Cardiff win opening Welsh derby against Scarlets

Cardiff defeated Scarlets 21-15 in Llanelli to win the first Welsh derby of the season in the United Rugby Championship, in a match watched by a crowd of 7,073. Tries from flanker Dan Thomas, man-of-the-match Taine Basham and replacement hooker Evan Lloyd secured the victory for the visitors, all three scored from driving attacking line-outs.

Scarlets had led in the first half thanks to tries from centre Joe Roberts and full-back Blair Murray, but could only add a second-half penalty from Joe Hawkins in reply. Wales centre Eddie James put in a standout performance for the home side, but it was not enough to inspire a win.

Cardiff, who finished sixth last season as the only Welsh side to reach the play-offs, were missing injured wing Josh Adams but handed debuts to summer signings, former Australia prop Scott Sio and Namibia centre Le Roux Malan. Scarlets, who finished 14th the previous campaign, were without several injured players, including Wales fly-half Sam Costelow.

After a close first half that ended 14-12 to Cardiff, the second half turned on contributions from the bench. A penalty from Hawkins briefly put Scarlets back in front, but after the television match official awarded Cardiff an attacking position, Lloyd forced his way over for the decisive try, converted by returning fly-half Jarrod Evans. A late turnover by Lloyd then denied Scarlets any chance of a comeback.