Scarlets Clinch Play-Off Spot Without Taking the Pitch, While Cardiff’s Hopes Fade
The Scarlets have secured their place in the United Rugby Championship (URC) play-offs without even needing to take to the field, as Friday night’s results elsewhere ensured their qualification and, simultaneously, dashed Cardiff’s ambitions of progressing. The Llanelli-based side can now approach their season’s concluding fixture against the Sharks in Durban relieved of the pressure that so often accompanies the season’s final day.
For Dwayne Peel’s squad, the sense of accomplishment will be especially sweet, given that their fate had been far from assured only a few weeks ago. Yet, a remarkable run of late-season form—including notable victories over the Ospreys, Dragons, Leinster, and last week’s crucial win away at the Lions—had dramatically improved their prospects. Entering the last round, statisticians placed the Scarlets’ chances of making the top eight at an impressive 98 per cent.
Friday night saw Cardiff and Benetton fail in their respective bids to overtake the Scarlets. Defeats for both sides—Cardiff to the Stormers in Cape Town and Benetton at the hands of Munster—meant Peel’s charges could not be displaced. Although Munster and Edinburgh leapfrogged the Scarlets on the table with their own wins, the Welsh outfit could reclaim higher seeding, dependent on their performance against the Sharks.
The confirmation of Scarlets’ top-eight finish marks their first appearance in the URC play-offs since 2018, a year when they advanced all the way to the final. The news has offered a welcome boost to supporters, many of whom had witnessed the team’s progression from doubt to certainty as the regular season drew to its end.
In stark contrast, Cardiff fans were left to reflect on what might have been. Under the guidance of coach Matt Sherratt, the team needed victory in South Africa to keep their destiny in their own hands. While Cardiff produced a spirited effort against the Stormers—collecting four tries and a bonus point thanks to a late effort from Dafydd Hughes—they fell just short, losing 34-24. A last-minute penalty from the home side denied them a crucial losing bonus point, effectively ending their play-off hopes.
Reflecting on the outcome, Sherratt emphasised the determination of his squad over the season, observing, “We’ve shown with this team over the last two seasons that we don’t lack effort. Obviously, I’m disappointed. It’s a game we could have got more out of. We missed out on a point at the end.” He was philosophical, however, about the season’s broader trajectory, “It’s important to reflect on the season as a whole. It’s easy to look at one game and the odd moment. Ultimately, we’ve played 18 games and just come up short. But I think expectations at the start of the season have been exceeded.”
Although the failure to reach the play-offs stings, Cardiff can claim progress, having doubled their wins compared to previous campaigns and displayed a more attacking brand of rugby. “We’ve certainly developed on last season,” Sherratt added, urging the club and its supporters to “take a breath” and recognise the strides made.
As the season draws to its conclusion, Welsh rugby supporters have much to ponder. For Scarlets, there’s an opportunity to aim higher still in the play-offs, with memories of their 2018 run in mind. Cardiff, meanwhile, are left to regroup and build upon the momentum and lessons of a season filled with both promise and near-misses.
Amidst the highs and lows of the play-off race, both clubs underscore the resilience and spirit so closely associated with Welsh rugby. As Scarlets prepare for knockout action, the eyes of the nation turn towards their next challenge, while Cardiff are left contemplating how they might convert progress into post-season qualification next year.