Scarlets v Ulster Scrum V

For the Scarlets, this season has been a numbers game. They celebrated

the start of 2017 by returning to the top four. It has been a

remarkable recovery for a side that lost its first three in a row. Since

then, it has been win, win after win. With one exception. That defeat

aside, they have won eight their last nine. But the challenge only

get tougher from here on in. To mites opponents are hot on their

heels. This match is the proverbial ten pointer. We are into the second

half of the regular season and those with title ambitions cannot afford

to slip up now. Both of these teams are in contention for the play-offs

but the Scarlets could put distance between Ulster and themselves to

night with a win. It has all the ingredients for an absolute cracker.

Welcome to a pretty wet and windy stadium. The weather seems to be

following us around, a monsoon in Newport a few days ago and now this.

It will probably change things because we know the Scarlets like to

play with width and attack from their own half but the weather may

dictate otherwise. Young we will see some kicking again tonight, properly

from Jackson of Ulster. Scholars like to use the players on the wing,

I'm not sure they will change much despite the rain. Context, we

touched on it, a ten pointer in the Scarlets double whammy if they win,

they can climb the table themselves and put some distance with ring them

and Ulster. For both teams, it is the last and they will have their

internationals before the Six Nations starts. Ulster have

jewellery so as their game in hand, you would expect them to get a bonus

point, but if Scarlets went mad, they will have a good gap going into

the Six Nations. Interesting team selection, Johnny McNicol, normally

on the wing, playing at full-back, is that significant or will they

swap places as the match continues. They will use their wings, van der

Merwe coming in as a decoy and then getting it as quickly as they can

into the hands of McNicol. They like to use their wingers of the

blindside. He switches play. They bring the DH back on the inside.

Here, the winner goes to the middle of the field, why does he do that,

it opens up both sides of the field to attack either side of the rock.

Look who crops up, it is McNicol office open wing. Pat jewel against

the Blues last week counter-attacked and who is there again on the short

side, it is both the wingers together and McNicol puts Steph

Evans away. Conditions aside, look out for the back three to have

involvement. The banks will get involved but the forwards will win

this game. You are looking forward to the Battle of the hookers. Nice

like this, the real men win the game for you. Six Nations around the

corner, a Lions year, they are in the mix. Owen is under pressure, he

has been Berlin but still number one, the captain and leader even

though Rory Best has given up the captaincy, his game this year has

been outstanding for Ireland and Ulster. A big bonus for them having

him back to night. In the drizzling rain, they're throwing skills will

be tested to the max. Not a happy hunting ground for Ulster, only

winning twice in 13 attempts here in West Wales. Scarlets favourites with

the home advantage this evening, let's find out how they will fare to

night. Martyn Williams on his way to the commentary box. We will hear

from Jonathan Davies and Gareth Giles. Data macro you very much.

COMMENTATOR: As Ulster come out onto the park, fourth against six. After

such a good start for Ulster to the season, a blip since then. Looking

to get back to winning ways, a different front row, Rory Best back

at hooker. Henderson back in the second row, as is Chris Henry in the

back row. No Pienaar or Charles the towel, Jackson at half-backs. Andrew

Trimble plays and his second match of the season and leads the team. It

is not the night to be hanging about a night. The rain came in earlier

and it has stayed all day. The brave supporters giving their backing to

the Scarlets, in fourth at the moment. Ken Owens rested against the

Blues returns to captain the team. James Davies is back after a

three-week ban. Dan Jones in for the injured Rhys Patchell, who started

every game and ten. Johnny McNicol at full-back, perhaps a sign of

things to come with Liam Williams's imminent departure to the Saracens.

Mickey Thomas could make his debut off the bench for Scarlets and

another former Ospreys player, Toby Bowen, the most familiar name on the

Ulster bench. Italian referee in charge this evening. And no baiting

in the conditions. Not as cold but it is going to be wet and slippery

and difficult out there. First juggle and catch from Tom Pryce.

Gareth Davies preferred at scrum-half this evening, the choice

between him, Aled Davies and Jonathan Evans. Ludik with a good

take. These will be trying conditions. These forwards don't

want to stray too far from the scrum-half. Don't want to be asking

too much of him. That is big Stuart McCloskey in midfield. I think we

will see a lot of him to night. The conditions will dominate the style

of play. It is not going to be an end to end thriller. It will be

about or retention and handling errors. Jackson, we will see plenty

of that this evening as well I dare say. Safely taken by Dan Jones. A

little bit too far there. Didn't really know what to do there,

looking for the up and under but put too much distance on it and an easy

take for Dan Jones. First league start of the season for Dan Jones.

Successfully negotiated by the outside-half. The kick charged down

by Sean Reidy, the Ulster number eight, Johnny McNicol at full-back.

The ball still in play down to Andrew Trimble.

Plenty of early possession for Ulster. Again, McCloskey the big

ball-carrier for them. Trimble again involved.

Henderson, good to see him fully fit again. Ulster keeping the ball well.

A little slide through to Dan Jones. A couple of minutes, straight off

the park from Dan Jones, making his first appearance of the season in

the league. Some breaking news this evening, Rhys Patchell, who has

played every other game, picked up an ankle injury against The Blues

and has seen the surgeon today and he will have surgery tomorrow and he

could be out for up to 12 weeks. Which is really bad news for Rhys

Patchell. I saw the news in the press, he got so excited that he was

going to play on telly. Forget about the game. He couldn't wait. He is

bristling. Dan Jones with an early chance, his football skills in the

wet conditions will help him slide over as Jones and Jackson go over

together. Now then, who got a hand on that one? He's got to go to the

TMO. Paddy Jackson has done brilliantly to get back and recover.

There it is. This is a very tough call. I think that is not a dry. We

have to wait and see where the try line is, they go early because the

conditions, you have to go early and slide over. I think daddy Jackson

has got that, I think he has done brilliantly, Paddy Jackson. Turn of

speed. This is the angle. I'm not sure you can give that. I think

Paddy Jackson has put his weight on it. Anyway, the upper part of the

body will do. For a try. He deftly got his body on it there but look at

the try line, he slides over, Paddy Jackson is there. It is grabbed by

white. All the best I say to that. It is a white scrum. He's called it

as a knock-on in the end. Disappointment for the crowd but

Jones's body was on it before the line but he was not part of it over

the line, excellent work by Paddy Jackson. Great work by both of them,

Dan Jones putting pressure and charging the kick down but a great

scramble from Paddy Jackson to get back, making a good ten or 15

metres. From the charge down, all your money is on Dan Jones to score

that drive. One kick, his control it well. He goes down early and Paddy

Jackson put his foot on the gas and made some great yards there.

