. You have got

Scott Williams, Jonathan Davies Andy Williams. They have to get the

ball into these players, they are the ones who are going to win them

games. Again, it is good to see Priestland back. He takes the ball

to the line, looks for space. They create opportunities, but I think

they have to open it up against Treviso, give the ball to these

boys. George North was quiet yesterday. I think it has been a

problem. Going back to the Ospreys, they have had so many injuries this

cf, players have that Paula Walker is injured -- players have left and

players are injured and they are curtailed in the way they want to

play. They had a scrum half playing play. They had a scrum half playing

everywhere. The Scarlets, they are all fit and raring to go, and I

think that is the avenue where they could really have a go, once they

get to the semi-finals. I think get to the semi-finals. I think

they have to go away took Ulster, and unless they bring those players

into the game, they will find it difficult. They have to bring the

ball to the best players. The forwards are doing a good job but

they have to get the ball to those dangerous players. Good to see a

couple of Welsh internationals back, Bradley Davies and Rhys Priestland.

It was. As Jonathon said, Priestland took the ball to the

line, it looked as though he hadn't been away from the game. In the

last 15 minutes, it became a much more entertaining and competitive

game. A lot of it was bound to those two players being back.

Ashdown to. And Richard Hibbard, he limped off, the Ospreys today have

said they considered a low severity injury and hopefully he will have

some positive news on that, we will keep you posted. When London Welsh

won promotion to the English Premiership, it was considered a

triumph for the outsider against the Establishment, but all, be,

there were too many obstacles to overcome and relegation last week

has raised questions about their very survival.

To say it has been a tortuous season for London Welsh would be an

understatement. To get to the Premiership, they had to do

business on the field and off it, with a court victory over the RFU,

but defeat last week against Northampton saw them tumble through

the trapdoor. They had other, number of obstacles but ultimately,

the odds were stacked against them. We didn't have enough time or

enough money and the Premiership is the big boys be, as far as money is

concerned, and it was always going to be a bit of a miracle. If you

take into consideration the promotion on July 1st, the mad rush

at the words, in all respects, not just the playing staff, but the off

the field staff. On the field, they have punched above their weight,

with victories over Sale, London Irish, Exeter and Bath, but off the

pitch they have suffered most. There was no incident more damaging

than the deduction of five points for fielding an illegible player.

It is an issue that still rankles. Ultimately, to have five points

sanctioned was a big blow. We didn't expect as many as that, we

thought maybe one or two, but I have five, for a criminal act, we

thought it was a bit heavy. But those of the rules and we have to

face up to them. It took the wind out of our sales. The incident in

question centred around Tyson Keats. The New Zealander had been

registered under a fake passport. The club was fined �15,000 and

docked five points, but in a separate disciplinary hearing it,

team manager Mike Scott was found guilty of falsifying documents and

banned from rugby for life. Evidence according to the club, one

man was to blame. The punishment didn't fit the crime. The guy who

was responsible for it all, I don't know where he can't -- came from,

but it was a mistake, and he dropped us in it, without any doubt.

What I am disappointed in his we reported it to the RFU, we found

out and told them about it and we got punished. Surely London Welsh,

as his employer, is ultimately responsible for any fraudulent

actions he committed? Which is why, as soon as we were aware of it, we

reported it to the RFU. As soon as we were alerted to the fact that

there might be some began this, we reported it to the police, the RFU

and the RFL. We did all that we could and more once we became aware

of the fact, we acted as best as we could. The fact remains that London

Welsh have been relegated and the fear now is the entire edifice

could come crumbling down. The chief benefactor at Kelvin Brian

has pulled out after 20 years of support. The Chief Executive has

resigned. It is rumoured that by chairman John Taylor has also left.

With money in short supply, there is every chance players and coaches

might jump ship. We have to respect the players' wishes and where they

want to be an some players may think, I want to be part of a

Premiership club rather than the Championship club. Even if there

are contractual commitments, we need to recognise that if players

genuinely want to move on, we should respect their wishes and do

what is in their best interests. The board had asked me to stay on.

And to fulfil my contract, which I am more than prepared to do. So we

will see how things develop in the coming weeks. A number of big

decisions will need to be made over the coming weeks and months.

