Scarlets seal hard-fought win as overlooked Wales stars shine

The Scarlets made it six wins in a row in all competitions at Parc y Scarlets, coming out on top against Edinburgh in the URC with a hard-fought 30-24 victory.

Despite having leads of 13 and 15 points in the game, Dwayne Peel's side were still made to sweat late on as the Scottish outfit threatened a comeback.

Defensively, the Scarlets were superb - with their aggressive work off the ball denying the visitors time and space. And, thanks to the work of try-scorers Marnus van der Merwe, Josh Macleod and Ioan Nicholas - as well as the metronomic kicking of Ioan Lloyd, the west Walians were able to keep up their impressive form as they chase a play-off spot.

Another Wales international not needed by Warren Gatland, centre Johnny Williams, was equally as good as Macleod and Lloyd in a winning cause.

The Scarlets started strongly, with a couple of penalties from Lloyd, who has been linked with a move to Cardiff next season, building an early lead.

Peel's side, who went into this one sitting sixth in the URC table, moved further ahead after Edinburgh were reduced to 14 men.

With Edinburgh hooker Paddy Harrison in the sin-bin, the Scarlets took advantage immediately.

From a driving lineout, in-form hooker van der Merwe crashed over to open up a 13-point lead after 25 minutes.

Having done little in the opening quarter, Edinburgh looked to have created a score from nothing. Scotland scrum-half Ali Price crossed, but the try was chalked off for a forward pass in the build-up.

However, after Vaea Fifita was sin-binned for a high tackle, the away side were able to edge their way back into things through a powerful maul.

Skipper Sam Skinner found the space to get over for their first, before Harrison powered over after returning from