In a gripping encounter in the United Rugby Championship, Scarlets secured their first victory of the season with a narrow 27-26 win over Benetton. The decisive moment came from a late penalty by Sam Costelow in the 78th minute, which capped off a remarkable comeback after trailing 21-7 at half-time.

The match began with Scarlets taking an early lead thanks to a try from flanker Sam Lousi. However, Benetton quickly retaliated with three first-half tries from Siua Maile, Onisi Ratave, and Michele Lamaro, showcasing their offensive prowess and establishing a commanding lead.

Key substitutions in the second half, particularly the introduction of number eight Fletcher Anderson and scrum-half Gareth Davies, revitalized Scarlets' performance. Ellis Mee emerged as a standout player, scoring two tries, while full-back and player of the match Blair Murray also contributed significantly to the scoreline.

Despite a valiant effort from Benetton, including a fourth try from Italian wing Louis Lynagh that temporarily restored their lead, Scarlets remained resilient. Costelow's late penalty not only secured the win but also marked a significant moment for head coach Wayne Pivac, who returned to Llanelli after his tenure with the team from 2014 to 2019.

Both teams had been searching for their first win of the season, with Benetton previously drawing against Dragons and losing to Connacht, while Scarlets faced defeats against Cardiff and Dragons in their opening matches. This victory not only boosts Scarlets' morale but also highlights their potential for the season ahead.