Benetton v Scarlets live: Latest updates as Liam Williams makes return
For anyone who sat through the entire 80 minutes, you’d likely be ruing the time wasted watching the Scarlets’ trip to Benetton.
But after two disappointing defeats to kick off their PRO14 season, the west Walians will care little about the performance after coming away from Italy with victory.
Many took to social media to slam the quality, with one Twitter user calling it the ‘worst rugby he’d ever seen’, but Paul Asquith’s late try rendered that all moot as it delivered the region their first win of the season at the third attempt.
After a scoreless opening quarter, Ian Keatley put the hosts ahead from the tee.
There was the odd nice touch from Liam Williams in his first game back in seven months, including one classy moment that saw him stop a Benetton kick find touch while sliding, before keeping the ball in play as he himself slid over the touchline.
However, little else happened for the either team – with the score remaining 3-0 for the remainder of a drab first-half.
Things didn’t get too much better in the second period, with the Scarlets persevering with a kicking game that brought little reward.
Eventually, they got their first chance of points just after the hour mark, with Angus O’Brien landing the penalty.
Moments later, he had another shot but pushed that one wide.
He was to the fore for the winning score, with his kick and chase giving the Scarlets attacking field position.
From there, they went wide – with Asquith combining with Tyler Morgan to cross the whitewash.
Their bid for victory was nearly derailed as Morgan Jones was sent off for a high tackle late on, but they showed plenty of character to hold on for a much-needed win.
80 minsKEY EVENT
Full-time: Benetton 3-10 Scarlets
It’s over.
It’s finally over.
Awful game? Yes.
But it’s a win for the Scarlets.
Ben James
80 mins
It’s a massive opportunity for the hosts as they bash away at the line, but the ball goes loose.
The clock is red but there’s still time for a Scarlets scrum.
Ben James
79 mins
Big attacking scrum for Benetton here right under the sticks.
Ben James
79 mins
Benetton go close in the corner, but don’t get over.
As they move it back to the middle of the pitch, they cough up a turnover penalty to Cassiem.
Could that be enough?
Ben James
76 mins
Despite that red card, the Scarlets have just won a massive scrum penalty.
Huge effort from the pack.
74 minsBen James
Red card!
Benetton are now going to have to do the chase.
Scarlets might have helped them though, with Morgan Jones just sent off for no-arms, high tackle.
Ben James
72 mins
The try *mayhave come from a forward pass.
But after the 70 minutes before it, I can’t fathom how soul-destroying having the only try snatched away from us would have been.
70 minsKEY EVENT
TRY SCARLETS! 3-10
A TRY!
It’s a try!
I’d nearly forgotten what they looked like, but the Scarlets have scored.
It all starts with Angus O’Brien picking up a loose ball, kicking ahead and diving on it.
From there, the Scarlets move it to the other wing and Paul Asquith goes over.
A quick TMO check but it’s awarded.
65 minsBen James
Missed penalty
Benetton put the kick-off out on the full before infringing at the scrum.
So O’Brien now has a shot from half-way to put the Scarlets in front.
However, it’s just wide.
In fairness, six points in the space of a few minutes would be spoiling us.
62 minsKEY EVENT
Penalty Scarlets! Benetton 3-3 Scarlets
Here we go.
Scarlets get themselves a penalty in a kickable position and Angus O’Brien