There is the charge down, halfway. One good strike and you think that

is it. But then, the stars treading water and Paddy Jackson takes him on

the outside, a great save. Dan Jones will be disappointed with that, in

that position, you expect to score. Just to compound things for the

Scarlets, the free kick goes against the front row.

I think the Scarlets will fancy themselves to night. A couple Ulster

players missing. Accidental offside by James Davies.

Not a great mistake. Just runs into his own player. They managed to work

themselves up to the 40 metre line. First was a free kick, the second

one is a full penalty. Conditions like this, the scrum, if the referee

gets into his head that Ulster have the edge on it, it could be a long

evening. Through the decisions and indiscipline against them, they've

gone from their own 22 the Scarlets 22. Rob Evans, it is quite harsh

initially. He will feel he had the better of Ross came, the 22-year-old

tight head for is that, starting just his second game. -- Kane. His

first appearance was the first game of the season. Sean Reidy gets the

pressure on the Scarlets 22. The third member of the back row,

Chris Henry. From the blindside comes Paddy Jackson and he finds

Ross Kane waiting there. They went through the phases in the Scarlets

half. This time, defence wins out. The presence of the breakdown wins

the home side the penalty. Brilliant from John Barclay, so consistent,

Whee Kim and week out. He will get two or three penalties again for

that exact action. He is brilliant at getting over the ball, he and

Stephen Davies really are a threat for Scarlets. There is John Barclay,

straight in over the tackle. Jake Ball, back to full fitness

after an injury picked up last year. Good angle, beating Tredwell in the

second row. Henderson tried his best to hold him up. They do that well,

Ulster. Ulster offside in midfield. Then a

second offence at the breakdown. He gave an offside before that. I

didn't really think they were offside, good lines beat, not

committing many to the ruck area. It is going to be like a war of

attrition this evening. Not going to be many gaps up there, all doing the

hard yards. Hopefully take the points when the penalties come. You

are right, he didn't look offside at all. You didn't think so as well.

The first points of the evening do go to Dan Jones. Couldn't convert

the try but he does convert the penalty and the Scarlets 3-0 up. The

Scarlets manager is talking to us. Rhys Patchell and footwear with, how

big a blow is that? It is a blow. The last couple weeks he has been a

leading light for in good form. We are naturally disappointed for him,

he has grown in confidence in every game this year. It is a good chance

for Dan to stake his claim. Bouncing down with rain, do you have to think

about changing tactics at all? We knew the weather was coming in and

we know the type of game it will be. We like to play wide and expansive

but we may have to play a bit more of a kicking game into the right

areas. Kicking game were the words, I don't like to tempt fate. It's not

going to be a repeat of what we had last time out at Rodney Parade,

don't worry. And affective kick from the Scarlets, decent return from

Paul Marshall but Ken Owens will be throwing into the line-out. Are

these jerseys getting bigger? They'll be banned soon for being too

dangerous. Hopefully, the new law means they

won't get smacked on the GPS either. Found its way to the tail. The huge

hit coming in which has left Gareth Davies hobbling for the next phase

of play. Jake Ball over the gain line. Ken Owens, and Davies trying

to run that knock off. Take the penalty again, take the points. With

the conditions, you tend to narrow in attack. The Scarlets had an

opportunity on the left-hand side but they were all very narrow in

attack. They need to keep their width defensively as well.

Gareth Davies is in a bit of pain. Evans is down as well. There is a

pretty big injury list with the teams before the games started. The

macro two key players. The last thing you want this only in the

game. He is up. Looks as if he is OK.

Dan Jones, 21 tomorrow. Celebrates with a second successful kick. What

they've done is turn the field position in to pressure into points.

As you mentioned, the conditions, though got to get the scoreboard

ticking over. Clever. Not quite. You are graded

and pick it up. The macro Gareth Davies is not happy, he is still

limping. He needed another yard, a bit more pace for Gareth Davies to

execute it properly. He has to pick it up to touch it down. He didn't do

so. I don't see him being on for long. Here we go, that's the first

one. You macro here we go, no, accidental. It is a penalty.

Nevertheless it is yellow. It's because of where he has ended

up, the initial contact is OK. As he slides up. It is a grey area, that

is. He has dipped in low to run into him. As a tackler, you're meant to

Bentaleb can get under the ball-carrier. I know it is all down

to players health and safety at a lot of it has to be common sense as

well. It is difficult for the referees. Difficult for the players

as well. You'll get more and more ball-carrier is getting low and slow

and then the tacklers have to try and do the same, which will be very

difficult to do. You could make a comeback. Gil Andre the giant next

to me. Ulster have their first points. That's a good kick.

He thought about the quick one. John Barclay pretty glad he didn't go for

it. Stockdale in what is a pretty big back line, by and large. As a

professional player, all of your training, is in the dry ground and

nice weather and you think this morning that has all gone to pot.

Berkeley on his own, the rest of the forwards involved in driving them

on. They came off the wing to help them. Scholars are finding it

difficult to get over the gain line. Good reaction for the ball spinning

away from Gareth Davies. Liam Williams and Stockdale go up

together. It's gone forward so the choice is

therefore Scarlets. You have to think about the

substitution at this early stage for Gareth Davies. He is limping. He is

such an important link and in these conditions, he's not going to be a

threat the way he is. He's got to decide whether it is worthwhile him

staying on or bring on the scrum-half off the bench. We haven't

seen Aled Davies warming up yet. The crowd could see the hand on the

floor to support Callum Black. I don't think we've had a scrum

completed yet, have we? One free kick, one penalty and that one

collapsed. The ball does get away that time in

the hands of Clive Ross. Marshall looking to give Jackson a run.

