Leinster v Scarlets Scrum V

Just two games away from the end of season show piece. Can Johnny Sexton

help guide his team-mates to a record seventh final appearance.

He's accompanied by fellow Lions who will be desperate for a win at the

RDS. The Scarlets are underdogs. John Barclay leads the side. Rob

Evans is keen to make history for his home region.

No more opportunities... Will pass our door... And this is our ship.

One letter and two Os... Divide us on our way. This is the location

that we choose. To plant the deepest root... And

this is the location... Of the heaviest blood... Which threatens to

drown us... This is our time... Come on Scarlets! Come on Scarlets! Come

on Scarlets... Come on the Scarlets...

They have only won once at the RDS. That was ten long years ago. This is

knock-out rugby. A place in the final is at stake. Wayne Pivac's men

have played with flare this season. They fear no-one. Welcome to Scrum V

live. The first of two Pro12 semi-finals. Onthan Davies and Sean

joining me this evening. How good is it to have two Welsh regions in the

semi-finals Above Glasgow and Ulster, it is a great achievement

for both of them. It is a shame they've had to travel away. Maybe

next year get higher. The odds are stacked against them. No shortage of

passion. They would have been struck by the blow that Ken Owens is out. A

big loss. The theme of their season is how they have developed this next

layer of youngers. And he is an able deputy. . They will miss Ken's

leadership. He's been really on form. Dezered the selection. Jake

Ball a miss. Very experienced A strong looking team, irrespective of

how Leinster are at the RDS. Great to have John Barclay in his

leadership to call upon. There are a couple of special guests

with Phil. Where are you, Phil? Thank you very musm.

100,000 welcomes as they say in these parts. A great atmosphere

here. A great sense of expectation. Paul and Martin are with me. Is this

mission impossible for the Scarlets? They have not won away in a

semifinal and not many win here anyway. When you look at the form

the Scarlets have had over the last month or so. Leinster have hit their

form this season, compared to last. The reason why they are getting

quick ball, great presentation, identifying space and even the

marquee players, missing. You have Carbery at full-back. Such

an exciting attacker. He's also making Johnny Sexton play better by

giving him a second option, a passing op shn U it will be very,

very tough. There are weaknesses in the Leinster line-out-out. If they

can attack Joey Carbery, it is a defensive case. What is the case for

the prosecution then, Martin? You have won here with The Blues in your

time. What does it take to win at the RDS? Have the Scarlets got what

it takes. I don't think they have lost a semifinal in the Pro12

Leinster. Look at the guys who are involved. Shows a length and depth.

The Scarlets have the quality. Look at the Williams, on fire at the

minute. If they can get up front, then they will cause Leinster prons.

The pressure -- problems. The pressure is off. Speaking to Stephen

Jones, they are confident, relaxed. It should be a great night. Two

sides that love playing attacking rugby. Cannot wait for it. What a

track, indeed. Interesting stuff from the boys

there. It should be an important, exciting game. Leinster are abrasive

in getting off the line. They are looking to come hard in the

mid-field and knock down the Scarlet centres. Look for that tonight. What

they tend to do is they come out very individually, leaving space the

inside. If the Scarlets can hold their depth, look at Connacht here,

subtle skills. Look for James Davies and Aaron Shingler.

In recent weeks I have been Lording this Scarlets attack. Both sides

pulling back. That means that Leinster will have to defend the

short side and both sides of the ruck. That means on this openside

they could be found wanting a little bit short. With Jonathan Davies and

Liam Williams this is an area they could exploit. If they get into the

wider channels often enough they could pose Leinster a threat. So a

potential weakness for Leinster. Scarlets have been doing that all

season. It could be their weakness and their strength. If the Scarlets

don't work out how to beat the defence, it will be a long evening

for them. They are full of confidence. The difference for me

for the Scarlets is the front five are putting balls through the hands

as well F they hold the inside of the Leinster men, then the

opportunities will be out wide. If it will Mr Difficult. Early on if

they get an inside ball and hit that gap on the inside, maybe they can

exploit it and slow the Blitz pace down a bit then. I am sure the

Scarlets' head coach will feel he's studying all the weaknesses all

week. He also had some time for some down time.

You left all your gear in there! # Be there till the end of time

# So, you've got to let me know # Should I stay or should I go...

# It's always tease... # Should I stay or should I go

# Preparations have gone well.

It was fun with the boys. You are losing Ken Owens tonight. How big a

loss is he, but as a hooker in great form and a leader? He's a great

loss. He's played very well. British Lions. A great loss. Not many teams

win here, how do you get a victory? Perform like we did against the

Ospreys. It will be fiercely competitive across the park. Make

sure we front up the men in the physicality stakes. All the best.

Thank you. We have two of the best counter attacking teams in the

Guinness Pro12, in this semifinal tonight. They score lots of tries

from lose play. Kicking will be very important tonight. We saw what the

Scarlets did against the Ospreys. Aaron Shingler on the end. Very

often on the inside. Back in March, in the league game at the RDS, the

Scarlets kicked poorly. The team found a weakness in the Scarlets'

defence with this cross-field kick. Also look out for Carbery. Counter

attacking at his best. Young players who want to attack. Again, a lose

kick from Johnny Mcnicholl, they are pulling back on the top of the

screen Looking to counter attack. Later they identify this cross-field

kick. Look out for Sexton doing that tonight. I think that both sides

have to have a top kicking game to really stop the opposition from

counter attacking. So no specialist fly back for the

Scarlets. That means if the Scarlets are to get their kicking strategy

right, a lot of weight falls on the shoulders tonight. The strategy or

the battle, it is being clinical in making the right decisions. Are they

going to be under pressure - it will be an intense game. They have to

make the right decisions at the right time. They will create

opportunities for themselves. They have got, what has been good for the

Scarlets is they have Mcnicholl in and the execution of passes, even on

the short time. If they are clinical and do the core skills right, then

and hopefully not try too hard. Some of the footage we saw in that piece

there was that 45-9 defeat. The last defeat the Scarlets suffered in the

league. Will that any bearing on the match tonight? Not at all. It will

be trap door and end of the season if you don't win it. They realise

what they have to do. But think they have the players there capable of

doing Something Special. As was said, getting parity up property

front. -- getting parity up front. So we have heard the thoughts of

Wayne. Now let's hear from his opposite number.

. Most rugby stages have when ter down

as favourites. How do you -- have Leinster down as favourites. How do

you cope with the expectation? We are very focussed on ourselves. We

know we have come to this home semifinal. Come off the

disappointment of losing a semifinal in Europe. For us it is about

learning the lessons that we unfortunately, painfully, had to

experience that day in loin and understand how we can -- Lyons and

understand how we can handle it better. We've had good days at the

RDS this year. It is about focussing on ourselves to put in a big

performance. We are not concerned about the external pressure. We are

always trying to get that bit better. In a word, what do you

expect from the Scarlets? Good intensity. We mention Lions, the

Scarlets' back line is irresistible at times. Who are you looking out

for? You have to mention Steff Evans. He's looked for the ball,

he's linking up with his other backs. He deserves a spot on the

Welsh tour. But this Guy's still key. He'll be key defensively,

because Scarlets can run at him, hopefully. And offensively he brings

everyone in the game. Which then, this guy is great. You know, and his

battle with jaim Davies. Again all about the front five. Whoever gets

the upper hand will give these boys the upper hand. If that is the case,

two up and ciders and who is on the front foot will have a massive

influence on the game. It is an exciting encounter because you are

looking at it, thinking, I think the Scarlets, on the way they are

playing, and confidence is a massive thing in sport. They are playing

with a lot of confidence, especially on the back of the Ospreys.

Irrespective of how well or badly maybe the Ospreys did play, the

Scarlets put the Ospreys away, which they have not done for a long time.

Time we returned for #1y5i78s Davies. -- for James Davies. In an

open game he could be crucial. He'll be in that wide channel a lot. It

has played dividends. The winning momentum they have got. The winning

confidence. They should not hold back. Don't keep anything back. Go

and play. No silly errors will give Leinster points. Go and play. Enjoy

it. I think, as we said, Patchell he's got a good kicking game, he's

got pace. He's a big lad. He's got to keep it cool. Don't try and push

things because if they get turned over, a poor kick, Leinster will cut

lose. We have heard all about the odds tonight. Leinster rarely lose

at Dublin, at home. It is 26 games they have gone unbeat no-one the

Pro12, against all opposition. It is a tall order for these guys. As the

boys have been saying, they are playing we nor mouse confidence and

they believe they can do it. Let's find out if they can. We go to

Dublin and join our commentary team for the night.

Thanks very much indeed. The Scarlets are out there.

Liam Williams could play his last game in a Scarlets Jersey.

Evans, the top try scorer. Dark clouds have just gathered. The

wind has picked up. But it has been a lovely day in

Dublin. It is dry and as the boys were saying earlier, it is a great

track, made for running. And we have two teams who like to play running

rugby. Leinster have scored more tries and more points than anybody

in the history of the Pro12 this season.

They have not finished top. Second against third.

As two Lions in waiting, at prop, in McGrath and Furlong.

Hayden Triggs playing his final game before retirement. Jack Conan made

the Pro12 Dream Team. Johnny Sexton and Robbie Henshaw with only four

appearances each this season. But back for the big one. The dangerous

Joey Carbery moves to full-back. Hadleigh Parkes has played in every

game. Rhys Patchell having a final word.

Johnny Sexton, experienced, back here after a couple of years in

Paris. The referee this evening, Romanian

born, but representing the Italian federation rugby, Marius Mitrea.

