Dramatic rainfall

By saracensfan62
September 19 2026

Scarlets did indeed pose rather a larger challenge than the previous pre season friendlies with played these past few weeks. To conclude our pre-season preparations, we got a scruffy but reasonable 14-26 win over Scarlets in Llaneli It certainly wasn’t the prettiest game of rugby and the conditions were squally blustery (see attached photos, the rain is sweeping in at an angle!) but with 4 different try-scorers, another impressive contribution from Sione Va’enuku and valuable minutes across the squad this was a useful test before the premiership season begins. Having taken up the very generous offer of hospitality in the Carwyn james lounge, a stay overnight at the Diplomat and coach travel to/fro the ground (my thanks to SSAaway and Scarlets for this), we made our way over to Llaneli on Friday afternoon. After a trip to the swimming pool and sauna, we put on our sarries jerseys and awaited departure to the stadium. On arrival, I must admit the staff were excellent and did indeed make us feel welcome, plus the food and drink was pretty tasty too! After many pints of Guinness and a few of the Double Dragon ale (a niche Scarlets one, I believe…) I filled in the score prediction form for 17-25 to us. I was very close as well, if only Scarlets had kicked a penalty at some point! The prize was a bottle of wine and to make things even more frustrating, the guy who did win it had the same forename as me, so I thought I did win until I heard the surname… Oh well maybe next time.We then moved to sit down 5 minutes before KO and observed Scarlets mascot high fiving various fans including our own Nige Eaton. Nice touch indeed from the Scarlets matchday team.

First Half

The persistent rain inevitably meant the opening exchanges were scrappy, with both sides forced to play more conservatively and opportunities proving very difficult to create. Saracens came close to opening the scoring inside the first few minutes when Rotimi Segun powered his way over the line, only for the Scarlets defence to hold him up. A frustrating one but an early warning of the pressure Sarries were beginning to build…

However this was the last of our attack. Instead, it was the scarlets who struck first. Centre Eddie James crashed over from close range to give them a 7-0 advantage much to the delight and relative surprise of much of the few thousand who’d come along to watch.  To their credit Sarries did respond very well. Rather than allowing the setback to disrupt them, they gradually took control of the contest and began to make their physical advantage count with winning some scrum penalties and Maro/Nick I being irritating at the lineout as ever.

Olly Hartley provided the first score for us of the night, carrying strongly after a fabulous barnstorming Alfie Barbeary run (goes to show he doesn’t need his hair to do great things!). Hartley has always possessed plenty of power and this was another reminder of just how effective he can be when given front-foot ball and some space to run into.

Saracens continued to apply pressure as the half progressed, eventually earning their reward in pretty much the last play before the interval. Eoghan Clarke finished from close range to complete the turnaround and send Sarries into half-time with a 14–7 lead.

Second Half

Sarries began the second half exactly as they had finished the first - on the front foot. A clever tap-penalty move caught the Scarlets defence off guard, allowing George Martin to cross for Saracens’ third try. What a way to kick off your Saracens career, with a try at the Parc y Scarlets. Owen Farrell added the conversion, stretching the lead to 21–7 and giving us some much-needed breathing room.

Scarlets’ discipline then began to cost them and we again opted for a quick tap close to the opposition try line. once more, the decision paid off. Sione Va’enuku powered over for his third try in three pre-season matches, continuing what has been a hugely promising start to his Saracens career. Faz missed what was a very kickable conversion by hitting thr post. A forgivable error I’d say given the wind was swirling around like nobody’s business.

At 26–7, Saracens had established a commanding lead numbers wise, but did not look at all comfortable as Scarlets continued to battle.

The home pack eventually forced its way over from close range inside the final 10 minutes, with Gareth Anscombe converting to reduce the deficit to 12 points. The scarlets scrum also started to get the advantage over Weilbach and O’Driscoll and I noticed a lot more aimless kicking as the game progressed. Disappointing to see us reverting to that style again I thought we’d left it behind.. Hmm.

There would be no dramatic comeback for Scarlets as it was far too little too late, and Sarries managed the closing stages well and held on to complete a reasonably professional 26–14 victory.

Conclusion

Overall, this was a very worthwhile evening for Saracens. The conditions made expansive rugby difficult, but we adjusted well, remained patient after falling behind and were decently clinical when opportunities appeared. Creating the opportunities seemed to be our greatest issue though and the defence seemed leaky occasionally. I attach a photo of one of our early lineouts before Roti got held up trying to score, I thought it quite a good pic myself!

Saracens now head to Welford Road to face Leicester Tigers in the opening round of the of this year’s iteration of the Premiership. No doubt whatsoever it will be a much greater test but with three pre-season victories, a very healthy demolition of n’ton Saints and impressive performances from several new and developing players gives us plenty of reason for optimism. See you at Welford road next Sunday and COYS.

Scarlets v Saracens Pre-Season Friendly Report

Discussion started by TheSaracens.com , 19/09/2026 16:49

TheSaracens.com
19/09/2026 16:49

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saracensfan62
19/09/2026 17:00

Sorry this is a very quick report, for friendlies I try and keep it brief

Richard Hill for PM.

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PaulHerox
19/09/2026 18:03

Good summary. Glad you didn't get kicked out of hospitality for wearing your Saracens pyjamas!

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TommyKentish
19/09/2026 18:07

Thanks for posting so quickly considering the lack of live stream! Sounds like the conditions probably gave us a decent prep for Tigers. Any word on whether Martin was injured or pre planned to come off as it was his first match back?

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The Bard
19/09/2026 18:36

Thank you for this. Sounds like the scrum is likely to be a concern at times, guess we’ll have a much better picture after Sunday.

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Sarrov
19/09/2026 18:57

Quote:

The Bard
Thank you for this. Sounds like the scrum is likely to be a concern at times, guess we’ll have a much better picture after Sunday.

We have looked solid enough with Mawi and Street. Hopefully Carre will come in next week as well, but if not then Brantingham.

Alex O'D is a good young prospect but still some way behind our other 3 loose heads.

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The Wolfpack Watch
19/09/2026 19:55

Quote:

TommyKentish
Thanks for posting so quickly considering the lack of live stream! Sounds like the conditions probably gave us a decent prep for Tigers. Any word on whether Martin was injured or pre planned to come off as it was his first match back?

Someone confirmed on the Scarlets match thread that he was subbed tactically as opposed to being injured. Phew

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