Rugby Union: Heineken Cup - Moon lights Scarlets' way; ROMA 21

RUPERT MOON, the veteran of many a tough European conflict, was on hand to guide Llanelli through another potential minefield at Rome's Stadio Flaminio.

Moon had replaced outstanding scrum half Guy Easterby with 10 minutes remaining of this Pool Five Heineken Cup clash, and was on hand to score a crucial try as Italian champions Roma threatened one of the upsets of the competition.

Llanelli were coasting at 24-9 with only 12 minutes remaining, but the Italians, who had tackled their hearts out all afternoon, claimed two late tries and looked capable of overhauling the Welsh Cup holders.

But Moon pounced two minutes from time after a typical charge by skipper Scott Quinnell, then centre Dafydd James claimed another deep in injury time to ease Scarlets' nerves.

The first half had belonged to Llanelli, who dominated possession and territory and should really have been over the Roma line more often than the two occasions they did manage. After Man Of The Match Stephen Jones had kicked Llanelli into a 9-3 lead, it was scrum half Easterby who claimed his side's first try.

With the defence flat-footed, the Ireland international dummied from the base of the ruck and raced clear unopposed to touch down beneath the posts.

Better was to follow from Llanelli as the one-man battering ram that is Tongan international Saleai Finau set about scattering Roma defenders in his wake.

It was a typically robust Finau charge that set up Llanelli's second score after 28 minutes.

He took play to within five yards of the Roma line and from the scrum prop John Davies was on hand to poach a try.

Llanelli - 24-9 up at the break - disappointed in the second half, allowing Roma to strike back with tries by replacement Andrea Scanavacca and Sacha Virgilio, before Moon shone.

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