As always a decent crowd in the RDS. Pockets of red around. One big bank

of red away to our left, that is behind the goal post which will be

defended by the Scarlets in this first half. All the statistics

against the Scarlets. Nobody's ever one an away semifinal. It is over

two years since Leinster have lost a league game here at the RDS. But the

Scarlets come here in great form and full of confidence.

Interesting they have gone with Josh van der Flier.

And on halfway, Samson Lee carries. Pressure on James Davies from

Sexton. He didn't try and get the ball away. Sensibly done. Held on to

it for support to arrive. Hayden Triggs, the New Zealander, in

his last game, or last game here at the RDS. Could well be in Aviva if

they make the final. McGrath with the off-load.

James Tracy... Just about smuggling it back.

Sexton, not too much width. That's good, intelligent play.

Narrow channel down the middle, though.

The ball staying alive for the opening couple of minutes. Slow

progress. But progress for Leinster. Joey Carbery's had a tremendous

first season the Aucklander. McGrath again with a carry.

Jack Conan rides the tackle of Lewis Rawlins.

The home crowd get in on the act. Van der Flier... A dozen phases in

the build-up for the home team. The Scarlets cannot get their hands

on the ball at the moment. There's nothing fancy, but it's

progress from Leinster. Ringrose...

Ross Molony... Sexton fires it out. Beats his man and it won't count.

Marius Mitrea has called them back. The blue flags are flying.

Thought he had the opener. We were pretty much in line with

that and he did carry, did drift a little bit.

Kept the ball, such a well organised team. Everybody does their job well.

James Davies on the path, just to remove the testing man at the ruck.

Really, really efficient. It is an area the Scarlets will have to try

and slow the ball down. Jack McGrath is the man down.

Winching. He's struggling a little bit.

Disappointment earlier for The Blues. They will not play in the top

tire of Europe next year because after a good start they were 14-3 up

but lost. I thought they stood a good chance in the Stade Francais.

Won the Challenge Cup last week. Would that thought it would have

been a heavy week. When you saw 14-3 up, thought there would be a

surprise on the card. Stade, worthy winners in the end.

So, not to be. We don't want to lose McGrath. It is

such a strange one. All these boys will have one eye on the boys who

are involved and the Lions tour as well. Out here in Dublin training

next week. If you are a player, as difficult as it is, you've got to

put that to the back of your mind. You've got a job to do for your club

first and foremost. You want to win with your mates. Any 50/50 injuries,

get magnified. It is a huge Lions tour, but you want to win trophies

as well. You want to be involved in games like this. It is an

interesting part of the night this is, the scrum. Obviously no Ken

Owens, no Jake Ball. Obviously lost a bit of size, Scarlets.

Rob Evans... Samson ... Carbery... Loves running back at

defences. Jack Conan has had an excellent

season. Four tries in the league for him.

The ball in the opening five minutes is with the men in blue. Sexton

running the show. Sexton shoots out the line. Has to

be a weakness as well. I am sure they'll work on that. Asking a lot

of Mcnicholl. Knew the ball was knocked on. Cannot

afford to stop. Leinster won't. No full-back defending.

Byrne just dropping back now with Johnny Sexton.

A big hit, van der Flier on Evans. Good support though from Davies.

Making sure the Scarlets have not lost the ball at the break down.

Mcnicholl, looking for those big empty spaces behind. Those were the

only two men back. Adam Byrne, strong runner.

Sexton just looking up, and the unforced error from the experienced

Johnny Sexton. Breathless stuff. Both sides seem to want the keep the

ball on the park. It's, you know, that's great work,

getting tauf line, putting a hit on Johnny Sexton. No doubt he forced

the mistake the next time Sexton gets the ball. Looking up. Great

patience so far from the Scarlets in defence.

Johnny Mcnicholl alongside Liam Williams to the right.

Pressure on the Scarlets' scrum that time.

Rawlins... Samson Lee awaits.

Not too much happening to the right of Gareth Davies. A slow ball for

the Scarlets. Patchell... Deep pass. A chance to try and

develop. Steff Evans, close to being forward. That one hasn't been called

and Steff Evans goes over for try number 12 of the season. Brilliantly

done! Superb hands from John Davis. He's taken a knock though. He's

stayed down. A lovely try. Another one. It's on the Scarlet left, the

first try comes, not the Leinster one. Brilliant from the Scarlets.

Had to defend for the first seven minutes oh this game. Show what they

can do when they get the ball together. So dangerous with ball in

hand. Patchell, good hands by John Davies as well. Great work from

Barclay. Runs at the inside shoulder of Carbery.

Puts Evans in the corner. Great play from Jonathan Davies. There's

Barclay. Two on one. Good finish. Good pass. Between the three, they

created another score, with Steff Evans, which Patchell has converted.

They needed a strong start. Leinster are so, so dangerous when they get

their tails up. Good hands from Barclay. Good pace.

It is what they have done all the last three or four weeks. You saw

the last day of the season against the Ospreys. Ball in hands. Great

start from the Scarlets. They had to play most of the first

ten minutes without the ball. But they did so very well and

McGrath, his game has lasted less than ten minutes. Healy on sooner

than they would have expected. Let's hope Jack McGrath isn't too

seriously and he's OK to get on that plane to New Zealand.

Carbery awaits. When the Scarlets came here a couple

of months ago they took a hammering. They started off in the right mode

this time. . Nothing's come of that. They have to be careful with the

Scarlets. They kick chase. The first ten minutes hasn't been great. It's

too easy for Carbery. His first instinct is to run. And it's good

from Leinster. They get bodies in the way.

Who's there... ? I think Molony. Paul, what have you made of the

first ten? Yes, good work by Leinster going

forward. I thought in defence, very easy to split open by the Scarlets

and the players who were earmarked, Carbery, we all know how good he is

with ball in hand. Defending there, Davies, planted something a

full-back should never do. Got to put pressure on Davies. Made easier

for Steff Evans. The boys are down in the far side,

where that move developed and the try was scored.

Triggs, round the corner. Bounces off defenders.

Tracy under pressure from Shingler. Sexton. Good step by Ringrose.

So many comparisons are being made with Ryan O'Driscoll. 22 in January,

Garry Ringrose. He's got eight caps for Ireland. He really -- they

really do think highly of him and nobody sits higher of him than

O'Driscoll himself. He guides, Ringrose, a natural player, close to

getting on alliance tour but he has to make up those first tackles

because it gets the momentum. Great footwork, great balance. He is

penalised John Park for not releasing. -- he's penalised John

Barclay the not releasing. The first penalty they've given away. They've

been disciplined so far, the Scarlets. A good attacking

opportunity for Leinster. Molony slips it down to Van der Flier.

Henshaw just overran it slightly. Steff Evans weaves his way past

Scott Williams. Just Carbery Bacchin Leinster's

half. Great tip by Jonathan Davies. Conan. He looks a very strong

runner, does Jack Conan. They took their eye off the ball and they lost

it. It's the Scarlets' lightspeed, they are flying up, the Scarlets,

and it's catching the Leinster players. Was advantage being played.

Scott Williams, a clever pass, almost came unstuck. At 506 basic

handling errors from Leinster. A lot of that is to do with the line

speed. That's a poor pass, really. That needs to be in front of Henshaw

when running at that speed and that angle. This was on but I think it

was Carbery just shot out of the line, just spooked Scott Williams

who put the kick in. A great hit by John Davis. He's coming into form

just at the right time. Fantastic, the last couple of weeks of season.

One of Wales' and greats -- Lyons greats.

An interesting chat with Gerald earlier, talking about the Lyons and

the lack of preparation time and how when he was involved with the Lions

in the last two doors they tried to change things but unfortunately got

change from English clubs, mainly. I was chatting to his team manager in

2009, a crucial tour he was at the forefront of that but so difficult,

like you say. Some of the players turn up on the Monday and fly out,

in the best competitions, it's very difficult. No space for Gareth

Davies, Barclay to Scott Williams. McNicol at stand off. John Davis to

touch burn. -- Tadhg Beirne. Great ground gained by Beirne. He's really

added to the Scarlets back. James Davis tries to flick it on. Adam

Byrne gives chase. Lucky that Johnny McNicholl gathered. Marius Mitrea is

playing advantage for the early knock-on. Yes, both sides looked

dangerous. It's what they do best, both teams, so many attacking

weapons. Here's Tadhg Beirne, great carry. Obviously let go by Leinster.

He's really played well over the last few weeks. So has that man,

great footwork. You can see how they are encouraged to play, the

Scarlets. They are not afraid to throw the 50 50s. Didn't come off

that time, but... Quiet crowd. It's usually very

rowdy, the RDS, but it's gone very quiet. Apart from the opening four

or five minutes when they were building pressure, they thought they

were going for the try, they haven't really managed to make any inroads

in the Scarlet offence. -- the Scarlets' defence. Strange that the

Scarlets may be beforehand thought they would have had a better chance

against Munster and Leinster, but they certainly seem to have brought

them out early doors. It's a difficult choice, Munster away, or

Leinster in the RDS, but if you are going to win you have to beat the

best sides whatever, so... It's fairly evenly matched, isn't it?

Hardly anybody gave them a chance today. Very encouraged by the first

15 or 16 minutes. The final Watt, a mile down the road in the Aviva.

What would you give a Scarlets and Ospreys final in Dublin!

REFEREE: You both need to work harder. Elbow up. Let's go. Take

your space. Let's go, take your space, let's go.

