SCARLETS BOOST TOP-EIGHT HOPES

THE Scarlets moved to within touching distance of the URC play-offs with a stunning bonus-point victory over the Lions in Johannesburg.

- STEFFAN THOMAS Rugby Correspondent [e-mail]

Dwayne Peel's side move to sixth place in the table with just one round of the regular season to go and look well placed to finish in the top eight.

This was an excellent performance by the Welsh club who defied the odds to claim a first ever URC victory in South Africa.

Wales fly-half Sam Costelow was outstanding while Vaea Fifita, Taine Plumtree and Blair Murray were also standout performers.

Tries from Murray (2), Plumtree and Johnny Williams along with nine points from Costelow's boot were enough to secure a famous win.

Nico Steyn and David Kriel (2) touched down for the Lions.

It wasn’t the best of starts for the Scarlets after Sam Lousi was sent to the sin-bin for a high tackle.

But they put it behind them to claim the game’s first try and it came off the back of their forwards making metres with carries in the Lions’ 22.

Gareth Davies spun the ball wide and after a nice touch from Williams, a lovely pass from Costelow put Murray over from the opening try.

The Scarlets were forced to defend in their own 22 but they held firm with the Lions held up over the line.

The West Walians extended their lead with a second try for Murray.