Cardiff hope for no repeat of URC play-off agony

Cardiff are hoping history will not repeat itself as they bid to finish in the United Rugby Championship (URC) play-off places.

The Arms Park side finished one point outside the top eight in the 2024-25 season after being in the top half for the majority of the campaign.

Cardiff have again been in the play-off positions for the bulk of the 2025-26 season, starting the 15th round of games in sixth place, with four matches remaining.

Corniel van Zyl's side travel to face Scarlets on Saturday (17:30 BST) before hosting Ospreys six days later.

"We're in the mix and have something to play for, which is pleasing," said van Zyl.

"We've come a long way from last season but also it is still ingrained in us.

"We still remember the hurt where we didn't get over the line."

The South African added: "We've discussed it a fair bit this season and it's still something that drives us.

"We are trying to achieve something we have not done before by reaching the URC play-offs."

Van Zyl accepts two wins in the upcoming Welsh derbies will take Cardiff close to their goals.

"The next two weeks can be very important but I won't get too far ahead," said van Zyl.

"This week is the most important one against Scarlets and then we'll look after next week."

Scarlets, who were the only Welsh team to qualify for the play-offs last season, currently lie 14th and are out of contention.

Interim director of rugby Nigel Davies says they are not motivated by trying to stop Cardiff's play-off bid.

"The most important thing for us is to lay the platform for Scarlets in the longer term," said Davies.

He admits though it will add a bit of extra spice to the derby.

"They are fighting hard for the play-offs and desperate for a victory after a good season," Davies added.

"We are keen to put in a big performance. This is all about us. I wish Cardiff and all the Welsh regions all the best and it would be negative of me not to.

"But we have to be the best we can be and only worry about us and not others."

Davies insists there is still something to play for this season with other Welsh derbies against Ospreys and Dragons to follow the visit of Cardiff.

"These derbies are important to our supporters and stakeholders," said Davies.

"There is nothing quite like it and long may they last. Equally as important is we look to the standards we set ourselves as we look to the future as a Scarlets side.

"Our performances have to reflect that. We can't just turn up next season and perform at a level, we have to set the standards now in the next four games."

Wales trio Eddie James, Ryan Elias and Taine Plumtree return to the Scarlets starting side after recovering from injury as part of four personnel and one positional change from the team that lost to Leinster in late March, with the Llanelli-based outfit having not played in three weeks following their early European elimination.

Number eight Fletcher Anderson continues to captain the side in the absence of injured flanker Josh Macleod, who has a hamstring problem, while Wales centre Joe Hawkins lines up at fly-half with Sam Costelow missing.

Cardiff‘s lock-injury concerns have eased with George Nott and Josh McNally passed fit after missing the Challenge Cup defeat against Benetton, while Wales flanker James Botham returns in the back row.

Scrum-half Johan Mulder has also recovered from injury as Cardiff make seven changes from the team that lost in Italy two weeks ago but Wales wing Josh Adams remains on the sidelines.

Scarlets: Murray; Rogers, James, J Williams, Mee; Hawkins, Blacker; Mathias, Elias, Holz, Lousi, Douglas, Plumtree, Taylor, Anderson (capt).

Replacements: Van der Merwe, J Morse, H O'Connor, Price, Davis, Hughes, Leggatt-Jones, J Roberts.

Cardiff: Winnett; Beetham, B Thomas, Jennings, Grady; Sheedy, Mulder; Barratt, Belcher (capt), Assiratti, McNally, Nott, Mann, Botham, Lawrence.

Replacements: Hughes, Southworth, Sebastian, Thornton, D Thomas, Basham, Bevan, I Lloyd.

Referee: Morne Ferreira (South Africa)

Assistant referees: Adam Jones (Wales), Carwyn Sion (Wales)

TMO: Christopher Allison (South Africa).