Scarlets Vs Munster

by Helen ‘Helzbach’ Davies

Following a break over the summer period, the start of the rugby season is upon us once again. With some new faces, the return of a couple of familiar ones and an Olympic Silver Medalist in the squad, the Scarlets must now put the pre-season friendlies behind them and live up to their potential. With possibly one of the most exciting back lines in European Rugby, the Scarlets aim for the season surely has to be to improve on last season’s league standing where they just missed out on the play-offs by finishing fifth, and to improve on their European record.

Opponents Munster were unable to finish ahead of the Scarlets in the Pro12 at the end of last season despite a 31-15 victory in the last league match, but as always, this opening game will serve as an indicator as to what to expect from the rest of the season.

A strong start from the home team saw new signing Patchell make an impact in an attempt to get the back line moving, however the ball spilled forward due to the slippery conditions following a morning of heavy rain and wind in South West Wales.

Steff Evans’ pace on the wing almost resulted in the first try of the season for the Scarlets, however, he was just beaten to the grounding. The Scarlets were offered the first opportunity at goal, but Patchell saw his kick sail wide.

Evans was again unlucky not to be the opening try scorer following his chase of Liam Williams’ kick, but Munster were just able to defend their lines.

Despite the Scarlets being in control of proceedings in the main, Munster were able to use what little possession they had been allowed to somehow power over the whitewash, with Prop, James Cronin emerging from the maul to claim the 5 points. The easy conversion gave the visitors a 0 – 7-point lead after 20 mins play.

Rhys Patchell finally scored his first points on home soil with a well-struck penalty from in front of the posts to narrow the deficit to 3 points to 7.

Massive gaps in the Scarlets defence saw Wing Ronan O’Mahony stroll over for an easy try grounded under the posts. Bleyendaal again added the conversion as Munster increased their lead to 3 – 14.

The lead was short-lived however as a kick and chase from Gareth Davies saw the pacey Scrum Half use his momentum to slide home in the corner. Patchell added the tricky touch-line conversion to the roar of the North Stand to bring the home team back to within 4 points – 10-14.

However, it looked like the Scarlets seemed determined to end the half on a high, with the anticipation every time the ball was passed around evident. Unfortunately, the Munster forwards had other ideas and the visitors again extended their lead to 10 points to 17 with another easy penalty.

A scrappy start to the second half saw Munster offered the chance to further increase their lead. However, Bleyendall saw his attempt sail wide.

Patchell added another Scarlet penalty, however his attempt almost went unnoticed by the Scarlets faithful as his kick coincided with the return of the Fox, as Jonathan Davies made his back onto the pitch with his team losing 13 points to 17.

Despite heroic defending from the Scarlets, the touch judge’s interception deemed the men in red to be off-side resulting in another simple penalty attempt for the Munster Outside Half. Again Bleyendaal’s successful kick opened up a 7-point margin – 13 points to 20. Replacement Ian Keatley added another penalty following a controversial decision from the referee to put Munster comfortably ahead 13 points to 23.

As the drizzle descended on Parc y Scarlets once more and the seconds ticked away, it seemed that any hope of beginning the season with a win was dwindling fast.

With less than a minute remaining, Patchell’s penalty attempt fell short and Munster took full advantage of the opportunity to waste time in the hope that they could not only hold on for the win, but with the score line reading 13 points to 23, also deny the Scarlets any bonus points.

Despite giving their all, the Scarlets were unable to start the season with a win and unfortunately start the season without managing to secure any points.

Next Friday, the Scarlets travel to Scotland to play Edinburgh in the second round of the Pro12, kick off is at 7.35pm.