Scarlets boss not giving in yet
The Scarlets coach Nigel Davies refused to concede his team's Heineken Cup challenge was over following their 37-15 defeat to Stade Francais in Paris.
The Scarlets coach Nigel Davies refused to concede his team's Heineken Cup challenge was over following their 37-15 defeat to Stade Francais in Paris.
The Welsh region slipped to their second Pool Four defeat, following on from their 29-22 home loss to Harlequins last weekend, after the hosts ran in four second-half tries at the Stade Jean-Bouin.
The Scarlets have just one point to show from their opening two matches but ahead of his team's double-header against Ulster in December, Davies is not throwing in the towel just yet.
“It's not impossible,” he said, when asked about his side's chances of qualifying for the quarter-finals.
“We have to win all our remaining matches and hope a couple of other results go our way.
“We are looking at it in three stages. The first stage is over now and the second stage, Ulster home and away, is going to be key for us.
“It won't just be about winning, the bonus points will be important as well.”
The Scarlets were just a point behind at 9-8 at the break in the French capital, Lionel Beauxis' three penalties for the hosts cancelling out a Stephen Jones three-pointer and Mark Jones' superb unconverted try.
But Stade upped their intensity and three tries, scored by Julien Saubade and Sergio Parisse (two), in a stunning eight-minute spell just after the break allowed them to romp home.
Beauxis, who booted 17 points overall, added a fourth try in the last minute to secure a bonus point for his side.
Celron Thomas' 75th-minute try was nothing but a consolation for the visitors, leaving Davies to bemoan his side's poor start to the second half.
“The boys will be disappointed because they know that for large parts of the game, they acquitted themselves well,” he added.
“There were just three moments that the opposition took advantage of.
“We have to be more clinical. The key is that when you are playing this level of opposition, mistakes will be punished.”
Stade have won both of their games in the group and remain unbeaten in all competitions this season, making them strong candidates to win their first European Cup.
Head coach Ewen McKenzie was delighted with his side's display in the second half.
“We changed tactics after the break and played a more direct game, with the three tries coming immediately,” he said.
“The Scarlets did not play badly. They are a good team and this was difficult.
“So to score that fourth try is fantastic for us.”