Perhaps the biggest of all is where London Welsh will play their home

games next season. They had, of course, been playing at the Kassam

Stadium in Oxford, but the ground that that could be beyond the

budget for the Championship club. If they do leave, the chances are

they will have to return to the familiar but less salubrious

surroundings of Old Deer Park. like to think that we owe it to the

supporters in the Oxford area to look at all the opportunities

available in the area to sustain the momentum develop to the last 12

months to the Oxford area. I would like to do all I can to ensure

there are possibilities there. We are in mid-April, we need to make

tangible progress in the next few weeks to be clear what is a viable

option next season. The club is refusing to play the Blame Game,

despite insinuations from some quarters that the RFU never wanted

dead in the top flight and did everything to get rid of them. But

beneath the surface, it is not hard to detect a sense of frustration,

if not outright injustice. If they win their last two games and end up

within five points of the 11th place team, of which it considered

that a moral victory? I think he would have everybody, a place that,

the board and their coaches at the door of the RFU. I think that is a

very good question. If we do end up within five points off the

penultimate club, then there will be some serious questions asked.

Well, as it happens, that is a moot point, because London Welsh lost

their penultimate game to London Irish yesterday. Kingsley, a lot of

suppressed anger in that piece. You feel as though there was an agenda

against London Welsh from the powers that be? Personally, to

start with, they were going well, but the minute that Sale Sharks

were below London Welsh and went above them instantly without

playing a game, London Welsh went to the bottom, it took the wind out

of everybody's sales and it was a big motivation for Sale Sharks and

London Irish about that, and it has been an uphill battle since. I

really enjoyed it there for the first four months but I knew things

would be tough after that. I have also been involved in. Deductions

myself at Sale for an ineligible player -- points deductions. By

five minutes and they got fined �5,000. They are the rules, it is

very disappointing and from where I sit, one man has done this to a lot

of other people and it is such a sad thing, because all up that work

from a lot of good people, a lot of good work. This conspiracy theory

that London Welsh were upstarts and the RFU and the PR well did not

want them in the Premiership, is there anything to that? Again, you

look at the clubs. It has to be open. How can you say that any team

can get promoted obligated but only two teams can fit the criteria?

They fought that battle, they've won that fair and square. I don't

think the powers-that-be wanted them out of bed but they haven't

had a lot of help or sympathy. -- out of it. I don't think you can

say they didn't want them in there, but it London Welsh are in there,

it doesn't help English rugby in any way, that is one way of looking

at it. But there are a lot of good men in London Welsh and they have

worked really hard to get where they are. They didn't get promoted

until July 7th and so then when you buy players, it is difficult. Jones

is a very good coach, and also, if Kelvin Brian walks away, that says

a lot, because he has been there through thick and thin as a great

supporter, so he has just got sick of everything, the politics, and he

has gone, I can't be bothered any more with this rubbish, and I think

that is the problem they have had. They have been very unlucky, they

have done exceptionally well but with everything thrown against them,

and I agree with Kingsley, one man's stupidity has really cost

them their position. Kingsley, briefly, we ventured people leaving.

Jones said he will stay, will Gavin stay and will you stay? I am not

sure about Gavin, but from my own point of view, I enjoyed it last

year, but I do have commitments in Russia. Maybe I will go up two days

a week in and hopefully they can bounce back. I think a lot of

things are happening there right now to try and make sure that it is

not a case of down toning things, but coming back up. It is not easy,

Bristol are spending a lot of money and it is a difficult lead to get

our top, so they have been there and done it before and hopefully

they will go back up. -- get out of. All the best of luck for them. Back

to the Pro 12 and Ulster were looking to consolidate their place

at the top band take a step further to a home semi-final. But first,

the Dragons were hoping to restore some wounded pride.

some wounded pride. It was farewell to Dan Lydiate as

the flanker ran out for his last appearance in front of the Rodney

Parade faithful. The Dragons were hoping to end a four-game losing

streak. Standing in their way, a Dragons, back on the attack.

