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O'Brien try the difference in dour Welsh derby

By PA
(Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

A late converted try from Angus O’Brien proved just enough for Scarlets to scrape a 16-14 win over Ospreys in a dour West Wales derby at Parc-y-Scarlets.

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Scarlets had trailed throughout the match but conjured up a late piece of magic through O’Brien which Dan Jones converted to add to his three penalties.

It was rough justice on Ospreys, who had to surrender home advantage as their Liberty Stadium pitch was being re-laid.

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Jacob Umaga on his England journey:

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Jacob Umaga on his England journey:

They scored the best try of the game through Reuben Morgan-Williams with Stephen Myler kicking three penalties.

Welsh international Johnny McNicholl was a late withdrawal for Scarlets with O’Brien replacing him at full-back.

Ospreys lost a couple of line-outs which allowed their opponents to exert early pressure but Scarlets could not capitalise despite mounting a succession of close-range forward drives.

It was therefore against the run of play when Myler kicked his side into the lead with a straightforward penalty.

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This was one of six penalties conceded by Scarlets in the first 16 minutes and they suffered a further setback when wing Tom Rogers was forced to leave the field with a leg injury.

Myler’s penalty was the only score of a featureless first quarter before the game sprung into life with an excellent solo try from Morgan-Williams.

Scarlets lost possession at a ruck 35 metres out and the scrum-half sold a dummy before racing away and outpacing O’Brien for a superb score.

Jones put Scarlets on the scoreboard with a penalty but then missed from 30 metres with his kick rebounding off a post. His side nearly made amends when Steff Hughes put in a well-judged cross-field kick but Steff Evans was unable to gather with not a defender in sight.

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With the last kick of the half, O’Brien missed with a long-range attempt so Ospreys were able to retain their 8-3 lead at the interval.

Two minutes after the restart, Myler had an opportunity from a similar range and he made no mistake before he and Jones exchanged penalties.

Both sides brought on their experienced scrum-halves, Rhys Webb for Ospreys and Gareth Davies for Scarlets before Jones kicked his third penalty to leave trailing 14-9 going into the final quarter.

With nine minutes remaining, Scarlets scored the crucial try. Poor kicking from their opponents had surrendered territory and O’Brien capitalised by racing past two defenders to score with Jones’ conversion proving decisive.

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H
Hellhound 16 minutes ago
What has happened to Aphelele Fassi?

Willie will always be the most missed player for me once he retires. He wasn't interested in scoring tries. The ultimate team player. Has the most assists in tries in the Bok team, and his kicks always spot on, at least 95% of the time. He reads the game like no other player can. He wasn't flashy, and people didn't notice him because of that. Great rugby head and knowledge. He should be catapulted into an assistant coach in the rugby system. He should really consider coaching.


Damian Willemse is an excellent fullback and he is the number 1 fullback. He can play the entire backline positions, except maybe 9, but I'm sure he would be able too if he wanted. No one is taking that away from him, only stand in while he is injured. He is world class and you don't swap that out. He also got wicked dancing feet, great eye for openings, and reads a game like few can, like Willie Le Roux. Also very strong on his feet, with absolute great hands and his kicking game is just as good.


As for Aphelele Fassi. What a great find and he has exceptional talent that Rassie will mould into a world class player. Yet.... He is nowhere even close to Damien Willemse. He has a long way to go to get there, but he is surrounded by great team mates from who he will gain lots of advice and support. He can play wing and fullback and Rassie may just try him out as a flyhalf or centre too. He has the abilities to expand his game. He is for sure a future star, but not yet at the stage to take away Damien Willemse's spot. However, DW start and AF on the bench, that is an awesome replacement. Between the 2 they cover all positions in the backline once AF gets that training. The Boks could go 6/2 permanently if they wanted. 6 forwards, a scrumhalf and AF. I may be wrong, but Rassie will spread AF around.

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R
RedWarrior 57 minutes ago
'They smelt it': Scott Robertson says Italy sensed All Blacks' vulnerability

I think Italy were always targetting this match and intended to win. They needed to exorcise the 2023 RWC. I think they could have done with a bit more help from other 6Ns particularly from Ireland to knock more holes in NZ and their confidence.

Mentioned before the Italy Argentina match was a virus that ripped through the Italy camp early that week. In general play Italy were competitive albeit with a high error count and crucial missed tackles.

Ive said it before the era of NZ turning up unprepared for all comers and triumphing is definitively over. If a Tier1 team target NZ and NZ do not prepare accordingly they are in with a major chance of losing. It used to occur the odd time in RWCs against France, now it can occur v any Tier1. The competition has improved. NZ can still be at the top but their talents must be deployed sufficiently into dismantling teams as with their attack then allowed to exploit.

They dismantled Ireland pretty well in Dublin which went largely unnoticed. That allowed them scoreboard advantage and attacking opportunities of which one was enough.

That Italian team beat Wales and significantly Scotland last year. They used the loss to NZ in the most positive way possible. No doubt NZ prepared but I would assume it was similar to versus Argentina: 3/4 arsed at best. These test matches are rare and this was another chance to practice dismantling a determined and prepared opponent which was lost. If Italy had scored a 7 pointer at 17-6....an Italian win was on.

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