Five Players Who Stood Out In Saturday's Welsh Derby
- 2991
Rugby returned in Wales with an entertaining game at Parc y Scarlets with the home side claiming an impressive 32-12 victory over the Cardiff Blues.
The Scarlets were brutal and effect with Ed Kennedy, Steff Evans (2), Samiuela Louisi and Johnny McNicholl all dotting down in the win over Cardiff.
Cardiff scored tries through Josh Adams and Matthew Morgan with both players returning from injuries - the latter playing his first game since January.
With the Six Nations returning soon, we take a look at five players who may have caught Wayne Pivac's eye during the clash.
Steff Evans - Scarlets
If the speedsters performance didn't catch Pivac's eye, his new hairstyle certainly would have!
Sporting a new mullet, Evans put in a man of the match display dotting down twice for the victors.
He made over 40 running metres, chased down the ball with real vigor and was rewarded for his work with both his tries coming from his determination while also making all five of his attempted tackles and won two turnovers.
Evans' last featured for Wales ahead of the Rugby World Cup in Japan and was not called upon during the Six Nations this year.
Despite Wayne Pivac having numerous options out wide, Evans could force his way back into contention if he continues to produce performance such as this.
Will Boyde - Cardiff Blues
One could argue that Wales have the best depth in the back row than any other test side.
Will Boyde is a perfect example of Wales' depth in the back row. Uncapped at 25, Boyde put in an excellent performance against his former employers.
He made an outstanding four turnovers, 13 tackles without missing out and made over 20 metres from his 11 carries.
While he is unlikely to get a look into the Wales squad this year, he may get a look in during the Lions Tour next year if he continues to perform.
Matthew Morgan - Cardiff Blues
In his first game since January, Matthew Morgan made an impressive impact via the bench for Cardiff.
Morgan looked solid under the high ball made 16 running metres in just over half an hour and dotted down for a try.
His versatility could be an attractive asset to Wayne Pivac after Morgan was largely overlooked by Warren Gatland.
Johnny Williams - Scarlets
Scarlets look to have found the perfect replacement for Hadleigh Parkes if Johnny Williams' first game is anything to go by.
Like Parkes, Williams is a former flyhalf who has come to excel in the midfield. Joined from Newcastle during lockdown, Williams has had quite the journey to arrive at Parc y Scarlets having come through the London Irish Academy to joining Newcastle Falcons making his England XV debut, uncapped clash, and won his battle with cancer in October last year.
Williams shone on debut linking up well with his new teammates and looked right at home in the #12 jersey. He made over 80 running metres and was involved in just about everything the Scarlets did well.
Williams could follow Nick Tompkins and make his debut having played youth level rugby for England with his father Gareth hailing from Rhyl making him Welsh qualified.
James Davies - Scarlets
The stricter interpretations of the breakdown laws were always going to favour a few openside flankers and it looks as if Cubby Davies is certainly one of them.
The younger of the Davies' brothers played in his first game since the Bronze Final in Japan last year and quickly made an impact winning two turnovers in just his 23 minutes on the pitch.
While he won just two turnovers his impact at the rucks was notable with Pivac's back row options ever growing, he will hope Davies will stay fit to fight for a place.
