16/04/2017 Scrum V

This Easter weekend saw the return of Judgment Day. Could the Cardiff

Blues break an 11 game losing streak against the Ospreys? : the Dragons

halt the progress of play-off chasing Scarlet 's?

He has made some special memories at the Principality Stadium. Could

Shane Williams do it all again in his village colours? And Warren

Gatland names his British Lions squad. Will Sam Warburton leads to

Lee lead The dust has settled

on Judgment Day V, and it's been Martyn Williams and Sean Holley have

been laying off the Easter We'll be hearing from them in a bit,

but let's kick things off with Act One of Judgment Day ,

the Blues against the Ospreys. not contesting the line-out. Looking

to drive them back. They well I Kristian Dacey. The hooker has snuck

over in the corner. Calling for more defenders. The

Ospreys are outnumbered. Cuthbert with two men outside him. The

chances there. Great defending. Lloyd Williams. A

separate take -- a superb take. A great finish from the scrum-half.

Great ball from the scrum to Cuthbert. Nick Williams, try number

three. With less than 27 minutes gone, you are asking yourself, is

there any way back for the Ospreys? That could be a yellow card. Dan

Evans hasn't got back to ground. I think it is a yellow.

Cuthbert again around the back. Alex Cuthbert. So close.

He has got there. The bonus point for the Blues. Filise reaches over.

Sam Davies, the flat ball to Baker does not work.

He wins it. It is all going the Blues' way. A fifth try for them and

the celebrations are starting early. Watch the spinner from Kristian

Dacey. Great skill. A great kick this time. Anscombe has the pace,

and Sam Davies -- on Sunday this. Sam Davies. A penalty coming but the

Ospreys desperate to cross the try-line.

Dan Evans slips through, and at last the Ospreys have got a try. Going to

be a yellow card here. There was a warning given during the build-up by

the Ospreys. Continued infringement, offside.

The referee allows it to go. If they can ship the ball, they are in. In

anyway under the sticks. James. Penthouse for the Ospreys, another

quick convergence narrows that gap. An outstanding performance by the

Blues. No major influence on their season, but it makes it a very

uncomfortable last couple of weeks for the Ospreys. Can't believe it

after losing three on the bounce steal in the top four. Massive game

against Ulster. We are good enough to beat them. You missed key players

but I expect more than that from the Ospreys. You don't always get the

breaks or win games, but I expect more.

A fourth defeat in a row for Steve Tandy and his Ospreys,

but an outstanding performance from the Cardiff Blues.

That was the first time in 11 games they'd beaten the Ospreys ,

a miserable run that stretched all the way back to NYE 2010.

Martyn, we talked yesterday about the physicality,

It was pretty much the complete performance?

To what extent does that mark a turning point?

They have been building towards this. They should have won against

Ulster, should have won against Leinster. When they have ball in

hand, a dangerous outfit. Because any team problems. They defended

well yesterday, totally dominant. Sean's over there with a man

who hasn't stopped smiling since the final whistle ,

the Blues head coach, Danny Wilson. Guys, we saw what the backs could do

with their plentiful supply of quick ball,

but this victory was built Stopping them at source is key. The

decision-making five metres out? He would have made a decision along

with the line-out leaders in the week. We would stay down and try and

protect ourselves against a good Ospreys maul. Make sure we get our

timing right, our angles right. Come in with the right attitude to stop

what I said is a dangerous Ospreys maul. Some consternation well done

on the floor. Another aspect of the decision-making five metres out is

in the air. It is a gamble more. A flexibility to go up in the air. If

the Ospreys win it yet they are dangerous. We took the gamble to get

the facts the floor. Gethin Jenkins important year, to? Davies McAuley

that little bit of room. Put the pressure on. To protect ourselves

against the maul. Key line-outs that space needed to win. Clever by your

boys, you ran the risk of less than that in the line-out. The Ospreys

could have driven the ball here and put a back row in the backline.