He's tired. Its tightness in the calf. Some players were not

involved, incredible depth of squad. Nacewa finds grass, but Steff Evans

comes across. Sexton on halfway. Slips the tackle. Bumps off another.

Physical sides, Jonny Sexton, as he stays down, he's paid for it.

Carbery filled in at ten, as he has done so many times this season.

Sexton very shaky in getting up. There is Carbery again, to Ringrose.

Slips away from Luke McGrath. Shingler making a nuisance of

himself. Van der Flier. Penalty for not releasing. I wonder

if Jonny Sexton will fancy this one, or if ISA Nacewa has a clearer ahead

at the moment. He's taken a need, Jonny Sexton. It poor defence on the

kick chase, good step and finish from Sexton. Missed the tackle,

doesn't mind the rush, Sexton. REFEREE: Are you cooking? Yes,

Sexton. He's stayed down. So it's ISA Nacewa who is going to go for

goal. They've lost one Lion in waiting.

They won't want to lose another fully fledged Lion as well as Lion

in waiting, although it's not looking great at the moment the

Jonny Sexton. I think it's just the wind knocked out of him. Ison Nacewa

is Leinster's leading points scorer anyway this season.

And with a kicking percentage of 84%. That's the result you would

expect. Leinster get their first points as we reach the end of the

first quarter. The Scarlets lead by 7-3. Phil has some company. I'm with

Mark Taylor, the Scarlets' team manager. How pleasing is that,

getting the over -- only try? We need to get points on the board and

take the sting out of Leinster and their supporters. We are delighted

with that. You can see the line speed Leinster bringing against us,

putting the skills under pressure. We deal with it pretty well, we need

to turn the defence a bit more. I was about a compliment you on that

discipline and you gave it away with a penalty, but a told and it's been

reasonable? Yes, at the end of the day you have to keep discipline.

They'll punish as if they step out of line. Just tell you there's a

wind blowing in favour of the Scarlets. Cheers, Phil, I thought

there might be. A swirling wind up here with two open ends. Leinster

carrying into the wind. There's Sexton, taking another big hit from

Lewis Rawlins. Lewis Rawlins has been given licence to fly up and

target Sexton. Barclay, with excellent work. Over

the ball and winning his team a penalty. Yes, huge from Barclay,

just gaining some momentum, Leinster, some great play. Carbery

to go wide. Crucial penalty won by Barclay. They have got that in their

armoury, with James Davies and Barclay, two of the best in the

business. On the ball, winning penalties.

Leinster have had plenty of ball in hand, but as yet they've failed to

capitalise on that. It's a big, big plus for the Scarlets' defence.

Scott Williams dragging Van der Flier with him. Well met by Conan

and Tracy. It's gone loose and it's picked up by Luke McGrath. McGrath,

into the 22. Steff Evans just about hold them down. What an important

tackle that was. The steel, brilliant by Liam Williams,

absolutely superb. That saves the day for the Scarlets. The crowd

don't like it, but it's superb work by Liam Williams. They have a chance

to clear and that's what Gareth Davies does, makes absolutely sure

it is out of play, and they can get that rearguard action together once

again. Yes, it was high-risk, high reward, trying to make great cover

tackle, Steff Evans and he has got back, got over the ball. I think

he's in a bad way, Luke McGrath. He's stayed down after. That is

great work from Liam Williams. Both wingers there, track back, great

workrate. How important can that tackle be in the context of the

Scarlets' whole season? The unfortunate thing for Leinster

is that it looks as though they are going to lose Luke McGrath.

REFEREE: The clear one, you got a couple of penalties for that, so I'm

keeping an eye on that. Thank you. He's taken a bang to his head, so at

least ten minutes for Luke McGrath and see how that develops. In the

meantime let's go back to the pitch side and Phil. Well, you were saying

about Steff Evans' last-ditch cover tackle. How impressed were you were

with that as a prop? Excellent. Carbery came from behind and Luke

McGrath, when he got into a great position, it was a pacey scrum-half,

McGrath and also Liam Williams. That action went down at its feet and he

held on until the end. It was an exceptional try saving, a

match-winning turnover. It all came from the Scarlets' mistake, that's

exactly what they don't want to be doing. Oh, Leinster looked like they

have been bolstered in the breakdown, committing a lot of

numbers to the breakdown early on. Not so many numbers outside. I think

scholars have recognised that Tambe are right back in there and have a

lot of turnovers. Game on. Thanks, boys. Good to see Luke McGrath

trotting off into the changing room, so they may well return inside ball.

Ringrose, Garry Ringrose, and that's a strike back from Leinster. The

Scarlets may have held him out, but not for long. Lovely inside ball and

Garry Ringrose gets the first of evening and the one that edges

Leinster I had. You are bombing really well works play from

Leinster. Hit that from Henshaw, quick ball. Clever interplay between

Jamie Gibson-Park who's just come on and Sexton. A great decoy runners.

From a Leinster backs. Here we go. A great carried by Henshaw, gets over

the gain line and stop Luke Howell quipped that is. Just that little

run, decoy runners everywhere. He's got some wheels, hasn't he,

Ringrose. He's still got a bit to do there, but great finish, a crucial

score for Leinster at a crucial time. Very well worked try.

Nacewa adds that extras and Leinster go ahead by 10-7. Two quality

attacking teams here. Yes, it's clever play with the bodies coming

in the defensive lines. There's so many runners coming at you at the

same time, you are not sure which one to pick. Really good play from

Leinster. They need to keep their heads on the Scarlets. We saw the

start earlier, 75% possession in the last ten minutes for Leinster. They

need to get their hands on the ball, Scarlets.

Parkes took his charge down. Gareth Davies in support from Lewis

Rawlins. Shingler find some space. Back to

Shingler once again. Makes it easy for Aaron Shingler and the Scarlets

strike back straightaway. Brilliant, we've mentioned Steff Evans and

Jonathan Davies coming into form at the end of the season but that man

there has been superb in the last few weeks, really unlucky not to be

on the Welsh side. Interesting from Patchell, he's taken a quick drop

ball conversion. Some bonus points on offer, as far as I'm aware, book

good work from Tadhg Beirne. They seem to have lost their way a little

bit, the Scarlets, but Shingler started it off with a bus through

the middle, great athlete, great speed. Gareth Davies passed a little

bit behind Shingler, but gives it a big vendor, Dejaeghere -- to Jamie

Gibson-Park. A great response. Game on, fantastic first 26 minutes. Rhys

Patchell's quick conversion. Now Scarlets have regained the lead. I

don't think I've seen that before, in the 25th minute, to take a quick

drop goal as if you are chasing the game going for the extra bonus

point. Interesting tactic. Could it be to avoid the TMO? I don't know.

Don't often see this, do you? Shingler had to take the ball

standing behind him. He was on top running onto it. He made the most of

it. -- he wasn't running onto it. You make the most of it.

Tadhg Beirne offering himself again. The ball is spilled and picked up by

Henshaw. Kicks away the advantage. Shingler, try scorer, back

defending. Helping out by that Steff Evans.

Carbery awaits. Goodison Park keeps it in play. It's been knocked

forward by the Scarlets anyway. -- Goodison Park keeps it

Tatchell, looks long, looks high. Carbery has time. The wind has died

down now. Certainly a couple of clicks we saw from Leinster -- kicks

we saw from Leinster. Space is there, there's only tricks in the

second row. Does the fancier kicks, thank you very much. Gibson-Park

goes to the far stand. Just to remind you that the Blues

lost their European play-off earlier today, 46-21, Stade Francais's

victory. The second play-off semifinal will be at home in Park

limerick, 6:15pm kick off tomorrow night. Ospreys facing Munster. Live

on S4C. I drive down from Dublin to Limerick tomorrow morning. A tough

life, a night in Dublin underwriting limerick! -- and a night in

limerick! I tell you what, as Gore here from the Scarlets would make it

very interesting, wouldn't it? -- a score here. Scott Williams steps

inside and gets the past James Davis. There's Steff Evans and

there's Gareth Davies and that is brilliant! That is absolutely

brilliant from the Scarlets. You said it, Charles, brilliant to

watch. It's just the lines running of load, we've seen a few 50-50s go

down and it's high-risk, high reward, but superb when they get it

right. They are still dangerous. They have so many line breakers,

Scott Williams there, going through Johnny McNicholl, this man got him

on the front foot and you just sensed they were building. There he

is, just North of Martin, great hands, great work from Steff Evans,

because he's given the pasta Scott Williams, who was just followed

round and he knows his weight to the try line. Great support on the

inside. This is very interesting. Nobody saw this coming. Three

converted tries for the Scarlets in the opening half-hour and it is a

shell-shocked team. Yes, good linking play from James Davis. They

are playing with so much confidence, so much freedom. Brilliant to watch

from Scarlets. Well, Leinster desperately need a

score now before half-time as Gareth Davies settle things down, puts the

ball into play and nothing fancy. Let's hear what Paul Wallace is

making of it, with Phil. Thanks, John, Paul, this is uncharted

territory for Leinster. 21-10 down after half an hour. They want a

comeback? We saw Leinster comeback from bigger margins than this, but

they wouldn't have expected to be this far behind at this stage. They

started quite well, defended quite well, but just recently, in the last

sort of five minutes, the amount of tackles that have been falling off,

the line speed has gone and with that the finishing bike Scarlets has

been absolutely excellent, great supporting lines and the great rugby

we know Scarlets four. They've done it on a dearth of possession, the

Scarlets. They have, especially early on. They are growing it Wood

into a now. They have more of a cutting edge than Leinster and

Leinster putting numbers into the breakdown, they are running lines

outside. When you look at the class of the backline you'd expect that.

