Cardiff stun Scarlets with late URC fightback

The Blue and Blacks led 7-5 at half-time with Wales centre Ben Thomas crossing and Scarlets flanker Plumtree responding. Scarlets scored with three early second-half tries with centre Johnny Williams, scrum-half Dane Blacker and full-back Murray crossing. This seemed to have sealed victory before Cardiff scored three late tries.

With fellow play-off contenders Bulls, Connacht and Lions securing bonus-point wins, it was a vital five match points for Cardiff as they lie sixth in the table with three league weekends remaining. Wales wing Mee injury Cardiff's lock-injury concerns had eased with George Nott and Josh McNally passed fit after missing the Challenge Cup defeat against Benetton, while Wales flanker James Botham returned in the back row. Wales trio Eddie James, Ryan Elias and Plumtree returned to the Scarlets' starting side, with the Llanelli-based outfit having not played in three weeks following their early European elimination.

Former Wales full-back Liam Williams, who has just announced his retirement and played for both clubs, was given a warm welcome before the game. Williams has been mentoring young Scarlets back Callum Woolley in recent weeks. Wales head coach Steve Tandy was watching and will be concerned to have seen Scarlets wing Ellis Mee carried off early with an ankle injury, with Joe Roberts coming on as a replacement.

Cardiff capitalised and following a superb 50:22 kick from Callum Sheedy, a long-range pass from scrum-half Johan Mulder saw a well-worked moved finished off by Thomas, who was starting at outside centre for the first time in almost six years. Scarlets rallied and their attacking intent was rewarded when Plumtree flopped over, although Joe Hawkins' conversion was charged down by opposite number Sheedy. It was the one first-half occasion the hosts' capitalised on attacking dominance with three other attacks stopped by Cardiff.