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Scarlets pair Jonathan Davies and Hadleigh Parkes finished at either end of the overall scoreboard when they took on Cory Hill and Carl Meyer from the Dragons and it was Matthew Morgan and Sam Warburton turning out for the Blues against Dan Evans and Dan Biggar from the Ospreys.
Wales team mates Biggar and Warburton, who face each other in regional colours at Principality Stadium for the annual double-header on 15th April, enjoyed their individual contest but took greatest delight from watching fellow international Davies squirm as he faced newly capped Dragons lock Hill – who proved he has all the skills in his locker.
WRU TV went ‘behind-the-scenes’ to assess the tension in the air as the players were put into Judgement Day match-ups and asked to kick or pass rugby balls into a variety of receptacles at different distances, in a skill game designed by BBC Scrum V producers to be shown in full on matchday.
Davies took it all in good spirits as Hill put him to the sword and was grateful to have Scarlets team-mate Parkes alongside him for the contest.
“I did pretty poorly to be honest,” joked Davies. “It was a bit of fun, but I think Hadleigh Parkes has flown the flag for the Scarlets, so overall it wasn’t too bad.
“I can’t remember what I scored. It was high I know that, but just can’t quite remember… and I’ve wiped it off the scoreboard as well!”
Hill however, understandably, has total recollection of the scores as he claimed a huge British & Irish Lions and Wales-back scalp – one that he sees as a victory for forwards everywhere.
“No l bet he couldn’t [remember the score]…” smiled Hill, when it was pointed out to him that Davies’ memory had faded soon after the game was completed.
“It was 22–8, really good, obviously beating Jon was what I was after and I’ve done that so I’m really happy.”
And Biggar and Warburton were keen to keep up the pressure on Davies – who has inherited the nickname ‘Fox’ due to the ‘Fox and Hounds’ pub his parents own in West Wales.
“I beat Foxy that’s all I know,” said Warburton with a wry grin. “Overall it was more of a team effort to beat Foxy, so that was the main thing…”
And Biggar, never one to miss the opportunity to tease a team-mate, chipped in:
“Jon Davies finished last so we are all pleased with that,” he laughed.
But, backs out there will be comforted to know, equilibrium was restored for the Biggar-Warburton clash, with the fly-half finishing on top over the seasoned flanker.
“For us the Ospreys came out on top just about, but it was close,” said Biggar.
“Sam had a couple of ones that bounced out as well, so it was closer than it looked.”
And, gracious in both defeat and victory, as every former Wales captain should be, Warburton could even remember the score:
“It was 49–9 to the Ospreys, but there were no tackle pads so I had no chance,” he added.
In the other match ups Morgan took on Evans a clash to reflect the Blues v Ospreys clash and Meyer took on the all-conquering Parkes in a Dragons v Scarlets contest – full coverage of the battle will be shown on BBC Scrum V Live (14.30) and S4Cs Clwb Rygbi (17.00) on matchday.
Prices have been frozen for the third year running at just £10 per head for each seat in the house, as Welsh Rugby pools resources for the fifth incarnation of its Judgement Day extravaganza.
Another impressive turn-out is expected after last year’s 68,262-record attendance and supporters are advised to buy in advance for the showpiece Guinness PRO12 double-derby day.
Cardiff Blues take on the Ospreys in the first match of the day, kicking off at 2.45pm, swiftly followed by Newport Gwent Dragons versus Scarlets at 5.15pm.
At last year’s Judgement Day contest the Ospreys took the spoils (Cardiff Blues 27 Ospreys 40) in the first derby with the Scarlets victorious against Newport Gwent Dragons (Newport Gwent Dragons 20 Scarlets 34).
Tickets are available at £10 per person from the WRU website (where print-at-home is available), or by calling 0844 847 1881, in person from the WRU Ticket Office on Westgate Street or from each of the four Regions.
Season tickets purchased from either of the home teams – Cardiff Blues and Newport Gwent Dragons – include access to Judgement Day V, with supporters asked to liaise with the respective box offices.
