Scarlets Start Title Defence With an Eight Try Romp Against Southern Kings

May seems an awfully long time away now, but after what seems like a lengthy summer, the dawn of the new rugby season is finally upon us. With the Scarlets becoming the last Pro12 Champions in some style, they begin their title defence by creating a new piece of history as they welcome Pro14 new-comers the Southern Kings, one of two South African teams that have joined the League.
Perfect conditions for a flowing game of rugby, coupled with a tidy sized crowd of 9,108 that certainly added to the atmosphere and the anticipation that the Champions could continue from where they left off in Dublin.
Despite plenty of attack in the opening minutes, there was a touch of rustiness on display with passes not quite going to hand, however it was very encouraging to see Leigh Halfpenny getting involved early and already demonstrating an attacking side to his game. Indeed, had it not been for a wayward pass from Scrum Half Gareth Davies, he could well have scored his first try in Scarlets colours.
A try-saving tackle from Steff Evans ensured the South African visitors were unable to secure themselves an early try. The Kings were hoping to capitalize on their field position, however the Scarlets dominance in the scrum was evident resulting in the home side’s first try of the evening. Lovely hands saw Halfpenny release Johnny McNicholl as he squeezed in to touch down in the corner. Halfpenny was just wide with his first attempt at goal in a Scarlets shirt, but the home team took the lead by 5 points to 0.
Unfortunately, the lead didn’t last long, as the South Africans were eager to show that despite a considerable change in personnel, they too like an open, running style of play, as Wing Yaw Penxe crossed in the opposite corner for their first Pro14 points. Kurt Coleman added the conversion to give the visitors the lead by 5 points to 7.
An extended period of pressure from the forwards before the ball was released to the backs resulted in a huge roar from the Parc y Scarlets faithful as Leigh Halfpenny crossed for his debut try. He found his kicking boots once more to add the conversion to re-gain the lead for the Scarlets – 12 points to 7.
With half time looming, the Kings narrowed the Scarlets’ lead with a penalty from Kurt Coleman to bring the Kings back to within 2 points – 12 points to 10. However, this was soon cancelled out by a penalty attempt from Halfpenny who restored the 5-point advantage giving the home team the lead at half time by 15 points to 10.
It took just over 5 minutes of the second half for the Scarlets to score try number three. With the play in the Kings’ 22, the attacking prowess of the Scarlets just proved too much as a break from McNicholl saw Rhys Patchell cross the whitewash under the posts, giving Halfpenny an easy conversion attempt to increase the home team’s lead to 22 points to 10.
The bonus point try was very much one for the forwards, with Rob Evans, James ‘Cubby Boi’ Davies and Ryan Elias demonstrating the kind of slick handling you’d expect from the backs, before releasing Jake Ball who powered over for try number 4. Again, Halfpenny was successful with the penalty attempt as the Scarlets’ lead extended to 29 points to 10.
Despite the dominance of the Scarlets, the Southern Kings continued to attack at every given opportunity, releasing their own powerful runners, proving they will be an exciting asset to the Pro14.
With the game reaching the hour mark, the Scarlets found themselves deep in the Kings’ 22 once more. Try number five was one for the pack as the rolling maul rumbled over the try line from the line-out, with Emyr Phillips claiming the touch-down. A superb conversion attempt from Rhys Patchell added the extras to put the Scarlets in a commanding 36 points to 10 lead.
Demonstrating their improved fitness this season, the tries kept coming from the home team. Popular Centre Hadleigh Parkes crossed for his first of the season, with man of the match, Johnny McNicholl adding a second. Rhys Patchell converted both tries to see the Scarlets hit the 50-point mark in the first game of the season….and with 5 minutes of the match remaining, as they extended the lead to 50 points to 10.
Last season’s leading try scorer in the League Steff Evans made sure he got his name on the score sheet as he added a final try in the Scarlets’ 8 try romp. Rhys Patchell was again successful with his conversion to give the Champions a dream start to their defense. Final Score – Scarlets 57 – Southern Kings 10.