Defence coaches and leaders, we decided a seven man line-out was a

major threat from the Ospreys. We had to protect against that. We

hadn't done that well recently. We put an extra background. Ellis

Jenkins in the backline? We wanted with. Line speed to give ourselves

the extra number. Should they run short which they do a lot. To slow

down again. If they get on the front foot, the Ospreys are a dangerous

outfit. The Blues were patient

and inventive in defence , and they dominated the collisions

to the extent Steve Tandy And that's a complete

role-reversal of what we're used Really impressed by the line speed

and the attitude. So much more in it for the Ospreys recently. We could

have picked a knot of clips, but this passage of play encapsulates

it. Giving it to Ashley. Five and six phases. Yesterday, there was

nowhere to go. Sam Davies, the qualified of him. -- blue wall in

front. 50 metres behind the gain line. Kristian Dacey behind the

ball. Watch Nick Williams, a monster yesterday. Site into the breakdown

area, wins the turnabout. Steals the ball. Look at the dominance when the

Blues have got the ball. It is not rocket science. Give it to Nick

Williams, the big man, over the gain line. Cuthbert running to

perfection. An armchair ride. Filise for a 40-year-old unbelievable

yesterday. Held up just over the line. Filise scored eventually. Man

of the max, Jenkins because he was immense, but six or seven of the

Blues. ACE 40? He is older than me! The Blues have threatened to put

together a performance No longer a soft touch? Performing

better with the ball man without it. We need to become more consistent.

When we are on top of the game defensively, threat of the ball on

the floor. We can go in the -- against anyone. We have had boys

back from injury with real quality, leaders. We sensed in the studio the

performance has been a long time coming. The Leinster game, the

Ulster game. Yesterday, it seems to come together. We were a little

embarrassed about the Ospreys performance away. A collapse and

they bullied us that state. Physically, nine times out of ten,

they are on top of their game. We managed to catch them yesterday.

Physically, we were dominant and our boys were not met -- motivated. It

will be a platform for us. For so long, they appeared assured

of a home semifinal, now they're in real danger

of missing out altogether. We saw how frustrated Tandy was ,

No one personified that frustration for than AWJ ,

what does this tell us They lack leadership. Those

Waterboys having an impact, trying to. Williams meant business, that is

for sure! That is where they are at at the moment. One of the most

experienced players was on the bench. They are lacking leadership.

Freefall yesterday. They seem to be in freefall. They have been so

dominant for the first-half of the season, now that is four defeats on

the bounce. They don't know what to do about it. Up until the last

month, a good, consistent season? I thought they would win the double.

The Challenge Cup, the strongest teams. Whether it is injuries, Steve

Candy mentioned fatigue from the younger players. If you want to look

at how good Alun Wyn Jones is as a player, look at how they have done

without him. The clamour is to be selected, but they wouldn't have

been collapsed if Dan Biggar was there yesterday. You talk about Alun

Wyn Jones, Gethin Jenkins has returned from a long-term injury.

His leadership is second to none. He has got huge hunger and enthusiasm

to be out there playing. We saw yesterday probably the last two

weeks the calibre of the man. To perform against top opposition the

way he has. And Gareth Anscombe, rumours he might sign a new

contract? I felt we are close to getting something sorted. I know

Gareth is pretty happy where he is. From conversations, we are happy

with his contributions and leadership. Hopefully, we can keep

them at the Blues longer. Thank you for joining us.

Act two was Dragons against the Scarlets.

Victory for the Scarlets would see them leapfrog

Ten metre line of this callous. Here is a O'Brien into the 22. Back goes

Williams to save the day for the Scarlets. A knee something from

Hill? A speed bump no arms tackle. First

points for the Scarlet Fu. Flypaper hands from Rob Evans.

Jonathan Davies up to the ten metres line. Evans, period covering tackle

from Adam Hughes. The line was at his mercy. Has Adam Hughes been done

for not releasing the play? It is a yellow.

Can the Scarlet two make the extra man advantage tell? Stepping inside,

Williams, great defending again. The danger is not over. Driving up to

the line. Another penalty given, this time for offside. The Scarlets

run the penalty. Rather Evans again, Jonathan Davies, and it had to come

for the Starlets. The pressure was too much for the Dragons in the end.

With Dan Jones of the field, the kicking duties are with Liam

Williams. In off the post. They will never believe that at home. Is there

nothing this man can't do? Jonathan Evans as the Scarlets look

to put the game to bed. Options, he uses his backs. Liam Williams,

McLeod, but he doesn't need to McLeod, get in between the defenders

and it is the Liam Williams show. The last play, Charlie Davies. Angus

O'Brien. Adam Hughes, inside to Tyler Morgan. Here is Adam Hughes to

finish off as good a try as you can wish to see. A bonus point. The

result was not ours. We wanted respect from people. It is not for

me to say, but I am sure we have done. The fact is we have two games

left. We have a very good chance in those. We need to take that

performance into those. And finish strong. A lot going on off the

field, has it been a distraction? No, we get on with our jobs. My job

is to say that as well. We get on, we crack on and focus on the rugby.

