Scarlets seal first Welsh victory over Bulls

By ROGER PANTING

Scarlets …………37pts

Tries: Davis 9, Mathias 16, G Davies 20, McNicholl 76

Conversions: Costelow 9, 16, 20, D Jones 76

Penalties: Costelow 3, 31, 44

Bulls ……………….28pts

Tries: Burger 5, Jacobs 36, Brink 55, Matanzima 61

Conversions: C Smith 5, 36, 55, 61

At present, Scarlets have only five players in Warren Gatland's Six Nations squad but a number of others made compelling cases for inclusion in a momentous victory over third-placed Bulls.

Impressive performances from half-backs, Gareth Davies and Sam Costelow were instrumental in building a 20-point lead with Dan Davis and Johnny McNicholl also playing leading roles in a whole-hearted effort from Scarlets.

Against an error-ridden Bulls, Dwayne Peel's side looked in total control but it was a different story in the second half when the South Africans staged such a formidable rally that they looked favourites for victory.

However Scarlets hung on for the first Welsh victory over the Bulls and avenge last season's huge 57-12 defeat in Pretoria.

Head coach Peel said: “It's a huge win as they came here fully-loaded and it was a massive effort to keep them out. They came after us physically and we were a bit naïve we didn't respect territory enough. But I am really pleased to come back at the end”

A penalty from Costelow gave Scarlets an early lead but Bulls soon replied with the opening try. From the restart, the hosts lost possession for Bulls to exert a period of pressure before Zak Burger darted over from closerange.

Scarlets' response was swift as Davis evaded a defender to crash over before the flanker created another try by winning a crucial turn-over. A five-metre scrum was secured from where Kemsley Mathias forced his way over before Bulls were stunned by conceding a third try in nine minutes.

They lost possession for Dafydd Hughes to burst away and when the ball was recycled, Costelow booted downfield for Davies to win the race to touchdown. Costelow converted and added a penalty before his side suffered a blow when Joe Roberts was sin-binned for a deliberate off-side.

Bulls capitalised when a cross-field kick from Chris Smith was collected by Stravino Jacobs to bastian Cancelliere inter-Dragons leave his side 27-14 adrift at the interval.

Roberts returned in time to see Costelow extend the advantage with his third penalty before Bulls remained in contention with a converted try from Cyle Brink.

Bulls continued their comeback with a bonuspoint try from Simphiwe Matanzima but twice they elected for driving lineouts when a successful kick at goal would have put them in the lead.

Those options proved the wrong call as Scarlets broke out and when David Kriel was yellow-carded for a late challenge Scarlets secured victory with a try from McNicholl.