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Scarlets edge Cardiff, Ospreys back to winning ways
By Matthew Scott
Scarlets kept hold of top spot in Conference B of Pro14 thanks to a hard-fought 14-11 derby win over Cardiff Blues on Saturday.
The boot of Leigh Halfpenny proved crucial as he converted Tom Prydie and Rhys Patchell tries, helping Scarlets come from behind to seal a 10th domestic win of the season.
Wayne Pivac made eight changes to the conference-leaders' team, having criticised the artificial pitch at Arms Park in the build-up to the match, though the contest passed without any serious injury concerns.
Gareth Anscombe opened the scoring for the hosts from the tee, but Prydie crossed after brilliant work from Gareth Davies off the back of the scrum, only for Ellis Jenkins to dive over and put Blues ahead at the break.
Patchell's crucial score was not the prettiest, the former Cardiff fly-half spinning over the line as both sides made errors, but it was enough to keep his side well clear in their pool.
Ospreys remain at the bottom of Conference A, but they ended 2017 with a victory, defeating Newport Gwent Dragons 22-9 to snap a four-game losing run.
The hosts struggled to get going at a sodden Rodney Parade, only managing three Arwel Robson penalties, with Scott Baldwin, Cory Allen and Sam Davies tries ultimately enough for Ospreys.
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Latest Comments
It's the same criticism of Dmac and Mo'unga as well. Sadly the way the game has been heading recently it's the only way to break down a defence, and a player of Lawrences nature would have a very limited chance at doing that because he's too one dimensional.
Noah Lolesio is your sort of player and that worked OK, but only because his team is far more creative than Englands for example. The highly organized Irish attack was also another that didn't require much from the 10, but that is now changing with Prendergast who is in that league mold like the most new age 10's.
So it is in fact your two which would require even more change to make the most of than Marcus Smith.
Go to commentsThe Stormers sloppiness show that they are a poorly coached side. Fortunately for them, so are the Sharks.
There are tougher opponents waiting and they will be punished heavily unless the coaching improves dramatically.
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