LA ROCHELLE

LEIGH HALFPENNY’S 19 points and tries from Rhys Patchell and Scott Williams sent Scarlets into the Champions Cup semi-finals for the first time since 2007.

No Welsh region has made it to the last four of Europe’s premier club competition in the last nine years, but Wayne Pivac’s side are fully deserving of their place among the competition’s elite.

Halfpenny made the most of La Rochelle’s poor discipline to kick five penalties and the Wales star also converted Patchell and Williams efforts.

Scarlets will play either Leinster or defending champions Saracens in the last four and Halfpenny said: “We have shown we can compete with the best sides in Europe. We knew it would be an arm-wrestle and credit to La Rochelle, they came here and played well.

“When the chances came in the second half, we took them. We will enjoy this and then start preparing for what is going to be a massive semi-final.”

Scarlets led 12-10 at the break, four Halfpenny penalties responding to an early French try from Romain Sazy and the boot of Alexi Bales.

With captain Ken Owens outstanding, Scarlets won the game on the hour mark. Heroic defence kept La Rochelle out and Hadleigh Parkes’ burst created Patchell’s score.

Halfpenny converted and also added the extras to Williams’ late effort as Scarlets defied being forced into moving flanker James Davies and Halfpenny to the wings due to injury.

Pierre Boudehent grabbed a late consolation after Will Boyde had been yellow-carded.

Owens said: “In big games, big moments happen and big players deliver – and Leigh is the best kicker in the world.”