It’s a New Year but it was more of the same from the Dragons as they begin 2025 with yet another devastating defeat in a Welsh Derby this time a brutal 32-15 defeat by the Scarlets in Llanelli. 

First half tries from Josh Macleod and two from one of the hosts’ standout performers Blair Murray saw the West Walians into an early 24-3 lead at the break. Then after a TMO check, Ellis Mee carried on his impressive start to his Scarlets career as he crossed over on 42 minutes and a penalty kick from replacement, Ioan Lloyd saw Dwayne Peels men record a bonus point win. 

There was some sort of fight back from the Dragons as both Taine Basham and Huw Anderson crossed over but proved insufficient as the Dragons continued their abysmal start to the United Rugby Championship as they remain bottom of the table. 

Scarlets Rugby: 32

Tries: Blair Murray (2), Josh Macleod (1), Ellis Mee (1) 

Conversions: Sam Costelow (2) 

Penalties: Sam Costelow (1) Ioan Lloyd (1) 

Yellow Cards: Taine Plumtree (1) 

Dragons RFC: 15

Tries: Taine Basham (1), Huw Anderson (1) 

Conversions: Angus O’Brien (1) 

Penalties: Angus O’Brien (1) 

1.Rodrigo Martinez- 4

Strong at times at scrum time and was a great watch with his head-to-head with Henry Thomas. Good around the breakdown area and was utilised well in attack but that was all as the Argentinian was replaced by debutant Dylan Kelleher-Griffiths on 67 minutes. 

2. Brodie Coghlan- 4 

He was meant to be on the bench but due to Elliot Dee being ruled out he came straight into the starting XV and perhaps not meaning to start, his slow start was telling as the lineout early on was not functioning well. Was solid in defence but was replaced early in the second half by James Benjamin who wasn’t even meant to be in the match day 23.  

3. Dmitri Arhip- 4

The Moldovan tighthead was one of the main ball carriers and that was evident after a big collision with Scarlets hooker, Marnus van der Merwe early in the game. However, that was ended on the half an hour mark as he was replaced by Chris Coleman. 

4. Joe Davies- 4 

One of the senior members in the pack was great in attack as he got over the gain line with some huge carries. Didn’t make much of an impact as the game went on and on 50 minutes was eventually replaced by Nick Thomas. 

5. Ryan Woodman- 5 

Was exceptional in the lineout last week against Cardiff and today was no different but this time it was around the breakdown area. It must be said it was quite a performance but his work rate is definitely something that goes unnoticed and needs to be discussed more. 

6. Shane Lewis-Hughes- 6

Having had a finger amputated on December 6th to then coming off the bench last week to start in this New Year’s Derby, it must be said it’s remarkable to see him back so soon. And he wasted no time as he did what he has done all season for the Dragons and that’s had a solid performance as a lot of his work went unnoticed. And for a team that is obviously struggling he had a standout performance. 

7. Taine Basham- 6 

With Wainwright going off, Basham needed to step up and have a good showing but it was a very quiet performance by the 25-year-old up until his score on 50 minutes. It was a great finish and showed a lot of power to crossover for his sixth try in all competitions this season. From then he grew into the game and was great value in the desperate attack of the Dragons. 

8. Aaron Wainwright- 5

Carried well and was okay around the breakdown area and in a team that struggled in defence definitely stood out. But he was replaced at the break by Dan Lydiate and you’ll have to maybe put it down to when he went off on 24 minutes for an HIA (Head Injury Assessment). 

9. Rhodri Williams- 4 

Great intelligence with his kicking game yet again, and started the match off with a brilliant 50-22 on 6 minutes. As the half went on he was fast moving the ball from the breakdown area but at scrum time he hardly pressurised his opposite number allowing for the hosts to easily build on their attacking game from the scrum time. That maybe showed why he was replaced on 43 minutes by Che Hope who like Williams didn’t make much of an impact. 

10. Angus O’Brien- 5 

Celebrated his 100th appearance last week and had a great showing and that intensity he brought last week he brought into this encounter. He was the main protagonist in leading the attack of the visitors. And concluded the game at fullback after Cai Evans was replaced. His kicking game has been a bit hit and miss in recent games but this week the Dragons captain slotted 5 points from the tee but when he needed to convert the points he was unable too. 

11. Huw Anderson- 6 

With Cai Evans starting at fullback, Anderson dropped onto the wing and there’s not much to write about for the 21-year-old who was born in Lima, Peru. He was strong enough in defence but definitely makes more of an impact from fullback. It was great vision for his first URC try as he showed his intelligence as he pounced on the loose ball and showed his pace as well. 

12. Aneurin Owen- 5

Good at reading the hosts defence, spotting gaps behind with little grubber kicks that put pressure on the backline of the hosts. Was one of the standout defensive performers but it can be argued he needed his teammates to follow suit. 

13. Jared Rosser- 3 

Normally starting on the wing, Rosser started at outside centre for the first time since April 2023 due to Joe Westwood being injured. He was poor in attack as it looked like he was forcing a pass instead of taking it into contact. The question is was it the right call to put him at 13 despite all of the injuries. 

14. Rio Dyer- 5

When it seemed the 25-year-old was growing into this URC season after last week’s performance, in this encounter his defence was poor as he was very narrow and for the opening quarter didn’t make any impact on the game for the Dragons in attack. However, under the high ball he was of great value when the Dragons were looking to gain territory and made an impressive break early in the second half but that was it. 

15. Cai Evans- 4 

It was a welcome return from Evans at fullback and was playing like he had a point to prove. Had a strong kicking game, as he put pressure on when looking to get into the hosts 22 but it was hot and cold as on some occasions it was aimless. He was replaced on 60 minutes by Will Reed which resulted in skipper, Angus O’Brien dropping to fullback.