Johnny McNichol just brushing the whitewash. You'll macro may have

saved him there, the few players on him going back to his own line. He

did well to take it. That was close. Little toe. Ken Owens, how Ulster

ended up with the ball from the previous scrum. Referee saying it

was out. The majority of the game has been

played in the middle third of the field. A concerted drive by Ulster.

McCloskey got it away for Jacob Stockdale and that is far too soft

for the Scarlets. Well worked, McCloskey was always going to be the

target and he had far too much room to feed it to Jacob Stockdale. We

mentioned big McCloskey, that is very slow. That is an easy pop.

Williams and Davies, he just gets his hands free and that is far too

easy. They will be really disappointed, the ball had stopped,

he was static, it was just a few steps that Marshall has taken which

has held James Davies. That is a soft defensive work from Scarlets.

Good support play from Stockdale. The defence would have been

expecting that. Successful conversion. All lead 10-6. A nice

try but it is the build-up I am interested in. Are the Ulster

players in front of Marshall? Just there. The touch judge should spot

that. They wouldn't have had the line-out.

Those are the breaks and Ulster take them. So is the touch judge on this

site. -- Rizzo. Good kick by Marshall.

The referee just once Ulster to speed things up at line-out time.

Black making sure the instructions are for Rory Best.

Good control about this Ulster driving line-out.

They have taken the game by the scruff of the net in the scrums. The

line-outs, the mauls. Paul Marshall quite happy to go aerial. Back to

James Davies. White eight, within ten metres.

Eight White, offside. Sean Reidy.

That is a great kick. That is a super kick from Dan Jones. He went

for everything there. He warily did past. A great kick. These galas

could not have asked for better. -- the Scarlets.

Lost it. Just when the Scarlets were looking to do what Ulster did so

effectively down the other end of the field but they couldn't keep

hold of the ball. McNicoll. The Ulster defence has had a chance

to re-form. Steff Evans gets the ball in his

hands for the first time this evening. The game is 25 minutes old.

Again, they are a bit narrow, the Scarlets. If they are narrow their

defensive line is narrow and the narrower it gets the more difficult

it is to hit the hole. Hadleigh Parkes having to do a lot of

carrying but effective in getting over the gain line.

Nicely weighted to Liam Williams. Barclay is on the outside. Inside is

Hadleigh Parkes. Past the defence. Again, Ulster battling hard in the

breakdown. The Scarlets still have it. It has all slowed down. James

Davies. Again, flies out of the tackle.

McCluskey cannot gather. In the end, all the Scarlets can have is a

potted in these grim. Ulster are winning in the tackle

area. They are organising their defence. The ball is so slow coming

out they can't use it effectively. Another game is being played this

evening at Rodney Parade. Treviso are the visitors. They went ahead

earlier thanks to a try. But the Dragons heads back and notorious had

one in front of the posts. At half-time the Dragons lead 13-8.

Usually you would need a hovercraft over the water there!

Former Llanelli, Wales, Lions, Phil Bennett. He has had his say about

the Dragons and all things Welsh rugby this week.

Their scrum has been MS. -- a mess. There is no pattern or continuity to

any part of the game so far. There are too many errors. One

opportunity, they have taken it. That is the difference. Territory

and possession. The half chance the Scarlets had early on, Paddy Jackson

got back to say. But Ulster took theirs. Play in either 22 has been

at a premium. Marius Mitrea 's knees to get a grip of this. It is

difficult enough in these conditions but you need more control of the

scrum as well. I know the ground is slippery but

let's not use it as an excuse. We cannot do better. Make sure you get

the distance, keep the gap and minimum hit until the ball gets in.

Keep the bind. Time on. That scrum is completed and the

Scarlets hit the blindside. That is where the two centres were waiting.

Gareth Davies arrives. He seems to have shrugged off they knocked to

the left leg. Steff Evans has to go in as temporary scrum half a couple

of times. Jake Ball pushing back that Ulster defence. Better

clearance. They add up very quickly, Ulster.

Good speed in defence. They are arising that's Scarlets attack. Liam

Williams always looking to be near the action. Surely, that was a hand

on the floor. But Rob Evans has it anyway.

The counter wrecking has been good by Ulster. They are not

overcommitted to the ruck. It is difficult for the Scarlets to find

any space. They are very clever, their commitment in the wreck. --

ruck. It has gone forward. I'm sure the Scarlets would like a bit more

assistance from the referee at the breakdown.

It is all about pushing the barriers as far as you can. You have to be

very clever. They have numbers on their feet and Scarlets are running

into the brick walls. I think the service isn't very good

from nine. The last thing you want is a slow ball with a great line

speed that Ulster has. I don't know why they haven't made the

substitution because he is not at his best because of that injury.

The Blues visited Glasgow is S4C's game tomorrow night. Cardiff City

against Fulham in the FA Cup third round tomorrow morning. And then

highlights of the weekend's accent, read the action that is, on Scrum V

at 5:30pm on Sunday. Apologies, it is Sunday the FA Cup game is the

rather than tomorrow. The Scarlets have almost two thirds

of the possession so far in the first half.

They haven't looked like scoring, that is the problem. The defence has

been good. Ross Kane. These grams have been

struggling anyway. Has got a bad elbow that will not help matters

much. Maybe he should put some of that on

his elbow! Liam Williams left out and the ball

reaches John Barclay. The Scarlets have lots protected possession well

enough. They have had a lot of ball but they have spilled a lot of ball

as well. McNicoll is not afraid of trying to

spread it. But the pressure comes back on and Steff Evans having to

her leave the game. Ken Owens is offside. Lightning fast! He was

having a rest there. Lewis Rawlins ran straight into the elbow. But he

is up. Conditions are pretty awful as you

can see. That very scrappy period of play, the Scarlets trying to play

some rugby which best thing in these conditions. Maybe Lewis Rawlins

should have ten minutes. He missed time the tackle. Just cops one. He

is low. He had spilled the ball and tried to make up for it. He went

straight into the shoulder. Ken Owens can have his arrest now! He

needs to go off and have a cheque. I am not sure what they are trying

to do here. Ken catches it. This is the opportunity. They were all

streaming back. That is a great take. In these conditions on the

rent. Wide receiver! He wasn't behind but forces Gareth Davies into

another bypass. That is another reason why Gareth Davies has not had

the ball away because they are living on the offside line. You have

either got to take them out and make there are very referee that Alltel

directory, if you don't affiliate, we are going to take them out at the

fringes. At least you make the rest of the aware of it. Will Boyde has

come on. He is one of the form players this season. He has been

superb. Got his opportunity in Cardiff just before the autumn

internationals and has not looked back. He has been superb for the

last two months. Callum Black had to stretch for that one.

