Cardiff secured a hard-fought 21-15 victory over the Scarlets in the first Welsh derby of the United Rugby Championship season at Parc y Scarlets in Llanelli. Tries from Dan Thomas, Taine Basham and Evan Lloyd, combined with six points from the boots of Callum Sheedy and Jarrod Evans, sealed the win.
Scarlets' early spark
The Scarlets started strongly, with Joe Roberts opening the scoring after a sensational offload from Sam Lousi. Dan Thomas hit back for Cardiff with a try from a well-worked driving lineout before Wales full-back Blair Murray showcased outstanding pace to claim the Scarlets' second try.
Taine Basham powered over from short range to give Cardiff a 14-12 lead at the interval. Joe Hawkins kicked the Scarlets back into the lead after the break, but Cardiff's pack dominated the second half.
Decisive moment
A try from replacement hooker Evan Lloyd in the 64th minute proved to be the decisive score, with Jarrod Evans adding the conversion. Cardiff's maul was particularly effective, setting up Lloyd's score after strong carries from Taine Basham.
Cardiff head coach Corniel van Zyl had said before the match: "We are really looking forward to kicking-off the season and the fact that it's a Welsh derby first up makes it even more exciting."
