RUGBY TENNIS

The Scarlets’ first-half failings cost them dear as they slipped to a 36-19 defeat against a weakened Stormers side in Cape Town.

With South Africa and Wales both in action this weekend, the hosts and their visitors were shorn of their Test stars.

The Scarlets’ fightback fell well short as they slipped to their sixth defeat in eight matches. And two tries from hooker Tom Stewart helped Ulster to a six-try bonus-point victory as they defeated bottom team Zebre Parma 36-15 at the Kingspan Stadium.

Australia secured their place in the Davis Cup final for the first time since 2003 with a hardfought 2-1 semi-final win over Croatia in Malaga last night.

Borna Coric gave Croatia the upper hand with a 6-4 6-3 victory over Thanasi Kokkinakis in the first singles rubber, the 26-year-old hitting 19 winners and committing just nine unforced errors. However, Australian number one Alex De Minaur then beat former US Open champion Marin Cilic 6-2 6-2 in just 44 minutes to level the tie and set up a decisive doubles rubber.

And it was the Australian pair of Max Purcell and Jordan Thompson who held their nerve as they fought back from a set down to beat Nikola Mektic and Mate Pavic 6-7 (3) 7-5 6-4 in two hours and 14 minutes.

Italy take on Canada in the second semi-final today.