Sports · Other Sports · 1 day ago
Welsh regions’ wins intensify competition for national team places
Scarlets came back from a 21-7 half-time deficit to beat Benetton, with Sam Costelow’s late penalty deciding the match.
Blair Murray, Macs Page and Ellis Mee helped spark the comeback with attacking plays and tries.
Their performances could strengthen their cases for places in Wales’ team, where wing spots are also contested by Louis Rees-Zammit and the returning Josh Adams.
Page is uncapped but offers another option for Wales coach Steve Tandy.
Dragons also won, with hooker Elliot Dee scoring as their driving maul proved effective.
A change to maul rules requires defenders who move past the ball to retreat to the back, giving the attacking side an advantage.
Dee has scored five tries this season and hopes to challenge Dewi Lake and Ryan Elias for Wales selection.
The wins and individual performances add to the competition for places in the national squad.
Welsh regional sides’ results and player performances are increasing competition for places in the national team.
Scarlets recovered from a 21-7 half-time deficit to beat Benetton with Sam Costelow’s late penalty.
Back three players Blair Murray, Ellis Mee and Macs Page helped turn the match around.
Dragons hooker Elliot Dee has scored five tries in the current campaign and is seeking to challenge for Wales selection.
Changes to maul laws have helped make driving line-outs a potent attacking weapon.
- Who
- Welsh regional players, including Scarlets’ Blair Murray, Ellis Mee and Macs Page, and Dragons’ Elliot Dee, are competing for Wales places.
- What
- Regional wins and strong performances are intensifying competition for national team selection.
- When
- In the 2026-27 campaign; the article was published on 11 October 2026.
- Where
- Welsh regional rugby, including matches at Rodney Parade.
- Why
- Players’ performances and the regions’ results are giving Wales coach Steve Tandy more selection options.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
We want to create an environment where we get these guys on the ball
It's a good rule, and it's good for the game.
He is similar to someone like Shane Williams - he is all X-factor and is probably one of the first names on our team sheet.
Scarlets trailed Benetton 21-7.
Scarlets rallied, with tries from Ellis Mee and a late penalty by Sam Costelow securing the win.
- Scarlets half-time score
- Trailed Benetton 21-7
- Winning kick
- Sam Costelow’s late penalty
- Elliot Dee’s tries
- Five in the current campaign
- Driving line-out tries
- Seven of 10 tries at Rodney Parade
- Article publication
- 11 October 2026
Sources
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