Alluding to maybe ninth. -- make the night. -- May nine.

So congratulations to the Scarlets - their head coach, Wayne Pivac

Congrats Wayne, it was an uglier win than we become accustomed to.

But there's no such thing as a bad win at this stage is there?

We are used to seeing fluency but this was a R Russell. -- arm

wrestle. They just don't help themselves. The Dragons. They get

themselves into great positions. This is six minutes in. Keep the

ball, make the Scarlets defence work. Good position 35 metres out.

Understand going for a drop goal if it is the 75th minute and going for

the win. But that is just giving the ball back. Great build-up pay, great

carry-back Leigh Griffiths. -- Ollie. Giving the ball back,

relieving pressure of the Scarlets. A poor kick into touch. For all the

effort, they leave everything on the part, but they need to improve their

decision-making. Narrow defeats like yesterday. We have been seeing lots

of tries in recent weeks. They still showed glimpses of class? Too smart

for the Dragons. Good aspects of their game still. In place till for

the players. Turned the ball over easily, the Dragons. They have John

Barclay in there. Some of the carries were not physical power for

an hour. Rob Evans and tag playing very well. The Dragons turn over the

ball too much. Scrum and line-out drive a big factor for the Filise in

the latter part of the season. Then in yards, any penalties. I thought

they were smart in the end to win the game. Jonathan Evans at

scrum-half, is eager standing. They get the key ball. Evans looks

lively. Not a lot of space, that sucks in a lot of Dragons players.

Shortens their defensive line. And Hadleigh Parkes at ten, you only

need Williams to have a state and they will score. -- a smell of the

line. We were hoping to speak to the coach

but he cannot. He has never played fly-half. But he can do it all. It

was a matter stroke from Tim Bohn because Hadleigh Parkes can fit

anywhere. -- Pivac. It worked in the end. There is so much class in the

back with Williams, Jonathan Davies, they had too much class for the

Dragons. Who would have known that Liam Williams was such a brilliant

goalkicker? Fantastic, it shows his all round ability and versatility.

You could take him on the Lions tour. We will get to that in a

moment. May ninth is D-Day

for pro rugby in Gwent. That's when Newport's

shareholders will vote And the rhetoric coming from the WRU

and the Dragons is that a no vote would signal the end of pro

rugby in Gwent. And we've heard some interesting

thought form Martyn Ryan this week, suggesting that Wales can only

really afford two fully pro side , Not an altogether original idea

but one which is bound to put We need four professional team. When

you are up against the powerhouses of England and France. We need to

spend the money more wisely. We have not done that with recruitment over

the last four or five years. We need to do our damnedest to keep four. We

are a greater rugby nation than Scotland, so we should have four.

Helping to forge a region and a brand. It would be awful. The

Ospreys shows it can be done. We have do fight to save them.

There were a couple of other games this weekend that had a significant

impact on the make-up of the top four.

Munster dug deep. They guaranteed a place in the play-offs with a gritty

derby win over Ulster. Despite the early lead, Munster fought back to

bring things level. The scrum-half Angus Lloyd scrambled over. A Paddy

Jackson penalty early in the second-half restored the lead,

before Munster pass backs combine for a sparkling type.

But I was to hit back. Marshall splitting the defence. But Ulster

could have snatched victory. Jackson's late drop goal attempt

wide. Just the one bonus point and boosting the Welsh region's hopes.

An understrength side got the job done in Galway. A Connacht pass

going to ground and replacement winger Barry Daly collecting the

bouncing ball. The win with the bonus point consolidating their

points at the top of the table and guaranteeing a home semifinal.

So here is the table with just two weeks of the regular season to go.

Leinster have returned to the top after being displaced

Leinster have guaranteed themselves a home semifinal.

Munster need just a point from their remaining two

All of which means that the Scarlets, Ospreys and Ulster

are still battling it out for the final two play-off spots.

Ospreys and Ulster face off in a fortnight at the Liberty Stadium.

And the two West Walian rivals meet at Parc y Scarlets on the final

weekend of the regular season for a potentially seismic derby that

You could secure your play-off spot next weekend with victory in Galway,

but does a small part of you want that Ospreys game

They are capable. They can score tries. Will it go down to the last

game? Know, the one for me is Ospreys Ulster. To take it down to

the wire. For the neutral, you want it to good under the wire. Scarlet

is Ospreys at Parc y Scarlets? Not a home semi even if they get in the

top four, it is hard to win away in the semifinals. Let's hope it is two

Irish wins in Europe. At least that diverts attention for the Pro12

semifinals. It will be difficult to win and await semifinal whatever

happens. Leinster and Munster in the semifinals of the Champions Cup,

will that distract them having their eyes on two trophies? But Irish

sides using their squad really well. Winning with a bonus point. The

Ospreys would like to go to Dublin. Noisy games away from home, though.

