Scarlets 23-29 Connacht: Welsh region pay the price for missed chances against 14 men

The Scarlets went down to a fourth successive defeat as they paid the price for failing to take their chances against opponents who were twice reduced to 14 men.

For Connacht, it was a first ever win at Parc y Scarlets as they outscored their hosts by three tries to two, with fly-half Jack Carty adding 14 points off the tee.

They held on for the win despite having their try-scoring lock Leva Fifita sent off six minutes from time after picking up a second yellow card.

The Scarlets had their opportunities to turn things around in the final quarter after going 29-13 down, but they bombed a series of gilt-edged chances.

They had started the game much the better and built a 10-0 lead, with Wales centre Johnny Williams touching down on his return from a three-month injury lay-off.

But the balance then shifted when the visitors claimed an opportunist try through centre Sammy Arnold after Dan Jones’ cross kick off a tap penalty went badly wrong and was picked off in the air.

An exchange of penalties followed ahead of Connacht having the final say in the half with Tongan Test second row Fifita - the brother of Scarlets-bound All Black Vaea Fifita - driving over to put them in front 18-13.

The Galway-based province extended their lead after the break with two penalties from Carty and a try for Australian wing John Porch.

But then came the first yellow card for Fifita as he tackled Kieran Hardy within ten metres of a quick tap, an offence which also resulted in a penalty try as there was no cover behind.

It was now game on again, but the Scarlets failed to capitalise on their extra man, with Wales squad scrum-half Hardy spilling a try-scoring pass and hooker Marc Jones then losing the ball in going for the line.

Rhys Patchell landed a