By David Williams
Scarlets skipper Josh Macleod insists there is more to come from his team following their dramatic victory over the Bulls.
The west Wales region came from 19-7 down to consign the visitors from Pretoria to their first league defeat of the season, with wingers Blair Murray and Tom Rogers crossing for superb solo tries.
Rogers’ stunning match-winner eight minutes from time came after Bulls replacement hooker Johan Grobbelaar was red carded for shoulder to head contact on opposite number Marnus van der Merwe.
How to win a game and skin a World Cup winner in Kurt-Lee Arendse by Tom Rogers of the @scarlets_rugby! Class finish! pic.twitter.com/pBP9d9wzgW
— Andy Goode (@AndyGoode10) October 19, 2024
Reflecting on the win, first-half try scorer Macleod declared: “It was pretty good, wasn’t it?
“It’s been a whole squad effort. We are together as one. That’s been evident over the last couple of weeks and it certainly feels like we are building something, but we don’t really want to stop here. There’s definitely more from us as a squad.”
The flanker added: “The character within the group is clear to see. In tough times, we can rely on our defence which in previous seasons may not have been the case. Clearly, that’s an element of growth which is a positive.”
Rugby is a funny old game – 2 weeks ago I feared the worst for the Scarlets – letting slip 3 leads and couldn't see a win coming. Fast forward to tonight and there's hope again. I wanted 4 wins out of the first 6. I'll settle for 3 wins and a draw. #Scarlets @ScarletPembs
— Carwyn Evans (@CarwynJEvans) October 18, 2024
Take it away Taine 🥁🔴🔥#SosbanFach #SCAvBUL pic.twitter.com/KgcwQYpolu
— Scarlets Rugby (@scarlets_rugby) October 18, 2024
Head coach Dwayne Peel said: “I am delighted with the result. It was a big performance and a victory that was deserved in the end.
“We competed hard. They have obviously got some big units in their team and we had a plan to move them around a bit with a kicking game.
“There were some big defensive sets and when we had opportunities we took them, with our two wingers scoring outstanding finishes.
“It was lovely to hear the crowd singing at the end. It was a good night.
“We are on very much of a high after that and we will enjoy it, but we move on to next week now and an important game at home to Zebre to end this block.
“We will be looking for same again. We need to keep growing this momentum. It’s a big week for us.”
Bulls coach Jake White said: “We were good enough to win that game. We should have finished them off, but we didn’t.”
Superb win for the @scarlets_rugby . Bulls have been on great form. Chuffed for Peely and the team.
— Scott Quinnell (@ScottQuinnell) October 18, 2024