Scarlets returned to Parc y Scarlets on Saturday looking to follow up the big derby win over Ospreys with a performance and result over Cardiff Blues which would have helped cement a top four spot.
Despite a late resurgence in the final ten minutes, that secured a losing bonus point for the Scarlets, it was the Blues who dominated the game scoring three tries to Scarlets’ one.
A 22-28 victory puts them in realistic contention for a top six place whilst the Scarlets now face a tough run-in to the end of the season to try and secure a play-off spot.
Speaking after the game head coach Wayne Pivac said; “We’ll have a look why we weren’t as dominant as we’d have liked to have been in the contact area. I thought they brought tremendous line speed. You’ve got to give credit to the opposition sometimes too, I thought they played very well.
“We didn’t get any go forward, very hard for the backs and it plays into their hands. We didn’t really get any flow into the game until the 71st minute.”
The weekend’s results have seen Scarlets remain in third position with Leinster taking control of the top spot to Connacht’s detriment.
Glasgow have moved into fourth position trailing the Scarlets by two points with a game in hand.
Scarlets’ final home game of the regular season, against Glasgow, on Saturday 16th April will be a huge showdown with the West Wales region looking to repeat the heroic performance that secured victory over the reigning champions in the opening round of the 2015-16 campaign.
Pivac went on to say; “It’s about winning I think; we’re sitting third but we have to realise that Glasgow have a game in hand – the reality is we’re fourth. They should get a win against Zebre, no disrespect to them but they’re playing well.
“The game here in a couple of weeks time is very important. We have to make sure that we come off the field having put in a performance that we’re proud of whatever the result, today [Saturday] we couldn’t say that.
“It’s going to be a big game but I think there’s still two to come after that. It is going to comedown to the wire in terms of top four. There are plenty of twists still to come, what we’re worrying about is each game we’ve got to play and maximising the points that are on offer.
“Attention now turns to turning that performance around and getting a better one for the Glasgow challenge.”
| [donate]
| Help keep news FREE for our readersSupporting your local community newspaper/online news outlet is crucial now more than ever. If you believe in independent journalism,then consider making a valuable contribution by making a one-time or monthly donation. We operate in rural areas where providing unbiased news can be challenging. |
