Mike Phillips has admitted his comeback was not the gentle evening stroll he had anticipated – but that did not prevent him rolling back the years to help the Scarlets to victory in South Africa.
The region showed they are made of champion stuff as they withstood a major storm in Port Elizabeth to leave the Southern Kings still seeking their first win since joining the Guinness PRO14.
Minus 15 internationals, and forced to press gang Phillips out of retirement to make his first appearance for the club in 12 years, they twice came from behind to run out 34-30 victors’ to remain seven points clear of Leinster and Ulster at the top of Conference B table.
The 35-year-old came on as a replacement for Jonathan Evans at half-time and helped guide his side back from a 13-point deficit two minutes later to clinch a massive win.
Outside-half Dan Jones scored 19 points to ensure the reigning PRO12 champions can move on to Bloemfontein to face the Cheetahs on Saturday full of confidence.
“It was a little bit of a surprise to come on so early to be honest,” said Phillips, who retired last season.
“It’s great to be back in the Scarlets jersey and it’s great to be here. Everybody played really well today and it’s great to not only secure the victory but the bonus point as well.”
Wayne Pivac’s side got off to a flying start with a fifth minute try from Tadhg Beirne at the posts being converted by Jones. The Kings then hit back with tries wide out from Michael Makase and Yaw Penxe as they profited by great kicks ahead.
Jones kicked a penalty, but his opposite number Oliver Zono landed two of his own to make it 16-10 to the home side at the break. Seeking their first win of the season, the Kings then started the second half with a bang as Martin du Toit ran in a try that Zono improved to give them a 13 point lead.
The Scarlets hit back with a brace of tries, a long pass from Jones sending Ioan Nicholas over in the left corner and then Werner Kruger burrowing over from close range. Jones’ conversions edged the Welsh regional side into a one point lead and he then added a penalty to make it 27-23 on the hour mark.
But the Kings weren’t done yet and they made their visitors pay for losing the ball in midfield on their 22. The ball was hacked forward, bounced wickedly over the Scarlets line and allowed Karlon Klassen to bag a sucker try at the posts that Kurt Coleman converted.
That made it 30-27 to the home side with 14 minutes to play. They had a try bonus-point in the bag, but still had to hang on for the win.
Like the champions they are, the Scarlets hit back and Jones snapped up the ball at a base of a ruck five metres out to cross for his side’s bonus-point try. He added the conversion to complete the fight-back and make it eight wins in nine games.