Scarlets' Champions Cup dreams took a significant hit as Pau emerged victorious in a thrilling, high-scoring encounter. The match, a Pool 4 clash, saw Pau outscore Scarlets with a final score of 47 to 38. But here's where it gets controversial: despite a valiant second-half comeback from Scarlets, Pau's early dominance proved too much to overcome.
The first half was a whirlwind of action, with Pau setting the pace. They managed to secure four tries within the initial 30 minutes, putting Dwayne Peel's team under immense pressure. Toshi Butlin's explosive performance, including two tries, was a highlight, along with scores from Clement Mondinat and Carywn Tuipulotu. Scarlets, however, refused to back down. Josh Macleod's two tries and Archie Hughes' effort kept them in the hunt, but Pau's early lead was significant.
After the break, Scarlets continued to fight. Tries from Taine Plumtree and Joe Hawkins ignited hopes of a comeback. But Pau, demonstrating their Top 14 pedigree, responded with three unanswered tries from Remi Seneca, Theo Attissogbe, and Siate Tokolahi.
Scarlets now face a must-win game against Northampton Saints to keep their slim hopes alive. Currently positioned fifth, they could still drop into the Challenge Cup knockout phases.
Early on, Scarlets had their moments, with Hawkins successfully converting a penalty. However, they were caught off guard when Attissogbe's quick penalty release allowed Butlin to showcase his speed and score the first try. Butlin's impressive performance continued with a second try, followed by Mondinat's score.
Scarlets fought back, with Macleod scoring from a maul. But Pau's Tuipulotu silenced the crowd, extending their lead. Macleod scored again, but Pau's Reece Hewat was shown a yellow card. Hughes then capitalized on a loose ball.
After the break, Plumtree's powerful run broke the defensive line, and Hawkins finished off after the driving maul. Decron's sin bin didn't help Scarlets, as Pau demonstrated their strength, with Seneca and Attissogbe extending their lead.
Late drama ensued, but Pau sealed the victory with well-taken tries from Attissogbe and Tokolahi. The final scoreline reflects the intensity of the match.
Do you think Scarlets could have changed their strategy to secure a win?
Scarlets Lineup: Murray; Rogers, Roberts, James, Mee; Hawkins, Hughes; Mathias, Elias, Thomas, Lousi, Ball, Plumtree, Macleod (capt), Anderson. Replacements: Van der Merwe, Hepburn, O'Connor, Price, Davis, Blacker, Leggatt-Jones, Nicholas.
Pau Lineup: Attissogbe; Arfeuil, Decron, Valentino, Butlin; Desperes, Daubagna (capt); Etchebehere, Delhommel, Arrieta, Jolmes, Capelli, Zegueur, Hewat, Tuipulotu. Replacements: Rey, Seneca, Tokolahi, Liufau, Iosefo, Pelesasa, Robson, Mondinat.
Referee: Sam Grove-White (Sco) Assistants: Ian Kenny (Sco), Finlay Brown (Sco) TMO: Dave Sutherland (Sco) Sin bin: Hewat (34), Decron (50)