If you were this Scarlet or the Ospreys, they can't get a semi now,

but third and fourth determining Leinster and Munster. But where

would you rather go? Aider. -- either, a flip of a coin. So strong,

depth of the squad. Get in the top four, anything can happen, that is

the main thing. Scarlets are in for me. We are two weeks away from the

end of the regular season and are still talking about the permutations

and the excitement? And elastic, Glasgow was still in it. The

excitement is there. -- until last week.

This is Warren Gatland,. He will be picking the squad. And Sam Warburton

led his team to victory in Australia. He could well become the

first Welshman to captain two consecutive tours which is quite a

accolade. Before I interrogate you both on who would be your Welsh

lines, Martin, what are these times like when you are a contender and

you are not certain, just praying and hoping? They are a horrible

couple of nights for the players will stop they will try to play it

down, particularly the Welsh boys, who don't have any games this

weekend, they have two big semifinals. It doesn't matter how

nailed and people are telling you you are, there is always the doubt

in your mind. They will be, honestly, very few sleepless nights

for a lot of players. As you think some kind of messenger comes with a

scroll telling you you're in, but it's not like that. You find out the

same as everyone else. In 2001, someone came running up the physio

room for me. It's as Ike something for from the 40s. We were all

huddled round a radio! And I watched the last one in 2009 on TV like

everybody else. The only guy who knows is a captain, the rest are

totally oblivious. It is a horrible weight. We had to keep the secret

today's Ireland. I remember I had to read out the list mid session to the

whole squad. It was tough. It's hard on the guys who miss out, at that

stage. Let's get some names off you now.

So this is what you gone for. I don't think he's that bothered what

I think. But I think Jonathan Joseph has submitted his place and I think

Robbie Henshaw has done enough. I hope Foxy can still get in. But I

think those two guys will be ahead of him. And some names on your list,

the likes of Justin, but he is in one of the most competitive areas in

the squad. It's always the most competitive because it is where the

best players play. There are so many options they could go for. On

Wednesday there will be so many big names missing, so many great players

left out, but for those boys who are not picked they have to keep their

powder dry because past tours have shown, nine players not originally

selected ended up going on tour. There will be some 5050 Cole's and

some really unlucky cols. But if Justin isn't on that plane, it will

be a total injustice, you has been superb and is a different sort of

player to everyone else. It was being billed as a fine lines

audition. The fly-half position is very competitive. He would have been

desperate for one last chance to think he's done enough? I hope so.

He couldn't have played any better these last two years. But Jonathan

Sexton is probably a shoo-in. Owen Farrell playing, probably goes

against him. Jimmy Robertson, an outside bet. Geffen Roberts, who

knows? Some reports suggesting serious Boulter 's like Kyle

Sinckler, Ben Teo, and even Richard Hibbard. Hibbard has been on

outstanding form. He won't take a backward step. A lot of the Welsh

management are going on this tour and I know they were concerned last

summer when they went to New Zealand about the pace of the front five.

They need to be quick to compete with the Kiwis. And people like

Sinckler, Henderson, they bring that X factor off the bench. There are so

many a Leicester 's. So many quality players, I think whatever happens

this will be the strongest group of players minds have selected that

I've seen. The selection group you have, Steve, who I've worked with,

Graham Rowntree, Andy Farrell, very strong characters. It will be an

interesting Tuesday afternoon. I wouldn't want to be a natural! Well,

I would. You talked about the nagging doubts. One man who probably

has never any doubts is Mike Phillips. We haven't mentioned him

on this tour either. But five tests for the Lions coming in is all about

the intensity of the Lions arena, he said he would hang up his boots at

the end of the season and history will judge him as one of the finest

nines we've had. Absolutely. A warrior of a player. I loved playing

with him, and he made more carries than I did as. Absolute competitor.

