Scarlets still in the chase for European knockouts

Despite a third successive loss in their Champions Cup campaign, Scarlets remain in the hunt for a place in European knockout rugby.

Saturday’s 47-38 defeat by Pau saw them pick up a second losing bonus-point, which could prove crucial in Pool 4.

After the final round of fixtures next weekend, the top four teams qualify for the last 16 of the Champions Cup, while fifth-placed teams drop into the same stage of the Challenge Cup.

Mathematically, Scarlets can still get into the top four, but they would need to start with a bonus-point victory at Northampton Saints, who currently top of the English Premiership, and hope Pau slip up against Bulls.

“It’s obviously disappointing from a loss perspective,” said Peel after the loss to Pau.

“But I did feel like there were elements of our game that were more positive than they were in the last two games, and we’re still in with a tangible opportunity of finishing in fifth place.

“The Bulls have to travel and we have to travel to Franklin’s Gardens, which is a brilliant place to play rugby – I’ve played there myself – against a team who are full of quality.

Scarlets marked their return to Europe’s top competition with a single-point loss to Bristol Bears who, like Saints, are also flying high in the league.

A trip to French giants Bordeaux-Begles followed and, despite being outclassed, Scarlets gave a decent account against the reigning champions, who feature superstars such as Damian Penaud and Louis Bielle-Biarrey.

Pau sent a second-string side to Parc y Scarlets, but showed why they are currently second in the Top 14 in a clinical seven-try display.

Reflecting on the campaign, Peel added: “We’ve played three quality fixtures in this competition and it shows we can compete.

“Maybe a bounce of a ball might go our way one day or we might get a TMO decision that goes our way and that will change a bit of momentum, but until then, we work hard and keep moving forward.

“Saints are a really good attacking side and we conceded 40 odd points… so that’s going to be a big challenge for us to keep them at bay.