Another thing, the McGrath As have gone off, that's two subs we talked

about. Having the bench power will weaken them. It's reverberating

around the stand over here. It's not just an attack, Jon Fox is having a

huge game. Big players, you need your big players, big names in big

games and he's bossing it better night, the Centre is up against

fantastic players in Henshaw and Ring rows. He's really doubt Wood

laid down a marker, Jonathan Davies, been outstanding. -- he has really

laid down a marker. Ring rows, lovely slip up the back,

to Beirne. Gibson-Park, Sexton screaming for the ball earlier.

Yellow bob yes, James Davis did really well, just slowed it down,

made a nuisance of himself. Just enough. Conan Waits, but tricks

misses, Shingler. Couldn't get the ball on. -- Triggs misses. The

Scarlets, through James Davies, when the penalty at the breakdown. Yes,

it's all happening out there, isn't it? Shingler just couldn't get it

away. Again, a cracking off-load from ring rows. Scrambling well, the

Scarlets, scrambling to get it back. I mentioned James Davies, just

slowed the ball down that split second, which frustrated Sexton, and

again Hayden Triggs has possession -- loses possession in midfield.

Penalty not finding touch though. Wanting a little bit too much

distance. Now they'll have to settle for a line-up on halfway. You

laborious, it will be crucial little mistakes that can cost you.

Fortunately, for Patchell, it hasn't there. Those two will be really

happy. They are not showing up but they will feel like it. Yo Bob and I

spoke to him on the pitch before the game, really relaxed, really

confident. Steff Evans is there from the past from James Davis. Barclay

takes it on, off-loading on Scarlets is top drawer. Knocked on in the

tackle. But that was great work from the line-out and Steff Evans. He's

had a brilliant game, he's coming off his wing, looking for work. Good

work by James Davies, smart play from Steff Evans. They were lucky. I

think there was the tackle, he knows what he's doing. Brilliant from

Steff Evans. Every time he's touched the ball tonight, something has

happened. He's in great form. Ross Molony. The yes, just got his hand

in. He can get away with those ones. They are on top here, the Scarlets,

Korzun -- causing the Leinster defence all sorts of problems.

Leinster have only lost once against Welsh opposition this year and that

was down at Parc y Scarlets. Gareth Davies to the blindside,

Steff Evans. Putting pressure on Jonny Sexton. Gets there. It was

carried over, says Marius Mitrea, he's not sure. It's all off. WHISTLE

BLOWS. A bit of frustration. Well, the Scarlets certainly not

overawed by Leinster. The RDS, or the pressure of the semifinal

play-off. Sexton ran into him! In the end, Gareth Davies stood there

and Sexton ran into him. So... Like you said, both those players are not

going to take a step back. A little bit of handbags will stop nothing in

that hopefully Marius Mitrea will just... It's six of one, half a

dozen of the other. But with every running it makes it a lot worse.

Hopefully the referee will say there was nothing in that for me, just two

players who were fired up in a semifinal.

REFEREE: Started the handbags... He thinks Caryn Davies started it. --

Gareth Davies. He stood in front of him but Sexton carried on into him,

thankfully it's going to be a penalty but nothing more.

REFEREE: It's just handbags... Is certainly no more than that. Not

even that in my book, but they'll go. I'm not the one with the whistle

in my hand. The problem for me is if you are referee and you go to the

big screen, you've got to give something. It would have been dozed

Wood so difficult for Marius Mitrea to say nothing and just play on,

because the crowd are going bananas. I agree with you, pull the two guys

together and say look, boys, get on with the game. A crucial three and a

half minutes here for the Scarlets. If they can go in with an 11 and a

half point lead at half-time, it's a long way back.

Looking for the break. Looking for the off-load.

Neither coming. Hadleigh Parkes, no real way through

for him either. Scarlets defence has been

outstanding. It has been good. They are coming off the line well.

They are staying connected. The crowd are getting more and more

involved and more and more agitated. McGrath has gone off and is staying

off. It looks like his head made contact with the floor as well.

Steff Evans has gone, this is the better angle here.

A double tackle here and he's come down on his head. I think two

involved in the tackle. Just the momentum. Ringrose is

swinging his body around as well, trying to get back on to the other

side. I hate to say this, but this could

be red. Because Ringrose has landed, it looks like he's landed on his

head. He's tried to make... It's so difficult.

Was it a malicious tackle? Not in any sense, you know. I feel for

Evans there. The momentum Can you stop the image... The first

point of contact. Oh, dear! Oh, dear! It could be red,

which... So I'm thinking red here. It's going

to be unlucky for Steff Evans. This is going to be red.

So, so unlucky. Steff Evans - that is the end of the game for him. His

mum and dad were on the flight out yesterday as well. They were hoping

to go and see him play... Very, very unlucky. There was only going to be

one outcome. Unlucky. Feel sorry for the kid. He's had a great first half

as well. No malicious attempt for me in that. It's just the momentum and

like I said, the way Ringrose head makes contact with the ground first,

you know, it's a red card, so really, really unlucky. What a

crucial couple of minutes. That could change the whole complexion of

the game. The crowd are getting involved. They could drive Leinster

on. They have been brilliant for me in

the first half. They have to go at another level. Not hang on, but the

next 40 minutes. Down to 14 men. This will become so important.

Set-piece-wise. It is frustrating because you go why

they were down that area was the area that Davies could see... Oh,

well, I was just about to say, brilliant Leinster scrum. But...

Need to take their time here. Kill that minute to get in the shed

and readjust yourself down to 14 men.

Walk as slowly as you can to the line-out. One play, get the ball off

the park and regroup. Slightly different complexion on the

half time talk now. Still, it's been an excellent first

half for the Scarlets. Superb in their first half, they really have.

The ball out of play. Bar the final few seconds, that was a job, very,

very well done by the Scarlets. Evans gets the first try.

Unfortunately for him, ending a red card to his name after an

unfortunate tackle. The Scarlets, commiserations to Steff Evans. It is

a brilliant effort. Now they have to go out and do the same for another

40 minutes. Impressive, attacking rugby from the Scarlets. One little

blip on the book and pressure will come on because they're going to be

a man short. As it is, they go in, in the lead - Leinster 10, Scarlets

21. Phil?

John Barclay, what about the red card and how it means you might have

to play on next year the second half? It a east not ideal. Steff was

playing very well. It is frustrating. We were down there

five. A bit of a niggle, 11 points up. It is a bit frustrating from

that point of view. We have 40 minutes to go. 11 points up. We have

to dig in. Good luck. Thank you very much.

It all started so brightly for the Scarlets. That man there has been

the two extremes for him - opened the scoring a fantastic try, but a

brilliant bit of defence Williams with a turnover and Steff Evans with

a tackle. It was not long after that Garry Ringrose showed his pace to go

to the line. Two tries in the space of four

minutes. Then this is the major, the only talking point really at half

time, a real game-changer, potentially, this. Steff Evans shown

a red card. Marius Mitrea had no choice after

reviewing the footage. Every Scarlets fan and most Leinster will

feel sorry for him. It was not malicious. By the letter of the law

- right decision? Yes. He came down on his head. It was not malicious.

Steff Evans has gone off. I don't think he was helped there. He's got

his left arm. He pulls him around. Maybe it is easier for Steff to

lift. Lands on his head. Exactly... No malice at all. It is just one of

those clumsy tackles and to the letter of the law he's got to go.

And as John Barclay said, from, within the 22, a little niggle, a

decision against Davies. It could have gone against Sexton, because he

ran into him. A man short, but I think the one good thing Leinster

have made a lot of handling errors. They had a lot of pressure in the

first 20 minutes. Scarlets defended very well. Not like Leinster. They

made a lot of knock ones and unforced errors. A brilliant first

half. The quality of the tries. They are the ones, when the opportunities

come, they have scored. The pressure has always been Leinster. They have

not kept possession. It has been a brilliant first half. Put yourself

in the dressing room now. You are the coach - how do you cope without

a key player for 40 minutes? Is a winger one of the easiest positions

to cope with? The easiest jobs... It's not in the studio, you can

imagine them in the dressing room right now. The leader has to step

up... I said if there is one position, not the player yo could

possibly cope with, it would be on the wing. They could manage their

defence. Be softer on the outside. The forwards will have to work very,

very hard. It is a fitness factor as well. Look at the Leinster bench.

Very heavy. Wear them down and take them to the right channel. I imagine

they will try and keep hold of the ball as much as they K they will use

times to run the clock down a little bit. It is a long way out. They

mustn't stop playing with the ball. They have to play the ball. That is

where they will miss him. He comes from depth. He's been like an extra

full-back. The angles running. Been involved in tries. He's been... It

is not the coach now. I cannot even remember what a coach said to me at

half time in any game. This is now about rolling your sleeves up,

getting stuck in and playing in the right areas. You can manage a

winger. If we think Leinster are as good as we think they are, they

manipulate position where they will exploit that one extra man. Let's

remind ourselves of what the Scarlets will be missing. Prior to

that he had been in sensational form and opened the scoring that

brilliant try. We mentioned about keeping your depth against this

Leinster line speed. Look how deep this is. It is a cute

block play. The fact he holds his depth and that run from James

Davies, a little block run is very hard to defend. He bought himself

enough time. What a wonderful try that was from the Scarlets.