When you look at the less, Gareth, Rob, Dwayne, he's one of the

greatest. Through all of it, he was as important as anyone else. In 2009

Lions tour he was outstanding. A real sad day that he has had to

finally hang up his boots. He has plenty of highlights. Equal number

off the pitch as well as on! But what is your famous -- favourite on

page moment? 2008. This epitomises him. He has made a clearing kick and

he is first to charge it down as well. It is a phenomenal try. He

doesn't get credit for this. The winning try, first trying to a

denizen, first winning game to beat England in 2008. Single-handedly,

some great hands to put him in the corner. Give him more work than he

should have done. But during that Grand Slam in particular he was a

catalyst for the next seven or eight years he was probably the need first

name on the sheet for Gatland. He was an extra gap back row in

defence. That is my highlights, the winning try against England at

Twickenham is. And probably is the first name on the team sheet at

Ospreys. Just before Mike joined Ospreys we played a semifinal at the

Millennium Stadium. They were scuffling in the corridor, look.

They had to be separated. It shows what he is about. The true

competitor. Might not be everybody's cup of tea as a scrum-half, but as a

rugby player, one of the best. So yesterday was Judgment Day -

today at the Principality The Cup final is going

on as we speak, but the day began with the Bowl Final

between Caerphilly and Amman United. And the Amman were bolstered by the

inclusion of their most famous son. An incredible day, how was it then?

Incredible. What a word. In fairness, I was more nervous for

this game then I have been for a lot of the big games with rails.

Whenever I play a rugby match, you put as much feeling and heart into

it as you would any other game and it was the same today. The boys were

having a singsong before the match and I'm ever done that before, so a

bit unusual. But they've been so nervous for this, they've been like

kids. The season they've had, they thoroughly deserved this whether I

was in the team or not. They've been taking the make out of me all season

for not scoring. I tried to get involved early, got a touch early

and scored. I got steam-rollered don't know how many times. Have to

work on my tackling. I've given my all out there at times. It means a

lot to me, they are Rahman Valley boys born and bred. I know them all

as mates. The lads were superb. They deserved the victory in the end. It

is like Christmas all over again for these guys. They may not get this

opportunity again and they will make the most of it. Will you do it all

again next year? If I feel like this every time, definitely. The legs

aren't what they used to be. I could see a gap this time, but I can't

quite make it sometimes. But I'll never say never. I've enjoyed it so

much. Congratulations to Amman United

for their bowl victory. The lead changed hands several

times. And congrats too, to Penallta

who beat Ystalyfera In the dying moments Penallta scored

dramatic try. They had the conversion to win it. It was missed

but it did not matter. The final score was 16-16. But they won

because Abe a superior try count. 2-1. Congratulations to Penallta.

And the Cup final is underway as we speak -

First timers RGC are ahead 10-8 of Pontypridd. Misery on the face of

Martyn Williams. Good for the game if North

Walian side win the cup? They've done really were owl. They

raised an eyebrow with things with RGC were starting but we can see the

benefits. It can only be good for the game in Wales will stop it is

great to see. You're desperate for us to go off air so you can watch

Pontypridd! I'm neutral. If they're going to lose to anybody it should

be RGC. We've won it enough anyway. And Shane Williams, I was going to

introduce that item by saying he promised it was his final last ever

game and then he says never say never! He is in supreme condition.

He is doing iron man and triathlons and he's in great nick. But you can

see the smile on his face. Have you ever seen a bigger one on his face?

He's enjoying it. It. It's a great story. I'm glad that they have won

it, for his brother and his family. It's a great occasion for all

concerned. Pontypridd did not come looking for you this weekend? No. I

could probably play till 50 FI was on the wing. But he probably

couldn't have -- could have played in Judgment Day yesterday. Well done

to him. His team-mates will certainly be celebrating tonight.

That's all what we have time for tonight, and we'll finish

with a tribute to the man known affectionately as the face

David Parry Jones, who died last week, at the age of 83.

Good afternoon. Welsh rugby has known some really great years... You

are watching in black and white, remember Wales are wearing the white

stocking tops. He was as proud as a commentator as I was to have played.

He's got a try! David was a gentleman, great voice, very

knowledgeable. It occurs to me will probably see what the state was. You

says Iraq the Welsh language will stop I'm highly dilated with that.

He promoted the game in a way that made everybody happy to be part of

it. Great stuff! His contribution is incredible. His contribution to the

BBC was outstanding. History has been made. He loved Wales. He spoke

fairly about rails. When he did a game, he was 50-50 down the middle.

Beneath it, he was a very proud Welshman.

We've got an armed man on the run with a child.

DCI Mathias, what happened? How did we lose them?

I made a judgment call, sir. I got it wrong.