Scarlets continued their Arms Park dominance with a dramatic 21-17 victory over Cardiff in the United Rugby Championship, thanks to a try double from scrum-half Gareth Davies. The 35-year-old, retired from international rugby, scored in three consecutive matches at Cardiff and further extended Scarlets’ winning streak at the venue dating back to 2019.

Cardiff Dominate Territory But Falter

Cardiff controlled possession and territory in a pulsating Welsh derby but were undone by Scarlets’ resilient defence and clinical finishing. The hosts crossed the line twice through wings Mason Grady and Josh Adams, yet struggled to convert their dominance into points, conceding penalties and yellow cards for Josh Macleod, Gareth Davies, and Johnny Williams.

Scarlets, meanwhile, relied on a dynamic defensive system that forced handling errors and capitalised on Cardiff’s mistakes to seal another away victory at the Arms Park.

“We showed our clinical edge when it mattered,” said Scarlets coach Dwayne Peel. “Gareth’s tries exemplify the way we can punish opponents even when down to 13 men.”

The Match Unfolds

Cardiff’s early pressure saw James Botham denied by a knock-on ruling, while Scarlets responded with Eddie James scoring in the first half, converted by Joe Hawkins. Despite numerical advantages at times, Cardiff only managed a Sheedy penalty to lead 10-7 at halftime, after Scarlets had conceded ten penalties in the opening 40 minutes.

The second half mirrored the first, with Scarlets displaying ruthless counter-attacking rugby. Gareth Davies opened the scoring after halftime with a sniping try, but Cardiff’s Adams quickly replied from a precise Sheedy chip. Davies then finished off a 70-metre interception try, further cementing Scarlets’ triumph.

Cardiff’s Taulupe Faletau returned from injury but could not inspire a comeback, and Scarlets’ defence held firm despite a third yellow card for Johnny Williams. The match concluded with Scarlets’ final flourish as Davies booted the ball into touch, sending travelling fans into raptures.

Derby Drama and Welsh Rugby Uncertainty

This fixture marks the first of five Welsh derbies over the festive period. However, the future of domestic Welsh rugby remains uncertain, with the WRU proposing a reduction to three professional men’s teams, which could see either Ospreys or Scarlets affected. Cardiff, temporarily in administration, were taken over by the WRU, and investor talks continue.

Whatever the outcome, fewer Welsh sides may mean fewer epic derbies like this one, played in front of 11,728 fans.

Team Line-ups

Cardiff: Winnett; Adams, Millard, B Thomas, Grady; Sheedy, A Davies; Southworth, Belcher (capt), Sebastian, McNally, Nott, Botham, D Thomas, Lawrence.
Replacements: E Lloyd, Barratt, Wainwright, Thornton, Mann, Faletau, Mulder, Beetham.

Scarlets: Murray; Rogers, James, J Williams, Mee; Hawkins, G Davies; Mathias, Elias, H Thomas, Lousi, Ball, Douglas, Macleod (capt), Anderson.
Replacements: Van Der Merwe, Hepburn, H O’Connor, T Davies, Taylor, A Hughes, Price, J Roberts.

Sin-bin: Macleod 26, G Davies 28, J Williams 60
Referee: Ben Breakspear (Wales)
Assistants: Ben Whitehouse & Ben Connor (Wales)
TMO: Keith David (Wales)