**Wayne Pivac’s Memorable Halftime Quip Helped Scarlets to Iconic Victory**
In the annals of Welsh rugby, the Scarlets’ unforgettable 2017 Pro12 semi-final triumph over Leinster remains etched in memory—not only for the result, but for the leadership demonstrated at half-time. According to Wales international Rhys Patchell, it was head coach Wayne Pivac’s ingenious one-liner that galvanised the Scarlets to an historic win despite daunting odds.
Patchell, aged 32 and a pivotal figure in Welsh rugby, recently revisited that classic encounter during an appearance on BBC Scrum V’s *The Warm Up* podcast. Joining Lauren Jenkins, Ellis Jenkins, and Alex Cuthbert, Patchell painted a vivid picture of the atmosphere in the Scarlets’ dressing room at the interval—deflated yet defiant facing European giants Leinster, while also a player down after a red card.
The stakes could not have been higher for the Llanelli side. The match was effectively a final before the final, with the Scarlets seeking to upset the odds away from home in Dublin. To add to their challenge, winger Steff Evans had been sent off for a dangerous tackle late in the first half, forcing the Welsh side to regroup and play the entire second period with just 14 players.
Despite this adversity, Patchell explained that one moment soon after kick-off had swung the psychological balance in their favour. “Lewis Rawlins absolutely smashed Johnny Sexton in the opening minutes,” he recalled. The forceful tackle had a profound impact, putting Leinster’s fly-half on the back foot for the rest of the match as he steered clear of further confrontations on the gain line.
The Scarlets managed to keep a clean sheet for the remainder of the first half, resisting the onslaught from Leinster, and went into the break still in the contest. Patchell highlighted the effective tactical adjustment made at half-time by defence coach Byron Hayward, who decided to move James Davies—affectionately known as ‘Cubby’—onto the wing for scrum defence, bolstering Scarlets’ backfield coverage.
Yet, it was Pivac’s timely intervention that seemed to provide the emotional spark. As the team gathered their breath, the New Zealander poked his head around the changing room door with a grinning quip: “Lads, imagine the night out we’re going to have if we win this way.” It was, Patchell described, the “best half-time team talk ever”—an injection of humour and camaraderie that relaxed the team and reminded them of the fun and joy rugby could bring, even in the most pressurised moments.
Reinvigorated and united, the Scarlets surged into the second half, ultimately sealing a remarkable 27-15 victory. Try scorers included the dismissed Evans, Aaron Shingler, and Gareth Davies, with Patchell and Liam Williams contributing vital points from the tee. The triumph set up a celebratory night for the squad, just as Pivac had promised.
Their momentum carried into the final, where Scarlets swept aside Munster 46-22 in a nine-try classic at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium. That title win is still cherished in west Wales, marking one of the region’s last major domestic rugby triumphs.
Reflecting on events, it’s clear that leadership in sport is as much about timing and tone as it is about tactics. Pivac’s approach acknowledged the pressure, yet transformed anxiety into excitement. In a sport defined by physicality and discipline, the power of a well-judged joke at half-time underscores just how influential a coach can be on the biggest stage.
Such moments are part of what makes rugby union unique—an interplay of strategy, spirit, and shared experience. For Patchell and his teammates, Pivac’s half-time intervention remains a cherished memory, capturing the essence of their 2017 heroics and the sense of community that drives Welsh rugby forward.