Scarlets slaughter Kings

The Scarlets, champions of last season’s Pro12, gave the Southern Kings a bloodied introduction to the new Guinness Pro14.

The hosts, playing out of Parc y Scarlets in Llanelli, won 57-15 after leading just 15-10 at halftime

The Kings, a new-look combination to the squad that produced such brave performances in Super Rugby, were competitive for the first half and at one stage led 7-5 midway through the first half.

But when the Celtic champions found their fluidity it turned into a one-team show – and a very impressive one indeed.

If anyone doubted the strength of the Pro14, the big back to back South African defeats should put an end to such ill-informed views.

There is quality among the Pro14 teams and the South African representation encountered two of the best teams on debut.

The Cheetahs and Kings will improve and will obviously have more of a presence when playing at home.

For now it was a harsh introduction to the Northern Hemisphere club structure and another reminder that the Currie Cup is a feeder competition trading on what was once the premier trophy within South Africa.

The Scarlets scored eight tries, with the Kings only try scored by wing Yaw Penxe.

The Kings will play Irish province Connacht next Saturday, while the Cheetahs are away to Munster.