Champions Cup: Pau's Seven-try Performance Derails Scarlets' Knockout Aspirations
In a riveting encounter within Pool 4 of the European Champions Cup, the Scarlets faced a formidable challenge from Pau, ultimately succumbing to a score of 38 to 47. This match not only showcased the fierce competition between the two teams but also highlighted Pau's ability to withstand Scarlets' spirited second-half recovery.
Pau, representing France's Top 14 league, made an explosive start by scoring four tries in less than thirty minutes, leaving Dwayne Peel’s Scarlets grappling with the prospect of yet another disappointing defeat. The dynamic Toshi Butlin opened the scoring with two tries, showcasing his remarkable pace and skill. Following him, Clement Mondinat added to the tally, and Carywn Tuipulotu, facing off against his former team, secured a bonus point with a fourth try.
The Scarlets, however, were not to be outdone. Josh Macleod managed to cross the line twice, igniting hope among the fans, while Archie Hughes cut the deficit to just two points. Just when it appeared that Scarlets might turn the tide, Pau reaffirmed their dominance with three more unanswered tries from Remi Seneca, Theo Attissogbe, and Siate Tokolahi.
For the Scarlets to keep their slim chances of clinching a top-four finish alive, they must now secure a victory against Northampton Saints in their upcoming away game. Meanwhile, Pau is set to face the Bulls on Friday. Currently positioned fifth, the Scarlets face the risk of dropping down into the Challenge Cup knockout stages.
The match began with Scarlets applying early pressure; however, after a couple of driving mauls were effectively countered, they had to settle for a penalty from Hawkins. A quick tap penalty from Pau's full-back Attissogbe allowed Butlin to race ahead, and he scored his first try. Just minutes later, Butlin capitalized on a clever pass from Desperes to add another try to his name.
A devastating eight-minute spell saw Pau add a third try, with Attissogbe breaking through the defense and setting up Mondinat for the score. Just when it appeared that the game was slipping away from Scarlets, they responded positively. A pinpoint touchfinder from Hawkins set up a promising lineout from which Macleod scored after a powerful maul.
Unfortunately for Scarlets, their spirits were dampened again as Tuipulotu crashed over to extend the Pau lead, presenting Scarlets with an uphill battle. However, they rallied back quickly, with Macleod scoring again after a yellow card for Pau's Reece Hewat during the build-up. Tom Rogers expertly capitalized on a loose ball, setting up Hughes to win the foot race to the try line.
Continuing their momentum after halftime while enjoying a player advantage, Kemsley Mathias nearly created a try with his extraordinary footwork, but the TMO ruled he had been held up. Undeterred, Scarlets pressed on, with Plumtree breaking through the defense. Though initially thwarted, he eventually managed to score, marking Scarlets’ first lead since the early moments of the match.
With the crowd rallying behind them, Pau struggled to maintain discipline, allowing Hawkins to score again after a dominant maul. A penalty against Nathan Decron for infringing gave Scarlets another chance, but they were unable to capitalize fully as Pau's replacements began to assert their influence on the game. Seneca exploited a gap in the defense to score, reinvigorating Pau's lead.
Scarlets' number eight, Fletcher Anderson, appeared poised to score a decisive try after a crucial turnover by Eddie James, but he lost possession just before grounding the ball, leading to a tumultuous late-game atmosphere. In the end, Pau sealed their victory with well-executed tries from Attissogbe and Tokolahi, leaving Scarlets and their supporters disappointed.
Scarlets' lineup featured Murray; Rogers, Roberts, James, Mee; Hawkins, Hughes; Mathias, Elias, Thomas, Lousi, Ball, Plumtree, Macleod (captain), and Anderson. Their bench included Van der Merwe, Hepburn, O'Connor, Price, Davis, Blacker, Leggatt-Jones, and Nicholas.
Pau's team consisted of Attissogbe; Arfeuil, Decron, Valentino, Butlin; Desperes, Daubagna (captain); Etchebehere, Delhommel, Arrieta, Jolmes, Capelli, Zegueur, Hewat, Tuipulotu, with replacements Rey, Seneca, Tokolahi, Liufau, Iosefo, Pelesasa, Robson, and Mondinat contributing to their success.
The referee for this intense clash was Sam Grove-White, assisted by Ian Kenny and Finlay Brown, with Dave Sutherland serving as the TMO. Notably, both Hewat and Decron found themselves in the sin bin during the match, adding to the drama of this enthralling fixture.