Jackson has peppered those kicks in. Dan Jones under pressure from Luke

Marshall. The Scarlets have managed to get

back and support their outside half. Gareth Davies on to take over the

kicking duties, no Number 10 him. Ulster have played these conditions

far better than Scarlets. They have tried to go through the phases. They

have turned the Scarlets and the Scarlets have tried to run it back.

But they haven't been successful. In the last ten minutes they have got

to grips with this game, Ulster. The Scarlets have to be patient and if

it is not on, turn them, forced the error in the Ulster 22. They have

got to be more clinical. Ulster equally happy with or without

possession. Jackson getting McCluskey over that

gain line. Nothing fancy. Up the guts, recycle

and go. If it isn't going, put the boot to it. And use the forwards and

then use McCluskey again. He gets the off-load to Ludik. Simple but

very effective by Ulster. Paddy Jackson is just off-loading. A loose

pass by Callum Black. Still possession for Ulster.

In these conditions there is nothing wrong with the old-fashioned and

under. But the full-back under pressure, hang it up in the air get

the chases to it. If there is nothing on, silhouette against the

Cleverley and settle for a scrum. -- check it against the referee.

Let's go back to Phil Steele. Last Saturday the premiership before they

split split tomorrow. The big games are Ebbw Vale against Crosskeys,

Cardiff against Bedwas. If Ebbw Vale win they will join the other teams,

Merthyr Tydfil, Panther that possibly than the others in the top

league. You can play in every stage in the world from the Principality,

Eden Park, everywhere, Cape Town that you haven't played Gardiffaith

in January, a haven't played anywhere. Remember to go to

Garndiffaith. That is where I made my first ever

reporting, Open Garndiffaith. Nice little inside ball to Paddy Jackson.

They are controlling possession so well, Ulster. Scarlets can't get

their hands on the ball at the moment. Louis Ludik.

Just changing the point of the tackle. Getting away from the

Scarlets defenders. Keeping that possession well.

Not making any mistakes. It is a lesson in wet weather rugby

from Ulster. Pushing the Scarlets all the way back to that far corner.

That was a lovely little kick but the chase was not there. Here they

come again, the men in white led by Iain Henderson and Trimble.

Ludik was on there. Extra man outside. A penalty. They will go for

goal. A 7-point advantage. The crowd may not like it but it is copybook

stuff from Ulster. Paddy Jackson averaging 70% with his

kicks. He has controlled the game very well

because he has had a lot of ball. He has put a lot of variety in it, the

long kick, the shortcake. -- short kick.

One conversion and one penalty to his name. Paddy Jackson prepares

with the final kick of the first half. Again, well struck, very well

struck indeed. Paddy Jackson add Ulster have had an excellent first

hour. A couple of penalties for the Scarlets but Ulster in control of

possession and the scoreboard. At half-time, 6-13. Phil Steele is with

Ken Owens. These conditions are not going to be better, it is going to

be cavemen stuff in the second half. The scrum is 50-50 at the moment but

I were line speed is good. One mistake in the back of the line-out,

we need to tidy it up. Thanks for your time. Have a good orange.

It was the Scarlets who had the first chance to cross the whitewash.

Dan Jones was beaten to the ball by Paddy Jackson, excellent cover from

the Ulster fly-half. Jose knocked over a couple of penalties to put

the Scarlets to a 6-0 lead but Paddy Jackson pegging them back. The only

try of the half came via Jacob Stockdale. Hayward will not be happy

with this. The winger waltzed through the Scarlets defence. On the

stroke of half-time, a beautifully struck kick by Paddy Jackson to put

Ulster in a lead. For much of that first have the Scarlets enjoyed the

greater share of possession but Scarlets coming back into it was the

end to have a 55% share. Elsewhere, there is that virtually the same.

Very even on the stats. Ulster committee would have to say, playing

these conditions better. They have been more streetwise today. They

have pushed the limits with the death in the breakdown. Generally

got the better of the Scarlets in the scrum. The nines and tens have

kicked better than the Scarlets halfbacks. They are very difficult

conditions. We talked about how Byron Hayward

will be tearing his head and the ease Ulster went over for the try.

Is that a defensive error? It is a line error with Liam Williams. They

should not have had the line-out. They were in front of the kicker. He

goes to shape their kick. They are too eager, the Ulster players. The

touch judge should have seen that. Look at the tail of the line. James

Davies has to watch their nine. Liam Williams now has a problem. He has

to defend both the centre and the winger. His vision is crammed. It is

a difficult place to defend but you have to jam in.

A bit harsh on James Davies, he came in too early on Marshall. He should

never help a little bit and let the play develop in front of him. He has

made the decision for Marshall. He is so big and strong, McCluskey,

have a chance and he is through. Conditions like this, you don't get

many try scoring opportunities. Ulster were clinical. One

opportunity and one try. There are not going to be any raft of tries

tonight. Dan Jones did not take his opportunity. That could have been a

brilliant start for the Scarlets. A big night for Dan Jones. Rhys

Patchell was the only Scarlets player to start every game prior to

his injury. He has got good skills, Dan Jones. His goal-kicking was

excellent. Two difficult kicks in the conditions and got the Scarlets

6-0 ahead. This is a good kick with distance. Not easy conditions

underfoot. Those things help in those conditions. I taught at the

start about the wing is coming off the ten. This was his charge down.

He lost his running strike. He got ahead of himself but Jackson showed

pace. Dan Jones is a good prospect. As we

heard, Rhys Patchell had his operation today. He needs surgery.

