Scarlets pull off stunning victory over Lions to give play-off hopes huge boost

The Scarlets moved to within touching distance of the URC play-offs with a stunning 32-19 bonus-point victory over the Lions in Johannesburg.

Dwayne Peel's side move to sixth place in the table with just one round of the regular season to go and look well placed to finish in the top eight.

This was an excellent performance by the Welsh club who defied the odds to claim a first ever URC victory in South Africa.

Wales outside-half Sam Costelow was outstanding while Vaea Fifita, Taine Plumtree and Blair Murray were also standout performers.

Tries from Murray (twice), Plumtree and Johnny Williams along with nine points from Costelow's boot were enough to secure a famous win. Nico Steyn and David Kriel (twice) touched down for the Lions.

It wasn't the best of starts for the Scarlets after Sam Lousi got sent to the sin bin for a high tackle.

But they put it behind them to claim the game's first try and it came off the back of their forwards making metres with their carries in the Lions' 22.

Gareth Davies then spun the ball wide and after a nice touch from Johnny Williams a lovely pass from Costelow put Murray over from the opening try.

The Scarlets were forced to defend in their own 22 but their defence held firm with the Lions getting held up over the line.

But the west Walians extended their lead with a second try for Murray. The Scarlets won their own lineout before Costelow changed the point of contact before going to Gareth Davies on the inside.

The Wales scrum-half offloaded to Ellis Mee who raced clear before getting brought down just short of the line but they recycled quickly before Costelow's pass put Murray over again.

But the Lions hit back with a period of sustained pressure which resulted in Steyn powering over from short