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Road to the NatWest 6 Nations: Larmour catches the eye

Inpho
It was Derby day on Boxing Day as two huge matches in Wales and one in Ireland captivated rugby fans.

It was Derby day on Boxing Day as two huge matches in Wales and one in Ireland captivated rugby fans.

In the build-up to the 2018 NatWest 6 Nations, one youngster staked a claim for a Test debut in February with a magical try for Leinster, while there were plenty of talking points across both derbies in Wales.

LETHAL LARMOUR

Former Ireland Under-20s flyer Jordan Larmour announced himself on the big stage with a magical try for Leinster as they came away from Thomond Park with a 34-24 success over Munster.

The visitors looked in total control at half-time as they led 27-5 thanks to tries from Irish international pair Dan Leavy and Robbie Henshaw along with a penalty effort.

However Munster fought back, using the unusual tactic of lifting Conor Murray in the lineout, they got themselves right back in it, with Ian Keatley and Andrew Conway crossing in addition to Murray’s first-half try.

But having seen their lead cut back to ten, Leinster got a moment of magic from the 20-year-old Larmour, playing at full-back. Collecting an up-and-under, he raced from just outside his own 22, sidestepped two men then put on the gas. Having beaten another he then had the pace to hold off the chasing Simon Zebo to dot down the bonus-point try.

Conway got a second to give Munster a four-try bonus, but it was little consolation as Leinster laid down a marker and Larmour caught the eye.

MIXED DAY FOR EVANS

Steff Evans went from hero to villain for the Scarlets but it did not matter in the end as they snatched victory from the Ospreys.

The winger, capped by Wales this November, scored the opening try of the game with his quick feet helping him beat one man on his way to the line.

However he was sent off just before half-time after misjudging a cross-kick and taking out Ben John in the air.

In his absence, the Ospreys looked set to take the victory, leading 9-5 with 80 minutes up, but the Scarlets showed their never-say-die attitude with Josh Macleod crossing at the death.

It was a remarkable effort, led by Ken Owens, who made 11 tackles and missed none for the defending champions.

BLUES HOLD ON

Cardiff Blues were given a real scare but did enough to see off the Dragons 22-17 at Rodney Parade, with Gareth Anscombe pulling the strings from fly-half.

In tricky conditions, Anscombe finished with seven points, but he also made 70 metres with ball in hand while racking up 15 tackles for none missed.

The visitors looked to be in complete control when they led 22-3 with 20 minutes remaining, Aled Summerhill, Rey Lee-Lo and Tom James crossing.

However the Dragons fought back, first thanks to a Lloyd Fairbrother try, followed by a penalty try, but in the end it proved in vain.