It is 12 weeks out. A big blow for Rhys Patchell on the Scarlets. It

took him a few weeks to get into his stride but he has been brilliant

over the last seven weeks. It is a big blow. Dan Jones is a huge talent

and just needs a run. A big game today. He will just get better. The

breakdown, the boys in commentary talked a lot about this. Ulster are

not committing any more than they need do and frustrating the

Scarlets. Second game in a row. I am

scratching my head. They just leave their hand on the board is the

second too fast. Don't roll away quick enough, put the hand on the

ball. They're leaving their hands there are second or two longer. They

have been very cute. Like Jonathan mentioned, Ken Owens, Gareth Davies

have got to be into the referee. I knew he is Italian and maybe that is

a communication issue. You've got to make him aware. If that is the other

way, the crowd would have gone crazy. Peano would've been into the

referee. The Scarlets boys need to do the same. You have got to gauge

what the recipe is doing. Is Marius Mitrea leaving Ulster to get away

with murder? No. They is pushing the baddies as far as they can to win

the game. Scarlets have to be more proactive and work out a way to get

over the line. They know how difficult it is to

attack so they just need that white line in position. You buy yourself

an extra second or two by slowing it down at the breakdown and Vanessa

Deeney is to be stronger. These claims have been MS as well. We know

the Scarlets have a much bulkier front five. Perhaps thought they

could dominate. For me, the Ulster pack have been

impressive. The line-out has been really well, the driving line-out

has some momentum. It is difficult to see who is on top with scrums,

the referee seems to think it is Ulster. They have been a superb at

set pieces and around the contact area in the first hour. Another game

going on at Rodney Parade, the Dragons hosting Treviso, desperate

for a win after their New Year's Day defeat to the Ospreys. And the

earlier defeat to the Blues. Treviso struck first, lovely footwork to

beat the defence but not long after that, his opposite number went

through the gap and went under the posts. Added a penalty for good

measure from Angus O'Brien and the second half is just begun at Rodney

Parade. Angus O'Brien has added a drop goal, so it is 16-8 at the

moment at Rodney Parade. The second half is under way there. We have the

second-half here to come. We could see Ospreys going top if they beat

Connacht tomorrow and the Blues have a difficult away trip to Glasgow. If

Danny Wilson's men want to keep the top six in their sights, a win is

vital, it won't be easy against one of Europe's form sides.

On Sunday, the capital city counterparts the Bluebirds, Cardiff

City take on Fulham in the FA Cup. And scrum V Sunday is on at the

earlier time of five 30p. We will review the weekend action and hear

how one man turned tragedy into Triumph at the Rio Paralympics. When

it actually happened, it was an amazing feeling. A bit of a change

from years ago from playing rugby able-bodied and then being in that

final and playing in a wheelchair. A cracking interview, June in on

Sunday at 5:30pm. As we mentioned, a big game for the Cardiff Blues

coming up tomorrow evening in Glasgow. This is the team Danny

Wilson has picked, two changes from the side that lost to Scarlets.

Blaine Scully returning on the wing. We talked about this being a crucial

game, that is a really critical game for the Blues, in seventh at the

moment, Sam Warburton has Origi said if they don't win in Glasgow they

can kiss goodbye to their top six hopes. You can see the table is

already splitting into two. If the Blues lose that game, they are in a

desperate situation, top six in the Champions Cup next year which will

be a huge disappointment. Seeing how they started the season and the

names they had in the squad, I thought they would mail the top six.

A huge game against Glasgow and they are a brilliant team, they have so

much strength in depth. They need some extra resolve. It will probably

need to be the performance of the season to get a win at Glasgow. You

know Danny Wilson well, he is a perfectionist, how big and ask is it

to go up to Glasgow, who have just beaten Racing Metro back-to-back in

Europe. Root they have one eye on Europe and Glasgow are quite shaky

at the moment, if there's a time to beat them, it is now. The Blues are

paying for recent home form. They have some big-game players but they

need them, it is a big game for Glasgow as well. Particularly if

Ulster get over the line tonight. That top six is looking into reading

at the moment. Back to tonight's game will stop the about to return

to return to the playing field. Alan Davies will be replacing Gareth

Davies at the start of this half, 13-6, Scarlets still in it.

Opportunities to score are few and far between, what do they need to

change to get the lead back? You'll macro when they attack. They have to

score first, if you go two scores behind in these conditions, it is

more or less came over, they need a big start to the second-half.

Scarlets don't need the victory as desperate as Ulster do but it would

be a massive bonus if they did. Home form is in the Pro12. Boyd coming

onto the field will be a big asset but they need Jonathan Davies to

come in. Alan Davies will bring a spark but can we see more from

McNicoll and Liam Williams? That will be crucial even in these

treacherous conditions. The rain continues to fall here, it hasn't

stopped since about 3pm this afternoon. Conditions not getting

any better, can be Scarlets improve their performance in the second

half? COMMENTATOR: Thank you. Changes for the Scarlets but not for

ulcer. Aled Davies has replaced Gareth Davies and Will Boyde is on,

whether it is temporary or for keeps, we will find out. Not try to

force the game, play the conditions, make the referee referee the right

areas. Get your foot on it, take it to the fringes if you have do but

tell the referee he has to referee Ed. If there is nothing happening

and they are not getting success on the gain line, just turn them and

put them under pressure in their own 22. A converted try is the

difference between the two teams. The try scored by Jacob Stockdale.

Converted by Paddy Jackson. Aled Davies gets down on the ball, his

100th appearance for the Scarlets this evening. He was held up there.

A difficult job getting off the ground from a tackle. Henderson.

A handling error, scholars have made eight handling errors to Ulster's

three. Conditions like that, it is a crucial stat. Why they haven't

peppered the full-back, he has played a lot on the wing, I don't

care who you are, it will be difficult to take. Swirling wind,

rain, a slippery ball. Steph Evans is a converted full-back and Liam

Williams is also a full-back initially. But it is Johnny McNicoll

wearing 15 this evening. Scarlets are not going to score from long

distance I think so they need to play the territorial game.

