URC result: Scarlets beat a fully-loaded Sharks side

Sam Costelow converted all of his eight attempts at goal as his 22 points propelled the Scarlets to a 32-20 (13-7 HT) victory over a Springbok-powered Sharks in their United Rugby Championship clash in Llanelli on Saturday.

The Durban-based franchise that had welcomed a plethora of Springboks back from a training camp never looked like winning the match as many of the returning Springboks struggled to shake off the rust and made plenty of errors in attack and defence.

Scarlets, who came into this game in 14th place, took full advantage, with Welsh winger Steff Evans scoring an opportunistic brace of tries, as the hosts kept up their hopes of claiming the Welsh Shield.

The Sharks meanwhile, were targeting a full house of five log points going into this game, but came away with nothing, as they were denied a late try by a fantastic cover tackle, which would have seen them get at least a losing bonus point. The visitors could only muster up two maul tries from close range, as they struggled to put anything together among their backs.

Neil Powell’s side now go into their final two home fixtures of the season under pressure, as the race for the United Rugby Championship playoffs heats up.