CARDIFF BLUES SAW off Scarlets 17-13 at the Millennium Stadium in a match that only the match promoters were calling ‘Judgement Day’.
Blues were grateful for Gareth Davies’ four penalties and an Alex Cuthbert try in a bad-blooded match that saw both sides finish with 14 men. Irish No.8 Robin Copeland was the Blues player sent off for a head stamp on Scarlets fullback LiamWilliams at an attacking ruck. The Munster-bound forward was given a straight red card for the grim spectacle.
Williams himself was also sent off, for two bookable offences. His earlier yellow could have easily been red as he crashed into Cuthbert, who was jumping for a high ball. The ‘Jared Payne law’ was not invoked.
Ken Owens scored a try after 71 minutes to ensure a tight finish but Blues hung on.
Copeland can expect to be cited and banned following his red card. If the ban is anything longer than three weeks, he may have played his last game for the Welsh side.