Rory Best may be looking for another penalty. First time up again,

McCloskey. Six feet two, 16 and a half stone of

him. West set it up on the ten metre

line. A little tester but he claims it this time. Not the best kick from

Paddy Jackson but not going anywhere. Just put the pressure on

the Scarlets. They can take the ball, kick to touch now and they

will get the line-out. He had a long way to go. Very good season for

Steph Evans, five tries in the league. He must be on the way for

the Six Nations. He is playing exceptionally well. He is creating

stuff and scoring tries, he is an effective runner.

Trimble and Steph Evans go up together. Chris Henry gets it back,

this is dangerous. You let macro I thought there was a knock-on their

butt play on. Trimble. Spilled by Rory Best. His headgear has been on

and off all evening. Jake Ball as the Scarlets look to get out to

their own 22. Good work by the Ulster players. They eventually do

go back for the knock-on. I think this is what they are complaining

about, he gets up, Steph Evans. Does look like a knock-on really. He lost

the ball. Ulster, when they have the ball, they seem a bit more

controlled and their line-out is going. They have got the driving

line-out going well and they are kicking well. When the Scarlets have

the ball, not so much. Aled Davies to John Davies. Left

foot again with plenty of distance on it. Ludik returns.

Job was done in the end by Clive Ross. Plenty of time for Dan Jones.

I then think the Scarlets timing much for touch, are they, just

distance. The kicking game is a lot better from the Ulster players

unfortunately. Right on cue. Unexpected but the Scarlets will

take it. Some news about the injury on Gareth Davies. Gareth Davies has

taken a blow on the shin as was thought and the medical staff say he

shouldn't be out for too long, which is good news with Europe coming up,

the temping Scott and for Wales. Shouldn't be too bad. McBride and

Rob Howley keeping a close eye on this one for their selection for

Wales, as they will fall of the games between now and the Six

Nations announcement. I don't think you'll earn too much about players

from this one to be honest with you. Too strong from John Davies. They

need to put on some pressure. It is comfortable at the moment, they need

a change of tactics. Apply a better kicking game. Do not try and run the

ball too much actually. McCloskey straight up the middle

again. Ten carries from McCloskey. Not great yardage but keeping them

going forward. Held. That is good play. Holding on.

This is the first opportunity in the second half, a quick kick and then

good field position to start in attack from.

Dragons extending their lead, a couple of penalties in the second

half of them. First you've got to get field position but then they

lose the line-out. Ludik first to react. Will Davies find a way? Aled

Davies. Dan Jones. Steph Evans had to take it from a standing start.

Goes backwards, so untidy. Scarlets not playing the simple game

like Ulster have been doing. Liam Williams giving chase. Not enough

room on the far side. I would like to see that again, I think Aled

Davies had a split-second to get out wide on the turnover. He chose to go

himself but they have numbers on the left. It is a great tackle. Lovely

pass. Too narrow an angle. Parks was calling for it. It is a wide angle.

Change in the Ulster front row, Andy Warwick comes on to replace Callum

Black. James Davies going forward for the

Scarlets. This looks more promising, a bit more pace from the Scarlets.

It has come up a bit too quickly from the Ulster defenders.

James Davies striving to keep the ball alive. They will go back to the

offside call. They have been right on the edge all might Ulster. The

offside line and on that time creeping little too early, one step.

Great decision. There are opportunities, watch here

nor, as you watch it, stop it there. Just keep an eye on this guy, he's

going to come up to the line first of all. The runner is on. Look at

that, stop it there, look at the overlap. Such an overlap, four

players there. There are opportunities, he sucks him in and

gives the pass and it would have been three on one. The condition is

there to attack, you have to scan and play what is in front of you.

Too often they have gone for the cut out pass and that was a perfect

example of short, sharp passing. They first opportunity for points in

the second half. Taken by Dan Jones. The deficit is back to four.

His first appearance of the season. And interesting substitution.

Marshall has done well tonight. Another poor kick from Scarlets.

They rushed it again. Take it in. Recycled the ball but that is a

rushed kick again. You've just got to take that, recycle it and give it

to the stand-off and welly it down the field.

Shanahan to McCloskey. It was good work by James Davies, McCloskey had

a lot of time to get that back. Great off-load from Marshall to

Ludik. Danger signs for the Scarlets. Up comes John Barclay.

Great steel. The Davies Brothers between them couldn't get it away.

Great steel by John Barclay under extreme pressure.

That is a great tackle, stripped the ball. After a couple of off-loads,

just put the Scarlets defence under pressure. James Davies gets

attention. I have two Scarlets legends, George, give us a wave in

your Swansea City top. A big Scarlets van. The second man to

achieve 100 appearances for the Scarlets and 34 caps for Wales. You

would have enjoyed this tonight? Yes, I would have, probably with

this weather. It is a bit of an arm wrestle with the backs and forwards.

No side is dominating the game at the moment. You just feel the

players are not doing their own thing at the moment. You need a bit

of kick and go or somebody needs to assert authority in the game. What

would you be saying right now? I would go pick and go. Go through the

middle bit, take the on and create a bit of space for some big backs to

get over the gain line. It is all about the gain line momentum. The

scholars have a penalty but it is in their 22 at the moment. Your

coaching now, with him? And under ten team, my young nephew place for

them. It's not all forward oriented but it is a good way to learn the

game. We are down in Larne on Sunday and then Sinclair. Nice to see you.

Got a hand on that one but Ludik was well up in support. Jacob Stockdale.

He's got to pick his spot behind the Ulster defence. That's the

counterattack from Paddy Jackson. Hasn't found touch. A mistake. Will

they have a go? The supporters felt the pass was forward from the

full-back. Henderson charged down. Liam Williams with a few wild ones

tonight. The effect of charging that one down

for Ian Henderson. As they prepared to make more changes. I think he

caught his ribs. As soon as he charged it down, you can see him

holding his side. Very unfortunate if he has cracked or broken rib with

the ball. The game at Rodney Parade is reaching its conclusion. And the

Dragons are pretty much home and dry, skipper Lewis Evans has gone

over, a third try for them. Can they squeeze another one into get a bonus

point in the remaining two minutes? Johnny Simpson, made his debut

against Leinster on New Year's Eve at the tight head for Ross Kane.