Typifying their play. Just watch this, that is the finish. But I

thought, a little bit of inexperience from the Leinster back

line. If you look at a tackle missed. Jonathan Davies gets the

off-load out to the tackle. Byrne is committed to coming in. So, they

have got the numbers. Just watch... There he goes. Watch this, Ringrose

is going back. He will get to Barclay. We've got Carbery. Not sure

he wanted to make a tackle either. He was ready. He should have gone

out, communicated with Ringrose. Ringrose would have taken Barclay.

But if you have got a lot of players running at you, it is very

difficult. That is the inexperience and what the Scarlets have to play.

I have to say Jonathan Davies, defensively has been brilliant. They

are isolating Sexton and they have got the front two defenders going

quickly on him. He's got no option. Jonathan Davies has come up, smashed

a couple of boys. It is like the umbrella defence. So a bit of

defensive naivety from Garry Ringrose there the build-up to that

try. It is a clever play. Just watch

Conan. Watch him, he's on the other side. He comes across. He creates

the extra man. Scarlets have numbered off very, very well. It is

the inside pass from Conan to Ringrose. Look where he's come from.

He's wrapped around. He's made the extra mand a had the off-load. A

brilliant comeback by Leinster. We need to remind ourselves, despite

all the despair, the Scarlets are 21-10 ahead in the RDS. It is a long

40 minutes coming up. But they crucially put themselveses into that

position with two tries in four minutes. Both brilliantly taken.

Superb lines of support and some brilliant finishing. And much like

Conan, as Geoff mentioned, the support is crucial. It has been

fantastic all season. Go the other side of the ruck and the job of

Tracy is to join up with Ruddock. I thought he was running away from

Gareth Davies a bit. Fantastic Shingler has been in the past month.

This one, it is phenomenal play. Static ball to score from this. This

is Steff Evans. He's got the ball here, first receiver. Guess who gets

back for a second touch? There he is! That man Gareth Davies runs the

good scrum-half line. A quality score. A brilliant try. The support

bridge very good. What they have done is carry on from the Ospreys

performance with the off-load. If you get off-loads, all of a sudden

defence is uncertain of who is taking who. Because the defence then

is in sixes and sevens. If they keep the off-loads with the confidence

they have, you know, it is important now to start well. The kicking game

is going to become more important with Patchell. Misses penalty.

Misses the touchline. Go for distance. Just came down. You are

21-10 up. Hit the touchline. Get Get on with it. But playing the

right areas now. It is still on. It is still on. There are 40 minutes to

go. That means there is still a chance of an all-Welsh final this

year. Straight to the gap... Come on

Ospreys... He scored as easily as that. Good luck Ospreys. We can

baetd Munster. He gets a double in quick

succession. Good luck, boys. Let's beat Munster!

He's too quick... Come on the Ospreys, we are all behind you.

Straight through the middle. A superbly taken drive. Come on the

Ospreys. We are all behind you! A great try squham what a start for

Sam Davies. Come on the Ospreys! You can watch that one tomorrow on

S4C. Let's look at the teams. There have been 12 changes to the

side that hammered Connacht in the last round.

Zebo returns. The big news for the Ospreys, of

course, is the return of Wyn Jones. Alan Wyn Jones, how much difference

can one man make? He will lead them from the front,

that is for sure. There is a recipe to winning in Munster. A lot of

things have to go right. I think they will try and make it an arm

wrestle. They will try and take it to the last 15 minutes and take it

to the game and win it that way. I don't think they have enough on the

outside. I think Ashley Beak is a big plus for them. For me the bench

is right. You have Cracknell and others. They can change the style of

game they want to play. All the guns are back. They know how to beat

Munster. It is an emotional occasion. I was talking to Keith

Wood on the radio last night and Foley's last game of the season for

Munster. There'll be a lot of emotion there. Whether they have

controlled it exceptionally well this year, everyone involved in

Munster, they have been brilliant. It is very difficult when you know

the feeling comes back and it is a last game of the season potentially.

And it's, why not? The way the Scarlets have played today shows the

other sides are not invincible. 40 minutes to go. So who knows. The

first-half performance would have given the Ospreys confidence as

well. It will be hugely emotional. We can speak to Paul Wallace who is

pitchside for us. They were mentioning the Anthony Foley factor

and how it has inspired Munster all season to victories. It will be a

hugely uphill task for the Ospreys tomorrow.

It certainly has. It's been remarkable Munster season to come

back and also he has fitted around. When you talk about that emotion

also O' Ryan at home after 12 seasons T Munster pack will be fired

up. I am sure Ospreys who have got back in winning ways in Ireland,

indeed have had success, they will have... When they see what Scarlets

are doing here. It is to take on that Munster pack. Munster in

particular has stood out for me this season. That is the area up front. I

go with the likes of Kilcoin and Scanlon as well. With Alan Wyn

Jones, that is a huge fillip for the Ospreys. At the moment there is not

much between all four semi-finalists. It is as good a time

as any to win the semifinal. It will be another hum dinninger. 21-10 to

the scar r Scarlets. THE COMMENTATOR: They will be a man

short. The crowd record for Leinster, 26

games at home without defeat over two years since The Dragons were the

last team to win here. And yet another final beckons for

them. Scarlets, so good in that first

half. Still so much to do. Just mention nds the studio the

kicking game will be crucial. They are against the wind, Scarlets.

Doesn't look like much, but you know, it is against them. So they

are kicking from not just Patchell, from Gareth Davies will be crucial.

Interesting they have gone off the park, whereas in the first half they

were looking to keep the ball on the park, the Scarlets. The first kick

has gone off. Don't see much of the Leinster driving line-out so far.

That is the Scarlets' pack. Nullified, they have been superb in

defence. It is key for the Scarlets. You need

numbers on your feet, you are down to 14 men. Don't over contest. Make

sure you have bodies in that defensive line. Joey Carbery...

And Leinster, as they did in the first half, starting with ball in

hand and going through the phases. Inside ball Ruddock...

Brilliant first set from the Scarlets.

He's OK. We have a line-out.

We hear that Jack McGrath got a stinger on the shoulders. Should be

fine. In Lions' terms. There is Steff Evans in the changing room at

half time. I wonder what is going through his mind now. It is tough

for him. Really tough. Winning the first Welsh cap in the summer.

Wonder if that's in jeopardy now. He fully deserves to win it, too.

Absolutely. Scott Williams with a carry up to

the 10-metre line. Lee, quick hands from Scott

Williams, but missing his man and Daviess at the end, just looking for

a bit of territory. . Sensible play from Davies. He was on the quick

hands, on from Scott Williams. Just the execution. Did have the numbers

on the outside. Interesting speaking to Paul,

Carbery... I would be tempted just to put a few on him in this half.

Hasn't looked great in the air. In comes Sexton.

Patchell, Samson Lee straight at Hayden Triggs.

In on the angle comes James Davies. Ruddock looks to strip the ball in

the tackle. Van der Flier doing the same.

Gareth Davies managing to keep it in Scarlet hands.

Rhys Ruddock again doing the donkey work.

Is that straight out? It certainly is.

Great defence from the Scarlets. Slows it down. Really frustrating

the Leinster half. Poor error really. Nothing kick.

Time off. You understand? Show you're going on

the ball, OK? The clock is stopped. Got his angles completely wrong.

We have an HIA for number six, blue. Rhys Ruddock is going to go off for

the head injury assessment. Dan Leavy comes on. Good prospect

Dan Leavy. Byrne takes Leinster, try and hold

him up and maul, has been called. Over the 15 there. No offsideline. I

think it was Leavy, or was it, it might have been Josh van der Flier.

Straightaway, down the back, wins the scrum for Leinster. A great

throw. A good line-out. Got all the 15.

Healy has gone around from the inside.

Positive again, OK? Square. Other games are going on, not just

the play-offs. Phil, you still have a good field guide for us.

Neath against Newport, tomorrow and then Sunday it is the final. Who

will win that one? Rhydyfelin, what a season. Just shows you the rugby

they are playing. Playing going for a four-time record, winning the

tournament four times. It will be a tough proposition. Got a ticket? No,

but I'll get a flight back over to Bridgend with you. A rugby

encyclopaedia, isn't he? He slipped there Rob Evans. Lots of

pushing and shoving. Very solid from the Scarlets. Only

got seven men in there. An area that Leinster will target the second

half. Now we are going to see a bit more

of the driving line-out from Leinster in this second period. Not

getting too far though. Henshaw, to Sexton.

The blind pass finds Henshaw. Williams has come in to block its

passage and Scott Williams on the ball.

Now than, there could be men out wide. A trifle Leinster and you feel

the place is going to explode -- a try for Leinster. It's Gareth Davies

with the turnover in the tackle, down to 13, the Scarlets. I think

it's Johnny Nicholl who is down. -- Johnny McNicholl. Johnny McNicholl

still lying on the floor now. Yes, just need to get it out of the park,

down to 13 men. I think it was Gareth A Davies -- Gareth Davies

again, great turnover. Can they hang on, the Scarlets? The work rate was

fantastic, scrapping defence fund. The men on the inside working hard,

Davies working hard to get across. On the corner. A big round of

applause for the man from near Wellington, Hayden Triggs is Wood,

his final appearance at the RDS. -- Hayden Triggs' final appearance at

the RDS. Even more of a line-out presence for Leinster. The I'm

surprised he wasn't started, if I'm honest, Devin Toner.

A change at scrum-half. It's a big call, that is. He's had a big game

tonight. Jonathan Evans, another live wire. Public enemy number one,

Gareth Davies, at the RDS. Great work by Jack commented when

that line-out. -- Jack Conan. Ten minutes without conceding for the

Scarlets. They'll be ticking off the minutes as they go by. A game,

simple knock-on from Cian Healy. Lewis Rawlins again, getting off the

line so well. He's had a huge game tonight in defence. A great athlete.

