**Scarlets Deliver Stunning Upset Over Leinster to Ignite Play-Off Ambitions**
In a stirring display at Parc y Scarlets, the Scarlets delivered a memorable 35-22 victory against current United Rugby Championship leaders Leinster, breathing new life into their hopes of reaching the knockout stages. The result marks only the second time Leinster have suffered defeat this season, underlining the scale of the home side’s achievement and injecting much-needed momentum into their campaign.
The Llanelli-based outfit, guided by head coach Dwayne Peel, saw tries from Gareth Davies, Tom Rogers, Taine Plumtree, and Joe Roberts, all of whom played pivotal roles in securing a four-try bonus point win. The performance ended a lengthy drought against Irish rivals, with Scarlets last claiming such a scalp back in March 2021. Notably, Leinster had not been bettered by Welsh opposition since January 2022, further emphasising the result’s significance.
Leinster, missing several frontline internationals, nevertheless fielded a side packed with Irish caps, demonstrating the depth at their disposal. For Scarlets, the boost came with the return of Wales internationals Sam Costelow and Johnny Williams, both featuring in their final home appearance of the season. Costelow, recently back from a long injury layoff, showed some early rustiness, notably with a missed penalty, but settled into the match to become an influential creative force.
The Scarlets started brightly, making their intentions clear from the outset. A clever pass from Henry Thomas released Taine Plumtree, who in turn teed up scrum-half Gareth Davies for the game’s first try. Shortly afterwards, Costelow slotted a penalty to build an early lead, showcasing composure on his return to action.
Leinster soon replied, with Ross Byrne converting from the tee. Yet it was the hosts who struck again; a sweeping move ended with Costelow executing a pinpoint crossfield kick to Tom Rogers, who surged over for their second try—evidence of the attacking intent which defined the Scarlets’ afternoon. However, Costelow’s extended injury absence reared its head in a costly moment when his attempted clearance was charged down, allowing Leinster’s Jamie Osborne to pounce and score.
Despite that hiccup, the home side reasserted themselves. Pressure from captain Josh Macleod forced an error from Byrne, which Plumtree capitalised on, intercepting a pass to halt Leinster’s resurgence. Nevertheless, the visitors showed their resolve, with Liam Turner’s incisive running creating the platform for Diarmuid Mangan to score just before half-time, trimming the margin to only seven points.
The second half began much as the first had, with the Scarlets full of attacking flair. From a scrum, Blair Murray exploited space on the edge and linked with centre Joe Roberts, who claimed the bonus point try. Leinster’s powerful No. 8 James Culhane narrowed the deficit once more, but replacements and fresh legs saw Ioan Lloyd extend Scarlets’ lead via the boot as tensions rose heading into the closing stages.
Leinster pressed hard and seemed to have conjured a lifeline, only for a score to be ruled out for double movement by Alex Soroka in the dying minutes, reflecting the fine margins of top-flight rugby. The Scarlets capitalised almost immediately, with a thumping tackle by Vaea Fifita winning a crucial penalty, calmly slotted by Lloyd to confirm the victory and send the home fans into raptures.
This marquee win sees the Scarlets rise to seventh in the table, firmly in the hunt for a play-off berth heading into the business end of the season. For Dwayne Peel and his squad, the performance delivered not just precious points but real hope that this squad can compete amongst the league’s elite. As for Leinster, the defeat serves as a timely reminder of the challenges ahead, even for the URC’s dominant force.
In the aftermath, Peel lauded his side’s character and commitment, underlining the collective belief within the squad. Throughout the season, consistency has eluded the Scarlets, but this display—blending resolute defence and enterprising attack—offers a blueprint for further success as the play-off chase intensifies.