Steff Evans’ try ten minutes from time saw Scarlets squeeze past Treviso and book their spot in next season’s European Rugby Champions Cup. Scarlets arrived in Italy knowing a win would see them secure their place in next season’s premier European competition, however their hosts had the same idea as they looked to finish above Zebre in the GUINNESS PRO12 table. And it was Treviso who got off to a fast start as tries from Davide Giazzon and Jayden Hayward gave them a 13-3 half-time lead. But that was as good as it got for the home side as after Liam Williams touched down, Evans went over on 70 minutes to ensure Scarlets finished their GUINNESS PRO12 campaign in sixth. However, there was still something for Treviso to celebrate as they will join them in Europe’s top competition next season after finishing above Zebre. After a tight opening ten minutes at a sunny Stadio Monigo Scarlets scrum-half Gareth Davies had to be alert to get across and thwart his opposite number Henry Seniloli close to the line as the match opened up. But that just proved to be a sign of things to come as moments later hooker Giazzon drove over from an attacking line out as first blood went to the hosts, Hayward missing with the conversion. Five minutes late Treviso No.8 Matt Luamanu gathered his own chip over but was stopped just short of the line before knocking on. But on 20 minutes the home side did stretch their lead further as Hayward stroked over a penalty from straight in front of the posts after Scarlets were penalised at a scrum. Scarlets got themselves on the scoreboard with a Rhys Priestland penalty, but on 29 minutes Hayward intercepted an Adam Warren pass and run in to score Treviso’s second try of the game, the full-back once again missing the conversion. This meant the home side led 13-3 at half-time but things should have got even better after the interval as Seniloli celebrated before touching the ball down and was caught by Scott Williams who held the Treviso scrum-half up over the line. And on the hour mark things went from bad to worse for the home side as Scarlets full-back Liam Williams skipped through to score underneath the posts, Priestland bringing his side to within three points by adding the extras. This gave the visitors momentum and on 69 minutes they led for the first time, wing Evans diving over in the corner before Priestland added the extras from the touchline. And that proved enough to ensure a European Champions Cup spot for Scarlets next term, while despite the defeat Treviso will join them as they finished above Zebre. Follow us on Facebook, join the conversation on Twitter, sign up to our YouTube channel for extensive match highlights and sign up for our newsletter for regular updates on the GUINNESS PRO12