That will knock the wind out of you. Claimed by James Davies. American

football style over the top. Landed outside the 22, forcing Ludik

to play it. Well taken by McNicol. Henderson not

releasing from the tackle. Kick it. Is this in range for Dan Jones? The

corner is the decision. Bill-macro I don't understand that. He was

obviously not confident. They really struggled, the Scarlets. They have

failed to get their driving line-out going. A big line-out for Ken Owens.

Crucial line-out in attacking positions have let Scarlets down as

the game goes into its final quarter, they need to be correct.

They are initially. Looking for the drive on, I wince seeing how close

the try line is, in go the backs as well to join in. A dozen Scarlets

players in there. Aled Davies gets it loose, comes to the blindside and

Aled Davies hasn't got the ball to ground, Sean Reidy with the

all-important tackle saves the day for Ulster. That's a brilliant

tackle. Nearly a great decision to go for the touch and nearly scored a

try but I thought he was in here. He goes for glory. That's got to be

looked at. Is that a high tackle, is it a penalty try, yellow card?

It is the two Italians to make the call. You have got to see that from

behind. Let's have a look. How high was that? Did it prevent the tried?

That is the question being asked. Aled Davies has gone in at a low

angle. It is the left arm of Trimble. That is the one more than

Reidy. You can't see it. It is the other angle. It is very difficult.

How was Reidy not going to stop this? Just watch number eight first.

That is a good tackle. He is going global. I tell you what,...

And of the rules, that has got to be a penalty.

He has penalised Reidy. They have called Sean Reidy's high and that

has prevented a possible try. That is going to be a yellow card. This

is not the last you are going to see this. The new directive about high

tackles, I thought it was Trimble's that is high. But the thought Sean

Reidy's try -- arm was high. It is a yellow card and that is a big break

for Scarlets. After getting on the wrong side of the crowd all evening,

at last Marius Mitrea has done something right. That is a tough

call. The issue with the new rule is that if Reidy goes lower than that

it is impossible to stop him scoring a try. That was so is harsh. But it

is the new rules. Tell me, what is the number eight supposed to do? He

can't: oh. He has got his shoulder. Common sense again. If he thinks it

is high I would say it is accidental, it is a penalty. You

can't give a yellow card, you can't give a penalty try because that is

nothing else that number aids could have them. You are going to stop

tackling near the try line. I know safety is paramount to be too good

to have a little bit of common sense. That you have got to have.

That is such a harsh call but Scarlets will take it though.

The player was going low as well. He was diving for the try line.

I think he is going after Jake Ball for a high tackle now. We're going

to be here all day! Can here look at it in real-time.

They slow things down and it always looks a lot worse. They are going to

have to bring shorts with pockets back because that is where players

will have to keep their hands from now on. I love the supporters behind

me. Two minutes ago it was, send him off! Now, there is nothing wrong

with its! It is dependent on which side you are supporting. Was that

any worse than Reidy's? That is never a yellow card.

In fairness the 60 minute it hasn't been an issue. Where are we going?

Where'er we going? I don't see how they can be yellow

cards, I don't. It is going to spoil the game now.

Absolutely. None of them were yellow cards. Crazy times.

It has brought the crowd to life anyway.

What adjustments to the Scarlets do now? Lewis Rawlins, who would have

been natural for the second row, he is off anyway. Hadleigh Parkes will

go on the flank. Dan Jones looking to get the

Scarlets back downfield. Back in. It was merely an outstanding kick. Just

went over the touchline, unlucky for Dan Jones.

With all that is going on I can't believe the Scarlets in front.

19-8 the corresponding fixture at the Kingston Stadium finished. --

king span. Scarlets looking to stay in the top four. Ulster as fixed at

the moment and looking to stay in that place and getting into the

play-off position. Rory Best comes away with it. Shanahan.

McCluskey offering himself again. The Scarlets are aware of the danger

he poses. Marshall is next in line as they get nearer the Scarlets try

line. Working it wide initially through Henderson. Good gains on

every occasion by them. Again, they are getting nearer that try line.

Disciplined stuff by Ulster. They have rolled up their sleeves up.

McCluskey just two metres short. Brown is ready. He gets it.

Henderson and up comes the Scarlets defence led by Tom Price. But they

have got the ball away from the defenders. They are inching forward.

Players like Rory Best and Henderson. They are holding onto

possession so well. Trimble is holding his but that is a massive

gap between him and Marshall in Centre. That is turned over

possession. Have the Scarlets got the courage of their convictions as

Mac only as far as Jonathan Davies's effort. Trimble dropped back

immediately once the ball was lost. Shanahan to Rory Best, involved as

heavily as usual. Ian Henderson has put a shift in as

well. They are dragged away from it. Stockdale, seems a long time since

he got over for the early try. Such hard work to make any yardage. From

both sides. Just a question of keeping possession and not making a

mistake. Jackson goes for the gap but the pass wasn't accurate enough.

Rob Evans to Dan Jones. That turns again and back goes Ludik. Ulster

are backing their half for the first time in a minutes. That is up poor

kick. He got away with it. They will settle for that and a breather.

Ken Owens did a match saving tackle. He caught Paddy Jackson by the

shirt. That'll be his last contribution as a Ryan Elias and Wyn

Jones come on. This is the break. He just steps inside, a lovely break.

Great tackle. A forward pass there. That is a desperate tackle by Ken

Owens. That is what you have to do. You have to look up, see who is in

front of you and take it on. He has given everything has Ken Owens. A

dozen minutes to go. A charge down into the hands of Marshall.

Luke Marshall saves the day. The second line of defence for Ulster

and they needed him. Simpson with Icardi. -- the caddie.

Taken safely bet lost by Liam Williams.

What is interesting and charged us, what this. As Paddy Jackson goes if

you know he is going to kick you have always got a chance because the

right leg is always near the guy who is charging down. If I knew he was

going to kick it that way but the gas on and get to him. If he is

kicking the overweight he has the left shoulder and the left hip to

get away from the kick. It is a common start. George North

does it a lot. If you kick across your body... You could see the

pressure they put on. Jonathan Davies is a left footer.

The Dragons have beaten Treviso. The ball shot out the side of the

scrum. Ulster started their season with

five wins on the bounce but they lost the next three. Scarlets did it

the other way around. They lost their first three but then had a

winning run of seven. McCluskey back to Jackson.

