We have to win now, says Popham

Nov 19 2007 by Andy Howell, Western Mail

WALES star Alix Popham echoed the message coming out of the Ospreys and Dragons after the Scarlets crashed to defeat against London Wasps.

The No 8 (right) accepted their European hopes are hanging by a thread and roared, “We have got to win our four remaining games.”

Losing at home, he pointed out, is a huge blow to any team’s chance of reaching the knockout stage of the Heineken Cup.

“You have got to go out and win your home games. It is disappointing to lose, especially a home match.”

The Scarlets were unbeaten at the group stage of last season’s Heineken Cup as they went on to reach the semi-finals, but are still searching for their first win in this year’s tournament.

“Obviously, it was great last year. We wanted to carry it on, but thing have not gone to plan in the first two games,” lamented Popham. “There are no excuses – Wasps were just better than us on the night.”

He felt the vital stage was immediately after half-time, saying, “We were 19-10 down, but had lots of possession.

“Perhaps we tried too hard, but we did not come away with anything. The first score of the half was always going to be big; they got it and controlled it from there.

“They were just more clinical. We made mistakes and you cannot afford to do that at this level.

“Wasps were a very well-drilled outfit and their defence was great. It put us under a lot of pressure and caught us behind the gain-line a few times.”

Scarlets coach Phil Davies, said, “They are not champions for no reason and they were very clinical.

“They played very effectively and they were good value for the win. So no complaints.”