British & Irish Lion Alun Wyn Jones put in a man of the match performance to claim West Wales bragging rights against Scarlets as he hopes to catch the eye of Warren Gatland ahead of next year’s Tour.
In a penalty-laden game at the Liberty Stadium Ospreys prevailed 19-9, thanks in no small part to the work of Jones, who led the Lions to victory in the third Test against Australia in 2013.
With two lineout steals, ten carries and three offloads, Jones impressed against opposite number in the Scarlets second row Jake Ball, who he could link up with for Wales during the RBS 6 Nations.
It was Jones’ superiority in the air that really shone, as Scarlets went into the match with the best lineout in the Guinness PRO12, but the Ospreys second row managed to steal 18 per cent of the visitors’ throws.
Elsewhere at fly-half Rhys Patchell made all his kicks for the Scarlets, but despite one miss, Dan Biggar showed his experience to control the game and guide the Ospreys to victory.
There was good news at full-back for the Scarlets however, with Liam Williams impressing as he made 80 metres, but in tricky conditions it was tough for the backs to shine.
Congratulations to Alun Wyn Jones, tonight's Guinness Man of the Match. pic.twitter.com/is2MUCLf6k
— Ospreys (@ospreys) December 27, 2016
