A weakened Scarlets side claimed victory in their first fixture in South Africa with a 30 – 34 win over Southern Kings.
The defending champions, missing 17 players through international duty and injury, had to dig deep in the second half after trailing 16 – 10 at half time.
Led by captain Jonathan Evans, the visitors wasted a number of try-scoring opportunities in the first 40 minutes at the Mandela Bay Stadium. Despite opening the scoring with a try for Tadgh Beirne, the South African side replied with scores from Makase, Penxe and Du Toit.
However in the second-half, despite trailing 23 – 10 at one point, the Welsh side came back with tries from Ioan Nicholas and Werner Kruger. Only for the Kings to re-take the lead with a try from Klassen after a lucky bounce of the ball.
Fly-half Jones then scored the bonus point try for Wayne Pivac’s side to go ahead on the scoreboard again. Despite late pressure from the Kings, the visitors managed to hold out for the win in their first ever outing in South Africa.
Up next for the Scarlets, they stay in South Africa as they face Toyota Cheetahs next Saturday (2 Dec) in the Guinness Pro14.
