KEV KICKS OFF

I HAVE got to say massive congratulations to the Scarlets for qualifying for the quarter-finals of the Champions Cup, the first time in 11 years and it was nerve-wracking to the final whistle. The Scarlets played some exciting rugby in the first half with two nice tries and the boot of young fly half Dan Jones put them in control but credit to Toulon, they were getting stronger as the game went on. They were held up over the line with some heroic defence and with 80 minutes up, Toulon were still pressing and an attempt at a drop goal went wide and the crowd of 14,476 erupted and the Scarlets were in the top eight. It’s the first time a Welsh side has been in the knockout stages since 2012 which is quite embarrassing from a Regional point of view.

The Ospreys battled hard in Clermont but yet again come up short. They had a few chances but unfortunately couldn’t take them and lost 24-7. The score didn’t reflect the game but credit to Clermont they took their chances and are through to face Racing metro at home.

Well done to the Cardiff Blues in qualifying for the last eight of the Challenge Cup after a tough win over Lyon. The Blues will travel to Edinburgh at the end of March to face a good team who have improved massively under ex-Leicester boss Richard Cockerill. It was good to see the Dragons play their best game of the season beating Bordeaux 33-17 at Rodney Parade. Nice to see Pencoed boy Gav Henson back in the team. QUESTION: What do you think of European Cup quarter-final final draw? WELL it goes to show that the top 14 in France is the strongest competition and the benchmark of European rugby with four teams in the top eight; with two Irish, one Welsh and one English. It’s great that Scarlets are at home and I think they can beat La Rochelle. Leinster and Saracens will be huge. Maybe Leinster will have the edge with home advantage. I definitely go for Munster at home against Toulon and in an all French battle I fancy Clermont to beat Racing 92 especially with massive home support.