Sheridan. Trying to cross kick. Butler has stolen it and the first

and the Dragons have their first and that is a 14 point lead

and that is a 14 point lead and that is a 14 point lead

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through, and the Dragons defence Tremendous charge. The Dragons need

to keep the momentum of this attack going. There it is all Wayne Evans.

Ross Wardlaw for the corner. Wardle will score on his home debut, and

the Dragons only behind for a couple of minutes and snatch the

lead back. I have been here six years now, so

I have had a couple of injuries, and it is time for change and a new

challenge. A want to play against the best teams and what not, so

like I said, I just want to reiterate again how thankful I am

to the Dragons for giving me that chance to push on and wherever I go

next, hopefully I will become a regular season top spot after

each in the opening section. There was magic from Pienaar and Trimble.

Connacht were still in contention with 10 minutes to go, but Ian

Henderson burst through. He provided a bonus point for his team.

There has been one match this afternoon. It was 70-70 at half-

time. This try it was the pick of the bunch. Let's have a look at the

On to the Premiership and I were featured game. All the details from

that and the rest of the weekend's from Pontypridd are going back.

They set off on an eight day it bike ride to raise �20,000 for a

Another long one finds Owen Williams. There is the first try.

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How simple was about? -- was about. from Flanagan. James Benjamin with

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Williams and the bonus point as referee, and here comes Owen

Jenkins. A great finish from him. We played well today. We have got a

big squad. All the boys have come in fresh. We have played quite a

few games. Another winner on the board and hopefully we will have

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for the visitors. Aled Thomas showed great pace. Another five

tries and a bonus point as Swansea were thrashed by about Avon. --

Now, is there a place with more rugby stars per capita than a small

village in Swansea? Rick O'Shea has been along to investigate.

Welcome to the heart of the Swansea Valley. It is training night at the

start of a big week for the little club. They have to away fixtures.

If they win them both, they will go up as champions in Division Three

South West. We have a fantastic group of players who are skilful,

dedicated and committed to the club. They deserve the success they have.

They are by no means the finished Wednesday night - a phase one of We

Are the Champions. They have always had a good club, but over the past

few years they have become something special. The last couple

of seasons the support from everyone in the village has been

fantastic. The junior section is growing. There seemed to be

inspired by Justin Tipuric. -- they seem to be inspired by Justin

Tipuric. Phase two will happen on Saturday. Midday on the dot. Phase

two of operation we are the champions. They are on their way.

What is going on? I have been doing this for a few years. I enjoyed

being with my mates are giving something back to my local club. It

is not about me, it is about the boys. They put in so much

commitment. They don't get paid are anything, they just have some money

towards their kits. It is quite humbling, how much they do. Home

fully up to Division Two? -- Hove fully up to Division Two? Hopefully.

There will be too competitive teams out there to go. It is a perfect

day for me. One of the best days of the year. And someone will buy you

a pint in a moment and it will be complete. I think I should buy --

by them a pint. It is still nip and You cannot fault the effort, it was

They tried their heartfelt, but unfortunately, it did not happen on

the day. Even though they lost, or what a game of rugby. This isn't

just rugby, this is Welsh rugby, and this is special.

So no champagne for them, but they are still top of the league. They

are 24 points clear of their nearest rivals who have five games

left. They need to win all five with a bonus point to get ahead. We

will keep you posted on their progress over the next couple of

weeks. Let us go back to the Pro12. Next Friday is the final round of

the regular season. There are for play-off places and there are five

contenders still in the game. did look at the running on Friday

and that loss gave Scarlets something to kick on. And then

lying still have to win to get above Glasgow. -- Leinster have to

win to get above Glasgow. The scholars have to get to the semi-

finals. -- be Scarlets. It will be a tough battle. The general

consensus seems to be that if the Ospreys got there, there would be

better equipped. There have been some quality players on the bench.

Gareth Maule has been exceptional as well. They need everyone to

fight for their place and for the players to be on form. The last two

games, they have not really played to their best and they have won

quite convincingly. As I mentioned earlier, they have so many injuries,

the Ospreys, they do not have that pace. The Scarlets, they just need

parity and they need to bring in their back line because that is

their strength. If they can do that, then why not? We will have to leave