Leigh Halfpenny slotted a decisive penalty as Scarlets came from behind to beat the Cheetahs in Llanelli on Friday night and secure their place in the final 16 of the Challenge Cup.
A 64th-minute penalty from fullback Halfpenny was the decisive factor as Scarlets clinched a 20-17 victory, earning a place in the round of 16 as a result.
This came after the Cheetahs had fought their way back from a half-time deficit to lead 17-10 in the second half thanks to tries from hooker Louis van der Westhuizen and wing Daniel Kasende.
However, Scarlets responded when quick hands put wing Johnny McNicholl over to level matters, before Halfpenny stepped up to slot the winning goal.
⚡️ @Scarlets_Rugby strike first ⚡️
A perfect grubber that floats into Steff Evans’ hands ?
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— EPCR Challenge Cup (@ChallengeCup_) January 13, 2023
Scarlets held on for a third straight win in Pool B and left the Cheetahs with their knockout stage hopes hanging in the balance with just one win to their name.
In their final Pool B encounter, the Cheetahs will ‘host’ Pau in Parma next Sunday.
Photo: Michael Steele/Getty Images