Lots of talk about Jake Ball missing but again, off the line, making

racket brilliant work from the youngster. Let's go back over to.

Yes, thanks very much. Steff Evans alongside me. Commiserations to you,

Steff. A great first half anyway. Ball, have you seen anything

different in the second half from the Scarlets yet, that makes you

think they could do it? More and more fight. They started when they

came back and beat Munster. There's a real spirit in the Scarlets side.

The work rate to get down and eating in over the ball, the vital

turnovers when they look like they are under the cosh, has been the

story of the game so far and it's the reason they are in the position

they are under comfortable finish. Can they get the ball and hold onto

it, because they can't last another 25 minutes of pressure and keep the

ball in hand. Cheers, Paul. The referee getting a bit close to the

action. It always gets a cheer, when the referee goes down. Yes, it has

been the rearguard action from the Scarlets, and it's a two score game.

This Leinster get one you know they will get their tails up. Yes, keep

working hard, get back on your feet and don't overcommit at the

breakdown. They won't mind it's more stop start, the better in the second

half because it gives you a chance to reorganise and have a chat

amongst each other, get your breath back. Marius Mitrea, the extra

defender for the Scarlets. He's straight behind the scrum, Carbery,

this time. But won't have chance to do anything with it because the

penalty has got the Scarlets' way. It's a big penalty for the Scarlets,

that is. It gives them the opportunity to get into Leinster's

half, get possession. James Davies on the left wing here,

probably it will be a six-man line-out.

Then reappears again. Good defensive work by Devin Toner.

REFEREE: Time off, time off. Really difficult then. Bit disappointed

with that, the Scarlets. Like an octopus surrounding him.

Your bobbin so far the first 40 has been very stop- start, hasn't it.

The call is coming from Sexton and Nacewa, to ring roads, to Carbery,

to Byrne on the far side. They've got something planned. The forwards

aren't going to give it up just yet though.

They are getting on top in the scrum they have the extra man in there.

Eight in the pack. Your scrum-half covers really the backline. If you

go with seven, which the Scarlets are choosing to do, it do powers

you. It's easy for Leinster to relieve the pressure. Rob Evans has

gone off after that last scrum. Wyn Jones has missed just one league

game this season. On in his place. Pressure on John Davis. From Garry

Ringrose. It's a second attempt at it though. It finds Adam Byrne. It

was a knock-on, wasn't it, from in the tackle, from ring roads. --

Ringrose. Frustration is really building around the RDS. he

definitely tackled Garry Ringrose off the ball, Davies, but it was a

knock-on in a tackle. It should have been a scrum. He just pulled him

back. REFEREE: Time off. Do that again,

it's a free kick. Step, please. Marius Mitrea are not happy with the

Leinster line-out. Shingler... Jonathan Evans has hit the charge

down. There's James Davies. Driven out by

Conan. Tadhg Beirne on his ankle. The crowd

again very restless. You give them enough stick, the referee has done

really well, refereed really well. It's an intimidating place to come.

The crowd will get on your back. He's had a really good game so far.

I was slightly surprised when I saw their officials. I was thinking

exactly the same thing before the game. Incredible stewarding, they've

done a great job tonight. 18 wins from 22 for Leinster in the

regular season. 17 for the Scarlets, which is their best ever. Only won

17 of the last 19. In style, as well. The way they play, it's how

you want to see the game being played.

Stuart Lancaster alongside Leo Cullen. A crucial period for both

sets of coaches. A better scrum for the Scarlets,

going with eight on their own ball. Carbery on the bounce. Back to Adam

Byrne. James Davis. Conan has looked dangerous, impressive ball-carrier.

Always going forward. Sexton, hen show, Ringrose. -- Henshaw. Light on

his feet, Garry Ringrose. Healy, next in line. Another set of

defensive tackles and James Davies comes flying in.

The Scarlets are keeping them at bay. Yes, Lewis Rawlins flying off

the line. Didn't make the tackle. Carbery, James Davies and... James

Davies has got that, it's a brilliant steel. Superb work. The

kick wasn't great from Evans and here comes the attack again. Nacewa

goes for distance, goes for position. Patchell had time to

bodies into the fast and if he wants to, but no, keeps it infield. -- he

had time to put it into the far stand if he wants to.

Toner, stopped in his tracks by Lewis Rawlins, who has put in so

many tackles this evening. Both second rows, the workrate has been

fantastic. If they could keep it going for another 20 minutes. A poor

kick, it was Scarlets defensive pressure game. We can see more than

you would see on the TV, the workrate in the front five of

Scarlets, they get in position to come round here, here he is, on his

feet, 50-50 whether he will release the man or not but great play from

Davies. A poor kick from Jonathan Evans, gives the ball back to

Leinster, but crucial turnover. Well, the 14 man Scarlets have kept

a clean sheet in the third quarter. One more quarter and they are there.

Tadhg Furlong another. Lyons bobbin weighting limps off. -- a Lyons prop

in waiting limps off. It's been a phenomenal effort, it really has.

Without the ball, working so hard for each other, the Scarlets.

Leinster are renowned for their tackling game. At the moment

Scarlets have all the answers in defence. Rhys Patchell is going off

and Hadleigh Parkes is the one to replace him. he's not happy, Rhys

Patchell cup. He's looking at the touchline. He's not injured. It's

very interesting. He's asking questions, he's not happy at all,

Rhys Patchell. It's a big call. We know Parkes is a wonderful player,

his goal-kicking... Here come Leinster now with unexpected

possession. Again, they missed their man. Your bobbin I tell you the

Scarlets, the outside men. It's really catching up Leinster backline

out. They are not sure what to do. It's brilliant play from the

Scarlets, Liam Williams that time. For the second consecutive season,

Hadleigh Parkes will have featured in every single league game for the

Scarlets. Started everyone last year and now he's featured in all 23 this

year as well. He's been the best overseas signing in Wales over the

last two or three years, a phenomenal player. A big call to

come on with 20 minutes to go, in the semifinal of the Pro12. is a lot

on John Evans' shoulders here now. It's a much better kick. Liam

Williams, the chance to pressurise Isa Nacewa. Tracy to Van der Flier.

Sexton, the kick meant for Adam Byrne. James Davies plucks it out of

the air. Superb. I knew he was going to do that, didn't you? Brilliant

play from James Davies. We can see what Sexton's thinking was, but

James Davies more than up for the challenge. Tadhg Beirne.

Carbery, looking for space behind the Scarlets defence.

This is the tackle on Leavy, and now Conan puts pressure on the Scarlets.

Gibson-Park, to Sexton. Nacewa. In the Scarlets 22, to try to pick up

the pace, but again, the Scarlets defences up to the job. A good

tackle from Jonathan Evans. A poor kick from McNicoll, who was hired

contestable all along. He's given the ball back to Leinster. No chance

to contest and puts him under pressure. Again, the workrate from

the Scarlets, John Evans is fresh and has just come on but it's great

shepherding. Used the touchline. Great work from the Scarlets. The

captain departs. Will Boyde, young Player of the Season, a promising

Player of the Season, for the Scarlets, comes on. Lost ball though

to Tracy. James Tracy write-up in the Scarlets try line. Gibson-Park

to Leavy. Desperate defence now from the Scarlets. Conan, has he got

there? Yes, he has. Jack Conan with what could be a killer blow.

Yes, it all came from the overthrow line-out. A basic error. Gone to the

back, which is a risk. A risky line-out calls. Just overthrows,

Will Boyde. And the power, Leavy first and then Jack Conan, been

really impressive like you say, Jack Conan, hasn't he should not carried

really well. Two meters up, you are not going to stop him. He has toned

behind him, runs over Scott Williams. -- he has Toner behind

him. He's missed the kick. Nacewa slams the conversion against the

post. How important could that be? Still, they are back within the

converted try. He could have done with the conversion to help him.

That overthrow is what has changed the complexion of this game. 24

minutes, the Scarlets at 14 men went out conceding. That's the difference

between just a try, and a converted try.

Two more changes for the Scarlets. David Bulbring. They've done so much

defending, the Scarlets. Do they have enough fuel in the tank.

They've got fresh legs on, Will Boyde will bring some energy.

McNicoll gets it away to John Davis. And from the side, Michael Bent.

Yes, good refereeing, gone past the ruck. Following the clean out, it's

a good decision. Good kick from Parkes as well. Got to nail these

line-outs, now. We saw earlier on when they were in the 22, they

allowed Devin Toner to spoil it and win the scrum back for Leinster,

overthrew the last one. So crucial when you are down to 14 men that you

get your fundamentals right. It's on a knife edge now though. Any time

Leinster could strike. Scott Williams, skipper now for the

Scarlets, leading now by example. Parkes. This is where stronghold

time, put your back in with two scores but without Patchell on there

and James Davies will have a pop tonight, he's done everything else

hasn't he. Scott Williams, James Davis, goes

for the outside line. Conan brings him down. Evans to Liam Williams.

It's on the left. John Davis has to step inside his man. Liam Williams,

knocked down on the grass by Garry Ringrose's tackle. Your bobbin the

right idea, nice little flight from Evans. -- a nice little sleight from

Evans. REFEREE: You do it again, you get

penalised. Blue scrum. Cian Healy seems to be struggling a bit, but

there are no more props left for Leinster.

