Scarlets captain Ken Owens says the Scarlets will take the competition game by game over the coming weeks as they continue on their quest to finish in the top six and secure European Rugby Champions Cup qualification for next season.
Four tries, a bonus point and a 32-14 victory at Parc y Scarlets over Connacht on a spring-like Sunday afternoon ensured that the Scarlets train remained on the top six tracks ahead of next Saturday’s Guinness PRO12 clash against Munster Rugby at the Parc.
Captain Ken Owens made his first PRO12 appearance on Sunday, since the defeat to Leinster at the RDS back in September, and led his side to an important victory.
Speaking after the victory on Sunday afternoon Owens said: “We’re really happy. We know how good Connacht have been this season. They’ve been a revelation in the league and how well they’ve done.
“We’re pretty happy to come away with bonus point win and there’s plenty to work on in the coming weeks but we’re happy with getting that result.”
A five point victory sees Scarlets move into seventh position in the Guinness PRO12 table and are now equal with Connacht, who remain in sixth, with 33 points.
Owens went on to say: “In football terms it was a three pointer but they would have pulled eight point clear of us [had they won] which would have been disastrous in terms of the league. We got that bonus point win and are joint sixth with them now. We’ve closed that gap and we’ve got a decent run of games at coming up at home.”
Scarlets remain unbeaten at home in the Guinness PRO12, since December 2013, and will play three of the next four rounds at home.
Owens continued: “Our home record in the league over last two season has been pretty good. It’s something we’ve looked at in this block – we’re looking at winning the three home games and taking something from our game against Ulster at Kingspan Stadium.
“We’ve got our first W today. We’ve got to take it game by game and keep getting the wins.
“This time of year is always difficult with internationals and a couple of injuries; I think there were about 18 players unavailable today which shows the squad is quite strong. This is where the league is won and lost at times. We could make ground or lose ground in these international blocks.”
Scarlets will be back in action at Parc y Scarlets on Saturday, 21st February kick-off 2.40pm, as they take on Munster Rugby.
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