Scarlets recover to see off Southern Kings

[team1]Southern Kings[/team1][score1]34[/score1][team2]Scarlets[/team2][score2]41[/score2][/score]

Short-handed Scarlets came from behind to record a thrilling 41-34 bonus-point win over Southern Kings in Port Elizabeth.

Despite the absence of a number of key players through injury and Wales call-ups, Scarlets scored the final three tries of a topsy-turvy Guinness PRO14 clash through Werner Kruger, Kieran Hardy and Taylor Davies to turn a 34-22 deficit into an impressive win.

The Kings had opened the scoring just two minutes in as Masixole Banda took advantage of mistakes in defence, and Yaw Penxe's 21st-minute try made it 17-3, but Steffan Hughes' first try for Scarlets and another from Will Boyde helped Scarlets cut the deficit to 20-15 at the break.

They nosed in front after Ioan Nicholas crossed the line two minutes into the second half, but the Kings looked to be in control as Harlon Klaasen and Bjorn Basson made it 34-22 before the hour mark.

- PA