Davies defiant after Scarlets remain winless in Europe

Jan 14 2008 by Andy Howell, Western Mail

PHIL DAVIES issued a defiant message after the Scarlets’ Heineken Cup humiliation continued at London Wasps yesterday, declaring, “Our aim is to win this competition.

The Scarlets boss pledged, “That’s our goal. We have had three semi-finals and that’s why the building is taking place at the moment.”

Even though the Scarlets are the only team in the Heineken Cup without a point, Davies was adamant, “We are a better team than we have displayed in the competition, but the results are there – they speak for themselves.

“This year has been frustrating, but it does not dampen our enthusiasm to do well in this competition, which is what we are all working to do over the next couple of years.

“There are a lot of good teams going out of this tournament in the next week or so and a lot of quality sides left in.

“It is going to be an intriguing battle, which we will have to watch, unfortunately, rather than take part in.”

The former Wales forward insisted the Scarlets would be giving it everything when they wrap up their dismal European campaign, against quarter-final chasing Clermont Auvergne at Stradey Park on Saturday.

“Hopefully, we may have three or four guys back for next week. We don’t want to finish with no points in this particular group – it is a massive game for us.”

The injury-hit Scarlets were without Regan King, Dwayne Peel, Stephen Jones, Matthew Rees, Alix Popham, Dafydd James, Morgan Stoddart, Vernon Cooper and Gavin Thomas at Adams Park.

“We came here with the bare bones of our squad and had a go in terms of commitment and effort. You can’t fault that,” said Davies.

“But when you can’t hold on to the ball for more than a couple of phases against these guys you get punished. They played well and beat us comfortably.

“It is not particularly pleasant at the moment, it is not very comfortable at all. That is part and parcel of where we are at the moment.”

Wasps chief Ian McGeechan said, “Our attitude was right and we knew what we had to do.

“Up front and behind we put the game away. It was a good professional performance.”

There is a three-way scrap with only one qualifier expected to reach the quarter-finals from Pool 5.

“I always thought it would come down to the wire in this group,” said Wasps skipper Lawrence Dallaglio.

“We are looking forward to a great game and we have to make sure it is us that go through.”