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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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SK 2 hours ago
Jean de Villiers: ‘Next year will be the acid test for this group’

It seems to me that a core of players will make it to 2027 if they stay fit. Siya, PSD and Eben are all part of that core. The question is who else? De Allende may not make it which is why Rassie has started playing Am at 12 and has Moodie as his back up at 13. Also Esterhuizen is an established 12 already in the mix. Even Pollard has played 12 so Rassie keeping all his options open. Willemse can play 12 but his defence is sometimes lacking. Mgomezulu can also play there and he is a good physical player who makes his tackles. De Allende though is so hard to replace. He tackles, he turns over, runs over players and he distributes. Rassie is making plans for all positions in a similar way. At tighthead and loosehead we have seen the Bok depth this year with injuries to multiple players and yet the scrum stood strong and dominated. At hooker he has used 4 or 5 different players. Bongi will not likely make 2027 but the young guys are coming through. Willie has been tapped as a future coach and right now is a player coach. His swansong will come next year but Fassi is now a solid option at 15 to complement Damian and challenge him. At wing there is endless depth right now. In the loose forwards there are already some established options for 2027 and Louw has now stepped up with Hanekom coming through. At lock injuries to multiple players saw Nortje step up and Moerat is now an established player. Ruan Venter also a good back up and some good youngsters coming through at the Bulls. Springboks finding solutions but question is will this squad be experienced enough come 2027. Lots of change still to come and lots of learnings still to be had for many of these young players.

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