Goes for the space that is covered by Aled Davies. He's got plenty of

green grass on the far side. The ball spins and Dan Jones sees what

is up. The game is opening up in the final

ten minutes despite the constant heavy drizzle. The referee is still

loath to give penalties in the tackle area.

Elias carries well. Timing the run well. James Davies

steps off that right foot. Keep it simple, keep it in hand.

Elias again. The crowd urging the Scarlets on. Liam Williams writes

the charge of Trimble. Eventually they have lost it. Good

play. All that builder and they come away

with nothing. It is better for the Scarlets, more dynamism and got over

the gain line. Anniversaries in the game was

breaking up, they were both down to 14 men. Back-up to 15. -- another

reason. The familiar features of Tommy Bowe, the leading try scorer

in the league's yesterday. Steff Hughes has come on for Liam

Williams. Steff Hughes, straight on that far wing.

Liam Williams is not happy being pulled. -- off.

Time is against Ulster. They are back in their own 22.

Simpson flat on the floor. Jackson gets the ball away and the Scarlets

will see that out of play. It will take up a bit more time for them.

The Scarlets need to kill the game now.

Steff Evans following Davis's kick. It is James Davies. Trimble, very

brave and that the high ball. They will have to use possession wisely

now, Ulster, with only five minutes remaining. Shanahan seeing if he can

get in the stake from Scarlets. They have held them up again. The

right corner now. Over Marshall's had full stop Elias has carried

strongly in the five minutes he has been on the field.

Still on a knife edge. They have been two draws between the two teams

in Llanelli. McNichol was nowhere near that one. Picked up and taken

over the touchline by Steff Evans. The Scarlets have up their game in

the second half, in the final quarter in particular. Different

change of tactics. They have won the aerial battle. They have changed

their game in the second half. The main talking points was that yellow

card, the decision was brave to go for the touchline and they got the

penalty try. That seemed to spark them to live. They have got to try

and hang on in because Ulster are going to throw everything at them.

Scarlets trying to keep Ulster's ball-carriers on their feet but they

have gone to ground. It has been a busy evening of

dealing with high balls from the back three.

The scrum halves have put in so many kicks this evening, totally

understandable under the conditions. They don't want to do that,

Scarlets. They need to keep it tight and they have given possession away.

Marshall tries to pin them back. The Scarlets now will be living on their

nerves. I can't believe he has looked

uncertain under the high ball. You would have peppered the full-back

under the conditions. That loose pass cost the Scarlets.

They have got to do the line-out and clear it.

The loss against the Ospreys, the only one in nine for the Scarlets.

Just one win, two wins, Sally, for Ulster. Aled Davies. He puts it

safely out of play. That was a good kick.

He has made a difference since coming on, Aled Davies. You could

see Gareth Davies was injured. Ulster on 32 points, Scarlets on 36

before this evening. But Ulster have played one game less. Price wins the

Ulster feral but they have lost it again.

It is like a bad of soap. Hang on. Who knocked on their? Now

then, a scrum for Ulster. I would like to see the incident actually. I

thought is less back from the line-out.

I thought so too. There is the tap back. Let's have a look. It is

difficult to see from that angle because the assistant referee has

got to see from the other side. He has judged it to knock it on. This

is it, do or die to see if the Scarlets can hang on. Can they have

win number nine? A penalty would draw Ulster level and a tribe would

sneak it for them. They have not had any point in the second half,

Ulster. They have dropped the ball. The Scarlets looked to have done

just enough as Ludik keeps it alive. Trimble, the captain, trying to

conjure something. Reidy is back on the field after ten minutes. He

should not have been in the sin bin, but neither should Jake Ball.

Masoe looks for the quick pass but it is over the far side. --

Marshall. The Scarlets have hung on. It might have been a controversial

decision but the home crowd are delighted. A hard fought effectively

for the Scarlets. Victor Li number nine in a close game. They did just

enough to sneak home by 16-13. I thought Ulster word in control of

the game and that's one decision cost Ulster the game, I felt. I felt

it was a brave call. I am not sure it was the right call by the

referee. But they've got the result and it is a hard fought game. The

Scarlets will take that result. It keeps them open air but Ulster will

be disappointed because they dominated most of the game, their

kicking game was better. The addition of Aled Davies and their

kicking game was better in the second half.

They will be delighted. All of Ulster's points came in the first

half. The new laws regarding high tackles worked for the Scarlets in

the end and went Aled Davies try to speak over, Sean Reidy was not just

penalised and yellow carded. The penalty try was the difference in

the end. Dan Jones converted that add three penalties from him and

that was just enough for the Scarlets because they kept a clean

sheet in the second half and wait as Ulster were in control of the first

half, Scarlets had enough control to see it home in the end and that by a

margin of 16-13. What a pity victor that was for the

Scarlets. Just the two tries, one in each half. Stop them going over for

all stay in the first-half and this by Aled Davies. He was not awarded

the try. Sean Reidy was yellow carded for the high tackle. A

controversial decision and we saw another yellow card within moments,

Jake Ball seeing yellow as well. Did not matter, Scarlets clung on for

the victory. Man of the match is with Phil Steele. You are the man of

the match. Well done. How hard was that.

It was nonstop. It was very pretty. It was like schoolboy rugby. And

chase the ball. It was hard to hold onto. We did awesome to come back.

If you get behind it is hard to claw your way back. I have to ask you

about the two yellow cards, do you have some sympathy with the boys who

got the yellow? Yes. It isn't for me to say, it is one we knew they had

changed the rule. They were pretty harsh. Still in the top four, well

done. The results we saw the Dragons won.

Babies Dragons. We haven't got a great deal of time

left. I guess the talking points were that yellow card. How fortunate

with the Scarlets to get the Windows Mac they got the field position and

the try. Unfortunately, it isn't what we want is even stop both

yellow cards were harsh. We will talk about "A much more detail but a

win is a win. -- the yellow cards. They will be happy with that. A

great victory for the Scarlets, a revenge for the defeat in September.

They are still forth and be in contention for those end of season

play-offs. We will see you on Sunday at 5:30pm for Scrum V.