Scarlets grit it out after first half red for Evans
AN away team finally won a PRO12 semi-final at the 19th time of asking and rarely has there been such a convincing display in any last four game as 14-man Scarlets reached their first final since 2004.
A masterful opening 30 minutes saw Scarlets run in tries from Steff Evans, Gareth Davies and Aaron Shingler, but their quest for a second title looked to have been derailed two minutes from the break when Steff Evans was shown a red card for a tip tackle on Garry Ringrose.
But instead of capitulating in the face of Leo Cullen’s side, Scarlets actually bettered Leinster’s return in the second-half.
They held their hosts to Jack Conan’s try, while Liam Williams finished off the job with two late penalties. It was a real test of their mettle, says coach Wayne Pivac.
“I am just so proud of them and they fully deserve their opportunity in the final,” he said.
“We talked at half-time about the character and the grit, what we have been building all year, and how the camaraderie in the group would really be tested, but what a way to win it if we could do it. And we did it.”
Leinster will be disgusted with their sloppy, error-ridden display, but credit must go to Scarlets’ defensive effort, their efficiency at the breakdown – James Davies was immaculate there – and their slick hands that prised open Leinster.
Some Leinster players will now go on to play with the Lions, but there are big concerns about prop Jack McGrath, who is waiting for an update on his injured arm, while there was some relief around Tadhg Furlong, who limped off with cramp.
“Jack got a whack on his arm so we’ll see how he is. He may need to get an x-ray but we’ll see how he settles down,” said Leinster coach Cullen.
“He has an ice pack on his arm because he lost a bit of power there so we’ll see how he is.”
Scarlets devoured Leinster in the early stages with fast hands putting Steff Evans in for the first. Leinster hit back through Ringrose in the 24th minute but tries from Gareth Davies and Shingler in the space of five minutes stunned Leinster, who could not recover despite Evans’ red card on 38 minutes.