Davies rues cards in Connacht defeat

Nigel Davies admits ill-discipline is costing his Scarlets side following their slender defeat to Connacht.

Lock Vernon Cooper became the sixth Scarlet in seven games to be yellow carded in the Magners League this season.

And head coach Davies admits that failing to finish games with a full XV is starting to take its toll as the Llanelli side suffered their fourth consecutive away league defeat in a row.

Davies said: "Discipline is haunting us. It has let us down and that was a key factor in losing here.

"When Vernon was off, they scored a try because our scrum was under pressure.

"This is professional sport and it has cost us in games at the start of the season and again tonight.

"Vernon is extremely disappointed but we're disappointed as well. I've got no complaints because the referee did warn him - it was stupid."

The loss brings a run of three victories to an end following the stunning double triumph in Europe and the Welsh derby win over Newport Gwent Dragons.

Davies' men trailed 13-0 at the interval but showed character and never-say-die spirit to snatch a losing bonus point through Lee Williams' late strike. And the Scarlets chief reckons consistency is the next step for his emerging side.

Davies added: "Obviously we are disappointed but having said Connacht is a tough place to come to.

"We've had a big month in terms of our performances and we're not a great team yet. We are a team who are improving moving forward.

"Our consistency will always been a problem for us at the moment and that's what we will strive to achieve.

"I was disappointed with our accuracy in the first half. We had plenty of intent but we didn't manage to nail some of the half chances we created. But I'm pleased to pick up the bonus point."

---