Scarlets 45 Leinster 20

The Scarlets got their RaboDirect Pro12 season off to the perfect start after a 45-20 bonus-point victory over Leinster.

Scott Williams and Liam Williams scored two first half tries as the hosts led 14-6 at the break, with Ian Madigan responding for the visitors. Further tries in the second half from Wales' international George North (twice), Andy Fenby (twice) and Kieran Murphy confirmed the win. The visitors managed consolation scores through Devin Toner and Madigan, but they have failed to win on the opening day for the past five years. Due to reasons beyond their control, the Irish province went into the game with 11 international players unavailable and a further seven injured. They therefore had an unfamiliar looking line-up. However, the defending Heineken Cup champions managed to open the scoring through Madigan. Their lead didn't last long, though, as centre Williams went over, Aled Thomas converting. The other Williams, full-back Liam, became the next player to breach the Leinster defence after slick hands along the hosts' backline sent him across the whitewash. Scarlets' stand-off once again did the honours from the tee as the Welsh region led 14-3, although Madigan reduced the deficit just before half-time. But the home side continued their dominance in the second half as an unconverted try from North extended the advantage. A superb Aaron Shingler break then saw Fenby touch down, Thomas converting, as Leinster's challenge faded. However, their severely weakened outfit were gallant throughout and were rewarded with Toner going over for a converted score. Leinster's brief resistance was ended when late tries from Murphy, North and Fenby - the latter two converted by Rhys Priestland - added gloss to the scoreline. Madigan had the last word when he went over with the last move of the match.