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Scarlets end Munster's winning run, Leinster go top

Johnny McNicholl /Getty

Munster’s nine-game Pro12 winning streak came to an abrupt halt at Thomond Park as Scarlets produced a stunning second-half display that sees the Irish province relinquish top spot.

A 10th straight league win looked on the cards after an impressive opening half from Munster saw them take a 21-6 lead into half-time.

However, they failed to add to their tally in the second period as Scarlets dominated, Hadleigh Parkes, Johnny McNicholl and Tom Williams running in tries as they delivered a huge shock, the Welsh side running out 30-21 winners.

The victory strengthens their grip on a top-four place, while also allowing Leinster to take full advantage and climb to the summit.

While Munster were suffering their first league loss since October, their rivals Leinster were cruising to victory at Rodney Parade.

They ran in eight tries to earn a 54-22 bonus-point win over Newport Gwent Dragons, Jack Conan and Luke McGrath both crossing twice in a win with huge consequences.

Leinster now have a two-point cushion over Munster after 16 matches, while Ospreys could drop the latter down to third with victory over Glasgow Warriors on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Edinburgh suffered a narrow defeat against Cardiff Blues, the Welsh side snatching an 18-17 win thanks to a late Lloyd Williams try.

It was tough on the Scottish side who had battled well throughout and had led going into the final 10 minutes, but Williams ensured a win for Cardiff – cementing their grip on seventh place.

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J
JW 49 minutes ago
Will the Springboks Bomb Squad bomb out before 2027?

Nick wrote an entire article based on extensive research producing a stunning list of the ages of the springbok props.

Haha Sorry mate I was only giving you stick about thinking that Rassie would be paying attention to this stuff (sorry if I didn't get the SA'n falvour to that bit of stick lol). I just added the SBDD title in on a whim because it fits like a charm 💔

How about an article that digs a little deeper and either (1) identifies future up and comers (never heard of Asenathi for example*) (2) proves that all the possible options available to the boks over the next three years are sh1t?

I know mate but this article is nowhere near the stretch some of the tripe he comes up with about New Zealand or Super rugby is. I don't think he was trying to repeat the same old chestnut about age however, just loves his scrummagers too much not to take note of Frans' game.

This would be “fairer” and more enjoyable to read for South African consumers of this websites product.

Yep, I've come to realise there is never any "extensive research" though (more of a gather), so he can't do what would be cool. Perhaps if his producer only wanted 1 article a month from him he could? Like researching fouls in scrums (though he's probably far too underpaid for that type of work).

This is a Ben Smith style article. Albeit milder. Indeed his prints are on it.

And yet when it all comes down to it, they are very fair points. Just because you already know it, doesn't mean the rest of the reader base, which would include a large amount of South African's, doesn't know it.

The New Zeland coverage is so good there are so-called Saffers on here highlighting the depth of NZs front row. Yet Nick’s never heard of Asenathi. But he’s heard of Tevita Tatafu.

That was funny. I had read the article about him first though before (or maybe I just hadn't noticed him) seeing him running around the field bowling players over.


It started out as a NZ site/product, previously owned by NZR, so going to have people still follow it. Are you getting confused with the Japanese player? Tevita is a French International lol You'd expect to know him!

A lot more articles are regularly published out of Rugbypass HQ in Dublin highlighting the frailties, shortcomings and problems associated with the springboks than any other team.

Again, it was the ridiculous Rassie reference that made me comment, not your reaction (I always comment anyway). I knew where you were coming from.


Oh, and I genuinely wanted to know if there were players in their 20s on the up, as you hadn't appeared to make this observation/correction to the article. I would have thought there would be, more than Asenathi, but I can accept other commentors who suggest the hard edge of experience is favoured at the clubs too, not just in the Springbok. Because you don't need a crop of players like this, who hit their peak very early, to last 10 or 12 years in the team. You can get by just fine with a bunch of 28 to 32yos who are peaking for their club to supplement each four year cycle.


We got carried away when we found an author who gave us good oil on rugby in other parts we didn't know as well. I try not to get carried away now.

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