Scarlets fall short as European hopes hang by a thread

The Scarlets welcome French club Pau to Parc y Scarlets this evening in a must-win game for the west Walians.

The Scarlets’ Champions Cup hopes are hanging by a thread after a breathless but ultimately costly 47-38 defeat to Pau in Llanelli.

In a contest that swung wildly from one extreme to the other, Dwayne Peel’s side were left to rue defensive frailties and missed opportunities as another European night ended in frustration. Having fallen 26-10 behind inside the opening half-hour, the Scarlets appeared to have turned the game on its head when they surged into a 38-26 lead early in the second half.

But Pau finished the stronger, punishing some alarming first-up tackling and capitalising on home indiscipline as the visitors snatched victory back.

While qualification is not yet mathematically impossible, it is highly improbable, with a daunting trip to Northampton Saints looming next weekend.

Toshi Butlin (twice), Clement Mondinat, Carwyn Tuipulotu, Remi Seneca, Theo Attissogbe and Siate Tokolahi scored Pau's tries while Axel Desperes kicked 12 points.

Josh Macleod (twice), Archie Hughes, Taine Plumtree and Joe Hawkins scored tries for Dwayne Peel's side. Hawkins also contributed a further 13 points from the kicking tee.

Hawkins opened the scoring for the hosts from the kicking tee after the Scarlets' maul forced Pau to concede a penalty.

But the Scarlets' defence was found wanting throughout the first 40 minutes and it was Pau who claimed the first try.

France international Theo Attissogbe took a penalty quickly and raced into the Scarlets half before finding Butlin out wide who crossed at the corner with Desperes adding the extras.

Pau continued to apply pressure and after some goal line pressure Butlin claimed his second