A good double up from Van der Flier and ring roads. -- and Garry

Ringrose. The longer the Scarlets have ball in hand, the happier they

will be. Absolutely. No matter what they do, they don't have to do

anything, just keep it. If they've got it, Leinster can't score. Now a

good scrum as you'd expect against the seven man pack. Your bobbin yes,

lost it initially, the initial show from Leinster. Good, but it came

back and just they are trying to say they both came up so we set scrum.

-- reset scrum. Johnny McNicholl just giving James Davis a little bit

of positional advice. Oh, penalty. Now then. Keiran

Williams kicking when he needs to. We saw Hadleigh Parkes kicking, I

hope we doesn't take a kick. Strolling over, pointing at the

posts, crucial kick, this is. If you go nine points up with ten minutes

to go,... Twice Cian Healy is penalised. Rhys

Patchell is thinking, what on earth am I doing here? Is also thinking,

INAUDIBLE . Your bobbin was it Judgement Day,

Judgement Day? Yes, conversion of penalty against the Dragons. What a

big moment in the Scarlets' season. Liam Williams could be an unlikely

hero. With a kick at goal. Strikes it well. Girls at ground

perfectly. What a kick from Liam Williams and that makes it a true

score game. -- he curls it round perfectly. The game goes into its

final ten minutes. They are just ten minutes away from the final.

Brilliant, brilliant from Liam Williams. Phil, over to you. The

Scarlets have ten minutes to go, two scores ahead. Can they do it from

here? Call it. They certainly can. I thought the last scrum might have

gone the other way for a penalty but it's a vital day. They converted

after three points and need to get the ball, get their hands on it and

hold it for a few minutes, just wound down the clock and put

Leinster under more pressure. They have the ability, for sure. He's

calling it. A big call, with ten minutes to go. It's on a knife edge

share. That has given them a little comfort zone. Missed conversion as

well, so crucial from Nacewa. It would be a 7-point game otherwise.

Have to score twice now, Leinster. Loose as claimed by James Davies,

but the tackle was early. Your bobbin yes, he's just mistimed it,

Jonathan Davies. He's done so well, all right. Taken a man without the

ball that time. What a test this is of Leinster.

Phillips, wearing 16, the latest Scarlets replacement. Richardt

Strauss will as first line, with Molony. A wealth of experience in

this Leinster squad. Tadhg Beirne again, disrupting the driving maul

from Leinster. Just keep your discipline, Scarlets. Sexton,

Henshaw inside to Byrne. James Davis has followed him all the way across.

Scott Williams with the tackle. Can Leavy, as Leinster try and build up

a head of steam. Gibson-Park. Henshaw.

The scrum-half just falling over. Van der Flier breaks the first

tackle, makes the extra yard, pushes the Scarlets back nearer to that try

line. Strauss, Gibson-Park asked to dig it out. Sexton, Nacewa. All

hands to the pump for the Scarlets. Cian Healy offers himself.

And they managed to slow it down, the Scarlets. How much more have

they got left in the tank? Tadhg Beirne, brilliant by the former

Leinster player, over the ball and celebrates winning his team the

crucial penalty. He's happy with that one and so he should be. Reims

work, under the pump the Scarlets there, Leinster throwing everything

at them. I thought Will Boyde was over the ball earlier, could have

won the penalty at that time. But in a huge amount of work tonight, Tadhg

Beirne. -- he has put in a huge amount of work tonight, Tadhg

Beirne. Just epitomises what they've been about all night, the Scarlets.

Tadhg Beirne, great tackle, crucial tackle from Will Boyde. Get him down

early, that allows Tadhg Beirne to get over the ball and win the

penalty. A superb effort. Zane Kirchner on. The boys in the

studio... Great hands from Dan Leavy. He's

impressed us coming on. It's not a nice place to be when

your head's in the bottom of that sdrum. He's won time for them.

Absolute it will. -- absolutely. Work in the contact area has been

superb. You associate that, everybody been doing it. Gareth

Davies earlier on, the scrum-half when he was on.

The Scarlets have only been in this territory once before. Lost to

Ulster in a play-off. Can they hang on in there? Yes, they can, if they

play like that. Miles forward Johnny Sexton.

Reading the back line moves of the Scarlet has been superb. He's read

that a mile off. Flown in, spotted Sexton.

Just drives him into the ground just to let him now. Been superb.

Five minutes and counting and Leinster have to score twice.

The Scarlets fans have come over here. They don't care how far away

they are from the action. They don't care if they don't see any action

their end, so long as there's known down the fair end.

A little dink over the top. And out of play and earning more

time, Leinster. Can feel the game slipping away

interest them. Clever kick from Hadleigh Parkes. Even if Leinster

got possession of that, they would have been driven easily into touch.

Smart, smart play from Parkes. And the clock is ticking.

Two penalties, make them work for everything.

Kirchner... Oh, wide pass from Zane Kirchner. And that really sums up

Leinster's attack tonight. Absolutely. You associate them with

the basic kills of back moves. So efficient, usually. That is just

frustration. It is just forcing things. And the crowds are starting

to leave in droves, which you rarely see in the RDS before the end of a

game. This is a massive shock. In the last ten minutes Leinster have

almost a 90% possession. But the points have gone to Liam Williams.

They are, the fans are leaving. I think after putting 45 points on

the Scarlets a couple of months ago, they cannot believe this turn

around. Without the ball tonight, they have been absolutely

outstanding. Huge work from every one of them. It has been superb

defensively. Daviess slips in to Mcnicholl. Doesn't matter he's been

taken into touch. That will do for the Scarlets. They are down there

again. Form the line-out and wasting more time.

Keep them pinned in here. Keep them down there.

And the penalty comes the Scarlets' way. That is brilliant, brilliant

work. The tackle was high. But that is great work by the stand-in

skipper, Scott Williams and this could be it for the Scarlets. It

should be it for the Scarlets. Scott Williams, so strong on the body.

Clamps on the ball and that swinging arm. Nothing more than they deserve,

the Scarlets. It's been absolutely outstanding their second half. Been

very smart as well the way they played the game, with 14 men.

Liam Williams is kicking down to the bank of Scarlets supporters, who

have travelled here and are ready to celebrate.

I will yam Williams puts over his second penalty and that should be

it. The Scarlets are on their way to their first ever Grand Final. They

have been superb. The last few weeks, in particular - they have

been building and building. They look like a group who have been

willing to work so hard. Even down to 14 men, probably the fortress of

any of the Pro12 teams, the RDS. Never lost a semifinal in the Pro12

before. It's got to be one of the biggest

wins for a Welsh region ever. It really has. Van der Merwe comes on

inside of Davies. Everyone is going the Scarlets' way.

Just frustrated the live out of them tonight. Been niggly. Got under

their skin. Sexton has been a nonentity for most of the match. We

have praised the Scarlets attack and the tries they have created. This

win has been based on defence and guts and commitment and really

giving everything to the cause. These are the wins you remember.

They will never forget this nice, the Scarlets boys. Down to 14 men,

away from home. These are the wins you remember for all your life. The

Scarlets have only ever won once at the RDS. It was ten years ago. But

they have made history. The Scarlets have become the first ever team to

win an away play-off. They are on their way to their first Grand Final

and fully, fully deserve it. That is one of the performances of

all time, in the Pro12, from the Scarlets. Down to 14 men for the

whole of the second half. Under pressure, but commitment was

complete. And after scoring some fabulous tries in the first half

they worked their socks offer in the second and gave everything and

fully, fully deserve their day in the sun and their day in the final

in the Aviva stadium. What a performance from the Scarlets.

Absolutely brilliant. All the credit in the world. Nobody gave them a hug

coming over here. This weekend. Like I mention before the final whistle,

nights like this you never forget. Down to 14 men. You could just see

off the ball. The work rate from all the players, to cover each other, to

get back on your feet, make another tackle. An outstanding effort from

everybody involved with the Scarlets. 26 games and over two

years since Leinster last lost at the RDS. But their record has fallen

and what a time to do so. The Scarlets are on the way to the

final. They have beaten Leinster by 27-15.

Phil, over to you. Now firmly a Scarlet - how do you

enjoy it? Phenomenal. The full squad, down to 14 men, we said at

half time every single player has to dig deep. Including ourselves.

Everyone had to dig deep. It was incredible to be part of it. What a

defence, what a performance. We are used to seeing the Scarlets playing

the pretty stuff, but that tonight was something else. Yes, like, in

the last few weeks we just clicked. And as a group, we are just playing

so well. Our confidence is high. And it cannot go better. I think we

proved that today. The first half, got that red card, we were

dominating. They didn't look. We had them in the sands and then an

attack, we were on fire. I can be proud of everyone out there. You are

in the Guinness Pro12 final now. Who would you prefer? It doesn't bother

me. Obviously the Welsh prefer Ospreys. But to me it doesn't

matter. I want to get out and get a medal. I want to get that trophy and

please, God, we can do it next week. This has been a revelation for you.

Tell us how you feel about it? Look, if you told me this time last year

that I'd be stood here I probably would have laughed in your face,

wouldn't have a chance. Didn't have a club. Only signed for Scarlets at

the end of May to. Be stood here, after winning the semifinal and

starting, I couldn't have asked for more. Congratulations to you and all

the Scarlets. Appreciate it. Adam Byrne dl

-- The second half was all about defence. The scrum was solid. They

defended very, very well. I thought Jonathan Davies really caused

problems you know, for, especially Johnny Sexton. Didn't know where to

throw it. They were absolutely brilliant. Second rows were immense.

