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Dragons celebrate their incredible win in Cardiff. Alex Davidson/INPHO

Dragons pull off stunning comeback to dent Scarlets' Champions Cup hopes

Wayne Pivac’s side are left sweating over other results on the final day of regular-season action.

SCARLETS ARE NOW in real danger of missing out on qualification for next season’s Heineken Champions Cup after Wayne Pivac’s side were stunned by Dragons on the final day of the Pro14 regular season.

The 2017 Pro14 champions went into this afternoon’s round 21 encounter at the Principality Stadium knowing a bonus-point win would boost their chances of earning a top-three finish in Conference B and a place in the end-of-season play-offs.

But, Scarlets — having led 17-6 at half-time — were left stunned by an incredible second-half fightback by the Dragons, with a late Matthew Screech try and Jason Tovey conversion sealing a 34-32 victory.

Rhys Patchell’s last-gasp drop-goal attempt went wide and although Scarlets collected two losing bonus-points, they now face an anxious wait to discover their European fate.

With Benetton earning a bonus-point win over Zebre and with it third place in Conference B, Edinburgh can pip Scarlets to the Champions Cup play-off berth by earning a losing bonus point at Glasgow Warriors [KO 7.35pm].

Screen Shot 2019-04-27 at 19.15.50 Pro14 Pro14

Scarlets have qualified for the Champions Cup every season since 2003 and missing out on a place in Europe’s top-tier would be a massive setback for the region, who are losing head coach Pivac to the Wales job at the end of this campaign. 

It was a thrilling end to another difficult season for Dragons, as they recorded their fifth win of the Pro14 term, while it was their first win away from Rodney Parade since 2015.  

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    Mute Joe Vlogs
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    Apr 27th 2019, 7:11 PM

    Delighted. They have been playing excellent rugby all season, and fully deserve to be in the champions cup, not to mention in the playoffs!

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    Mute Ricky Spanish
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    Apr 27th 2019, 7:17 PM

    @Joe Vlogs: Agree great for Italian rugby and the league overall.

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    Mute Kingshu
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    Apr 27th 2019, 7:44 PM

    No one calling to have the Italians removed form the league anymore. Hopefully this works out well and Italian rugby gets more exposure and Benetton can build a larger fanbase.

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    Mute mrbryanrussell
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    Apr 27th 2019, 8:20 PM

    @Kingshu: agreed but in the same breath everyone will be hoping for them in their group in the champions cup. Delighted for them and they have earned it.

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    Mute Mick Dougan
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    Apr 27th 2019, 7:37 PM

    Great news for Conor O’Shea too. Fair play to all of them, refusing to give up on themselves.

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    Mute Olive Barnes
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    Apr 27th 2019, 7:58 PM

    Well done, Benetton. Delighted for them.

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    Mute Fred McHugh
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    Apr 27th 2019, 7:36 PM

    Conor O Shea’s handy work

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    Mute Pete McEvoy
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    Apr 27th 2019, 11:18 PM

    @Fred McHugh: Does he actually have any input as how Benetton are coached though? He’s not listed on their coaching ticket. I’ve seen a few plaudits thrown his way this year when they’ve done well and tbh they read a little like the ‘Lancaster’s Leinster’ headlines you see in the English papers.

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    Mute Martin Quinn
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    Apr 27th 2019, 11:59 PM

    @Pete McEvoy:

    Interesting point !!

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    Mute Mike Rugby Nuts
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    Apr 28th 2019, 1:44 PM

    @Pete McEvoy: o Sheas job is a top down rebuild of Italian rugby. He is over everything rugby in Italy.

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    Mute Roibeard O' Beachain
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    Apr 27th 2019, 7:51 PM

    That’s class. Well done!

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    Mute BMJF
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    Apr 27th 2019, 8:09 PM

    Would be some scalp if the beat Munster in Quarter final

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    Mute Tim Magner
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    Apr 27th 2019, 8:20 PM

    @BMJF: and as leinster well know, they’re tricky opponents

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