Wales On Sunday

SUPERB SCARLETS POWER TO TITLE

- MATTHEW SOUTHCOMBE Sports writer matthew.southcombe@walesonlin­e.co.uk

SCARLETS produced a magnificen­t display to claim the Pro12 title for the first time since 2004 as they defeated Munster in the Dublin decider.

Wayne Pivac’s side defied the odds to send their travelling support into dreamland in the Irish capital, thanks largely to an early four-try blitz which simply blew their opponents away.

The Scarlets were smarter and sharper in thought and deed, a side who have ridden a wave of confidence and momentum in recent weeks.

Keeping faith with the brand of flowing rugby that had blazed a trail through the PRO12, the final as a contest was all but over at the break.

The stunning margin of victory is a new high for the final and serves notice to the rest of rugby that an upsurge in Scarlets form this term is far from a flash in the pan.

Among the 15 heroes, Aaron Shingler and Steffan Evans were arguably the two top performers on a night when everyone in a Scarlets shirt excelled.

Meanwhile James Davies also impressed but the powerful flanker admitted he doesn’t hold out too much hope that his display will further his cause with regards his internatio­nal ambitions.

Commenting on his prospects of making it into the Wales line-up at some stage in the future, Davies (pictured inset) said: “I don’t want to say too much but if my personalit­y doesn’t fit, then that’s the way it is. I’m not going to change my personalit­y for a few caps.

“You’ve seen what I do for the Scarlets week in, week out.

“I play for the boys and that will never change.

“Of course (I’m hungry to get caps), that’s the pinnacle, to play for your country. But if that doesn’t come, then it doesn’t come.

“It’s not going to change the way I play for the Scarlets, I give it my all in every game. It’s just the way it is.” The wonderful display was a fitting farewell for Liam Williams, who made his last appearance for the region prior to joining Saracens.

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 ??  ?? Gareth Davies celebrates scoring a try for the Scarlets with Liam Williams
Gareth Davies celebrates scoring a try for the Scarlets with Liam Williams
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