Sam Costelow kicked a 78th-minute penalty from 45 metres as the Scarlets came from 14 points down to beat Benetton 27-26 at Parc y Scarlets.
It was the Scarlets’ first United Rugby Championship win of the season, after back-to-back derby defeats to Cardiff and the Dragons.
It also spoiled Wayne Pivac’s return to Llanelli. The former Scarlets head coach is now in charge of the Italian side.
Benetton take over after Lousi’s early try
The Scarlets could not have started better. Sam Lousi went over for a converted try in the fourth minute.
After that, Benetton took control. Hooker Siua Maile, wing Onisi Ratave and captain Michele Lamaro all scored, and Jacob Umaga converted all three.
The hosts went in 21-7 down at half-time, despite Nigel Davies’ warning that the first 30 minutes would be important.
Fletcher Anderson and Gareth Davies change the game
Nigel Davies turned to his bench at the break. Number eight Fletcher Anderson and scrum-half Gareth Davies came on, and the Scarlets played at a different tempo.
Player of the match Blair Murray started the comeback, picking off a pass for an interception try in the 53rd minute.
Minutes later, Ellis Mee scored twice in quick succession, and the Scarlets led 24-21.
Louis Lynagh strikes, then Sam Costelow wins it
Benetton were not done. Wing Louis Lynagh pounced in the 73rd minute to put the visitors back in front at 26-24.
Then a late Benetton infringement gave Costelow his chance, from 45 metres out. He landed it.
Newcastle at Parc y Scarlets, then the Stormers and Bulls
The Scarlets now switch to the Challenge Cup, with Newcastle at Parc y Scarlets on Saturday, 17 October (8pm).
After that comes a double-header in South Africa, against the Stormers on 24 October and the Bulls on 31 October.
Scarlets v Benetton
Scarlets: 15 Blair Murray; 14 Ellis Mee, 13 Eddie James, 12 Joe Hawkins, 11 Macs Page; 10 Sam Costelow, 9 Dane Blacker; 1 Kemsley Mathias, 2 Ryan Elias, 3 Henry Thomas, 4 Will Evans, 5 Alex Groves, 6 Sam Lousi, 7 Josh Macleod (capt), 8 Osian Williams.
Replacements: 16 John McKee, 17 Sam O’Connor, 18 Harri O’Connor, 19 Harvey Cuckson, 20 Fletcher Anderson, 21 Gareth Davies, 22 Joe Roberts, 23 Johnny Williams.
Related stories from Swansea Bay News
SCARLETS: ‘The first 30 minutes are going to be important’: Davies’ Benetton warning
Davies before the game.
SCARLETS: ‘Not the time to retreat’: Hawkins handed first start of the season as Anderson returns for Benetton
The team to face Benetton.
Discover more from Swansea Bay News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
