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United Rugby Championship

Wales rookie shines as Scarlets boost URC play-off hopes with win over Lions

By PA

43 days ago

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - MAY 11: Sam Costelow of Scarlets with the ball under pressure from Jaco Visagie of the Lions during the United Rugby Championship match between Emirates Lions and Scarlets at Emirates Airline Park on May 11, 2025 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images/Getty Images)

Full-back Blair Murray scored two first-half tries as Scarlets boosted their United Rugby Championship play-off hopes with a 32-19 bonus-point win over the Lions in Johannesburg.

Murray went over for Scarlets’ first two scores and, although the hosts responded through scrum-half Nico Steyn’s touchdown, the visitors led 17-7 at half-time.

Scarlets, who made it four straight victories, retained their control through fly-half Sam Costelow’s drop goal soon after the restart before flanker Taine Plumtree’s try put them 25-7 ahead.

Lions hit back to reduce the deficit to 25-20 when wing Richard Kriel went over twice in the space of 11 minutes, his second unconverted effort coming just after the hour mark.

But Scarlets regained the initiative and a strong finish was rewarded with a fourth try through centre Johnny Williams.

Costelow landed a late penalty to take his match points tally to 12, which also included three conversions.

Scarlets’ fast start in Johannesburg was all the more impressive as they had been reduced to 14 men in the fifth minute when second row Sam Lousi received a yellow card.

Dwayne Peel’s side moved up to sixth in the table after their triumph, two points behind fifth-placed Stormers.

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Slow to turn is a downside

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Ka mau te wehi. Our 4 guys got the coolest names too lol.

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Wiseguy 1 hour ago

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Yeah I’d love for both these guys to really kick on. Finau had more metres per carry, higher post contact metres and more defenders beaten. Parker had more tackles per minute and higher tackle %. Finau had more dominant tackles.

Both have potential to be be absolute beasts.

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JW 2 hours ago

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he is now nailing his throw-ins better this year and seems more deserving this year than last.

That’s just how it goes, can say that for a few positions that have turned into strengths overnight.

Really looking forward to Barrett playing 6.

Lakai and Kirifi should move around once Lakai is available.

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JW 2 hours ago

Scott Robertson names his 35-man All Blacks squad for France series

Hear Rieko might be more of a wing option, and Big Jim and Jordie might be covering the back three too, especially on team runs where it’s more important to have match ups (a full backline defending).

Plus they expected ALB to be out and replaced by a winger for parts of the tour anyways? I like that there is like a 12/13 group their to all fight and learn together, with Timico new and Quinn a first time razor/new coaching group guy.

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JW 2 hours ago

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The new/young midfielders will need some seasoned pro their to bring them through and ALB style wise makes more sense than Havili, though I could see them rotate.

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MM 2 hours ago

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Exactly as Razor said. Slackbladder fails miserably in the dominant tackles and go forward stakes!

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JW 2 hours ago

Scott Robertson names his 35-man All Blacks squad for France series

CLW isn’t above 1.9m I wouldn’t say (and Read was about 1.95) but he is a bruiser that can play 6 or 8 (about the same size as Sititi?) alright, could be a part of one of their more mobile trio options I reckon.

I think Blackadder played himself out of a spot in the finals, exemplifying what he doesn’t bring when I hear his games high carries and tackles (semi v Blues) resulted in not 1 meter gained nor dominant tackle/turnover made, respectively.

Plenty to like if he’s a 7, but in that race he looses to Luke and is just not what they’re probably after of a 6. Showed he’s in good form and can be relied upon if needed though.

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dk 2 hours ago

Scott Robertson explains Ethan Blackadder's All Blacks omission

Simon Parker kept Finau out of Chiefs’ starting lineup. Such a shame he got injured. Hopefully he’ll get a shot later in the year. Unlike Finau, he plays to his immense size. Our future 6.

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Jim Donken 2 hours ago

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SadersMan 2 hours ago

Scott Robertson explains Ethan Blackadder's All Blacks omission

Mate I’m rooting for Finau to grow into that beast we need at #6. Unlike guys like Ethan, Dalton, Cullen, even Luke, who’ve likely hit their ceilings, Finau has loads to give. Jase Ryan rates Finau very highly, as do I. Now it’s up to him.

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ME 2 hours ago

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I’d start Proctor at 13, Reiko at 14 - he naturally carries the ball in his right hand anyway so is better suited to that side of the field. Want to see our wingers with top-end speed..something Reece lacks. Caleb Tangiteau is a huge talent who’s time should come once he’s over his injuries.

Finau has the most potential to grow into the 6 jersey, just like Kaino, who took some time, and just as Frizzell was starting to do. All the others are journeymen, non-specialist 6s, and they don’t offer the extra height in the lineout. Simon Parker might have been close too, had he not been injured. Trio of Ardie at 7, Sititi at 8 and Finau at 6 works for me.

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Wiseguy 2 hours ago

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Finau definitely passes the eye test. Up to the coaches to coach him now.

I would have been more upset if Lio Willie missed out altogether.

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SadersMan 2 hours ago

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No, I get it. Jase Ryan, in his post selection individual interview, said the reason in selecting Finau is to build on the great work they began last year. At only 26, 193cms, & 115kgs this makes sense.

Blackadder is obviously still in the mix pending injury etc though I’m pretty rapt for Christian Lio-Willie too.

9 Go to comments