SCARLETS IN DREAMLAND
Halfpenny boots out the French with 19 points to clinch semi-final place
LEIGH HALFPENNY scored 19 points with the boot to put Scarlets in the Champions Cup semi-finals.
He cashed in on La Rochelle’s poor discipline to kick five penalties and convert tries by Rhys Patchell and Scott Williams.
Scarlets are the first Welsh club to reach the last four of Europe’s premier club competition since 2009 and will play either Leinster or defending champions Saracens.
“We’ve showed we can compete with the best sides in Europe,” said Wales star Halfpenny. “We knew it would be an arm wrestle and credit to La Rochelle, they came here and played well. We tried forcing it a bit early doors, but knew if we kept hold of the ball and kept going through the phases, the gaps would appear.
“That’s when we executed. When the chances came in the second half, we took them.”
The French visitors struck first when Jeremy Sinzelle’s kick to the corner fell loose and lock Romain Sazy fell on the ball.
Alexi Bales converted and added a penalty, but four Halfpenny kicks gave Scarlets a 12-10 lead at the break.
And in the second half the home side stood up to the power of La Rochelle’s giant pack, with Ken Owens outstanding. Halfpenny kicked a fifth penalty, but the game’s crucial moment came on the hour. After repelling wave after wave of attacks with immense defence, the hosts scored through playmaker Patchell. A burst from Hadleigh Parkes laid the platform and an inchperfect pass from Dan Jones gave Patchell the room to score. Halfpenny converted. With four minutes left Davies created a matchclinching try for centre Williams (above), while Pierre Boudehent raced the length of the field to give La Rochelle a late consolation try.
“I’m just so proud of the boys,” said Scarlets skipper Owens. “We weren’t at our best, but did what we needed to do and we can still go up another level.
“It’s been a three-and-a-half year process to get here and it’s the proudest moment of my club career. We dare to dream.
“In big games, big moments happen and big players deliver and Leigh is the best kicker in the world.”
SCARLETS – Tries: Patchell, Williams. Cons: Halfpenny (2). Pens: Halfpenny (5). LA ROCHELLE – Tries: Sazy, Boudehent. Cons: Bales, Noble. Pen: Bales.