The back row. I don't know who the Man of the Match was, but you could

have given it to anyone. I thought a brilliant, brilliant defensive

performance, the second half. We have talked all season about how

dangerous that Scarlet attack is. That second half it required the

biggest rear guard action we have seen in the Pro12. They didn't

budge. And the penalties put the game yopd reach. They flustered

Leinster into so many errors. You don't get a performance like that

unless there is a good culture there and they play for each other. You

have boys stepping up in the second rows. They put their bodies on the

line. Phenomenal. These second lines were absolutely outstanding. I

thought they would blow up. They never did. 14 men, don't forget.

James Davies on the wing. I thought the coaching team were brave as

well, by replacing the half packs. This turn up was immense. Another

one from James Davies. All round, sometimes rugby comes down to brass

tack. You have to look at Leinster because the defensive structure was

so good, I have haven't seen Leinster throw so many lose passes

for a long, long time. They felt the pressure. The defence was organise

nazed. It was clever. I thought the two second rows, first man up on to

Johnny Sexton. It was just, and apart from the overthrow, Leinster

didn't look like scoring in the second half. That, for me, that was

the greatest achievement for them. Once they wept, they missed a

conversion, I thought, oh... I think we can hear from John Barclay, the

winning captain. I imagine he's the most delighted man in Dublin

tonight. He's smiling. We spoke at half time.

What was said in the changing room for that display to come out in the

second half? A game like that with a crazy last few minutes, it was more

the technical stuff, how we would deal with the set-piece? It was more

that, trying to get information at the time.

Carry on. It was pretty calm, to be honest. We spoke all about relish

and the challenge. Instead of being deflated at half time, we were

buzzing. You scored the three quality tries. That play was there

from the Scarlets. Not all about defence tonight. Exactly. We had to

go more direct. Leinster were always going to have a lot of the ball.

That was the way it would go. We played smart rugby. We managed to

harass them. How nice was it that you did that

for Steff? He was brilliant in the first half. It was unfortunate and

you are in the final for him as well? Look, he's gutted. He's

probably the least... The least dirty player on our team. He's been

the Player of the Year. He's gutted. We dug in. You saw how he played in

the first half. He was a huge part of what we did tonight. Who would

you like in the final? Anyone would be nice. We look ahead to the game

and analyse it and it will be great. Thank you again. Cheers, guys. John

Barclay, delighted. On that point, an Aviva stadium, what if we have an

all-Welsh final? It would be great. Why not! They may have to move it

from the Aviva to the RDS. You mention Steff Evans. I hope there's

some common sense. There was no malice. It could be a four-week, a

four-match ban. He would miss the final and two Welsh games. I think a

little bit of common sense is needed. He hasn't been send off

before. He apologised. There was no malice. No reaction from the

Leinster players. I think that should be a sending off sufficient

and he should be allowed to play in the final. They can pay tribute to

him and say that game is one for Ste if, f. He contributed so much. We --

Steff. He contributed so much. No more relieved man in Dublin than

him. As you say, we praise the defensive effort. He created a lot

of what the Scarlets points were in the firstful r t half. He's been --

in the first half. He's been a big part of how they got there this

season. Look at the depth they are holding. Fair play to Stephen Jones.

Here he is, on the end, as he's been all season. He's infectious, isn't

he? The pace that he has. And this is the other side. Unlucky. Geoff

talked about Lee lees's contribution. He -- Samson Lee's

contribution. He swung around. Like I said, the season he's had, look at

it and say sending off sufficient. I don't think he deserves to miss the

final and to miss two Welsh games. We heard from the winning captain.

Now let's hear from the winning coach. Wayne Pivac is with Phil.

Congratulations. You are in the final. Where does that stand? It has

to be our greatest performance. Before half time when we lost Steff

to the high tackle, we had to dig deep. We talked about it half time.

This is what we have built for all season. The unity on the side would

be really tested. Wow, what a second half! We were riding every play,

every minute. We didn't get everything perfectly right. We got

the end result, which is what we were after. A fantastic result. What

was your thought on the red card? Under the rules, we were hoping for

a yellow. But to be honest, it is not the intend, it is where he lands

and he judge landed on his head first, so it is a red. It was not

all about backs to the wall. You scored three from three. We had a

lot of possession in the first half. We said before the game we would

have to take our scoring opportunities and we did that. So

you are in the final now. Have you got a preference? Wouldn't an

Ospreys Scarlets final be nice? It would be. We are happy we've done

our part now. We wish the Ospreys well. Well done on everything. Thank

you. He's a happy man. We were questioning in the studio some of

those substitutions he made. Taking Rhys Patchell off, when we know

there wasn't a recognised kicker in that team, Lee Williams stepped up

to the play, but the substitutions, they all paid off. I thought that it

was a brave call, taking half-backs off so early. If they needed a drop

goal or a long-range penalty. They lost shape when they had the ball as

well. If they win knowing the members, the subss tugss. I thought

they -- substitutions. They thought they were brave early. They have a

ig be role to play. In the final week they have to come off the gas.

Get on it tonight. A long season of coaching and working and that. They

seem to tick over and get 100% fuel next week for another big

performance. We talked in the week about how unlucky James Davies was

not to get in that Welsh squad. He had a phenomenal game - turnovers,

tackles and plucking balls out the sky. We are pleased in Wales with a

lot of good sevens. This fellow has a lot of different X factors. He's

very good over the ball. He sees things, he's quick to react to

things. He can play in the wide channels. Look at this, instinct to

get up and get over the ball. Technique, fantastic. He's played

sevens. So around that contact area. Here he's playing on the left wing.

A great catch above his eyes. That is what the sevens game will help

him with as well. He's comfortable with ball in hand. He's comfortable

in space, with his skills. He is unlucky. Maybe they know what he's

capable of and want to try the players on that level, maybe. He's

very unlucky. You look at Shingler as well. He's been outstanding.

He's... It was just brilliant all-round performance. I felt that

everyone, you know, every Scarlet player stood up. I think maybe this

game when he had to stand up was Lee Williams. Collectively, defensively,

I thought the best performance for Scarlets for a long, long time.

Going back, confidence-wise, that is what they can do. They still try and

play. I thought a tremendous performance. James Davies was the

official Man of the Match tonight. We have praised him and we can hear

from him now. Another Pro12 Man of the Match. How

did you enjoy that? I loved it. Half time we were bouncing, you

know. We were coming out with 14 men. And we were really up for the

challenge. I thought that showed second half. There was a belief at

half time? Of course. Belief before the game and half time we were up by

11 points, I think it was. We were rearing for the challenge. Like I

said, it showed. If you had more ball, it could have been almost out

of sight at half time? Of course. We put some good chances away.

Credit to Leinster, they kept well all night. I think our defence won

us that game. And what you said about half time - how much was done

for Steff? It was unfortunate what happened with him Of course he's a

team-mate. I was upset for him to go off. He was unfortunate to get the

red card. It is a team effort and Steff is involved in that. Final now

- who is on your mind? Whoever! I think the way we're playing at the

minute, we 'll take whoever in Europe. Looking forward to either

Ospreys or Munster. We will assess on Monday and look forward to next

week. Have a good night. I am sure you will. I am sure I will, too. He

loves a social does James Davies. But phenomenal performance from him.

They can go now to the Aviva, whoever they play with extreme

confidence. It suits them. That confidence they are on a roll. It

has been coming and coming and coming. They've got, there's nothing

to lose. They have got a final. They can enjoy the week and the build-up

and all that comes with that. It is a good game. They want the big

games. Credit because they play some of the rugby that deserves to be in

a final. They will grace Dublin next week. The flights will go up in the

next two hours. And accommodation! For me, they kind of looked

comfortable, offensively and defensively. They looked

comfortable. I haven't seen Samson Lee handle a ball so many times.

He's comfortable. I think they are all kind of switched ond and all

identify what -- switched on and all identify, trying to get the ball

through their hands. Now both are pitch side. A broad grin and not so.

I start with you. The ultimate great escape. How much credit did the

Scarlets'' defence need for that performance? Look, you cannot give

them enough. It was up there with one of the best performances ever.

The contact area was superb. Davies, Williams, Davies, all getting their

head over the ball, winning turnovers at crucial times. Showed

real character. Down to 14 men. To come to this place, it is so typical

to win over here, the record is so formidable. To pull off a win like

that, a semifinal, unbelievable result. They deserve all the credit

in the world. Paul, as Martin said, Leinster do not often lose at the

RDS - 26 games unbeaten prior to this. What happened? I think maybe a

little bit over-confident. What really happened was that Scarlets

came and they outof fought them especially at the break were

technically better. Their finishing was brilliant. Every time they got

an opportunity, in, bang, they scored. It was the team work as

well. For me, it wasn't a red card. No intent whatsoever. I thought a

yellow would be harsh. I know there is a letter of the law. You have to

have intent. I thought Steff Evans was unfairly treated. Get a few

decisions, Scarlets later on. I thought Leinster's accuracy.

Unforced errors. A lot was down to how well the Scarlets worked and

slowed down the ball at the break down. That's been huge for them all

season. That break down. Working for each other. They deserve it. Most of

West Wales going on the Lions tour will go to Wales early. What about

tomorrow? One last chance for the Irish to restore pride - can Munster

do it? I think so. But, as we have seen here, there's

not a lot between the top four, as far as I can see it. Ospreys have

played some great rugby as well, OK, against Scarlets last time out,

weren't there in a game that didn't mean so much. Going over there they

have got the confidence. They have got Alan Wyn Jones back. Webb,