Elias: Display not good enough
RYAN Elias has called for a major improvement from the Scarlets in the wake of their latest 50-point defeat.
Fingers have been pointed at the West Wales region’s defence after they conceded a half-century of points in successive matches.
Sunday’s 52-32 loss to the Dragons in the Rainbow Cup followed their 57-14 humbling at home by Sale Sharks in the Heineken European
Champions Cup.
On top of that, they also conceded 50 points to Leinster in a PRO14 clash back in January.
Carmarthen product Elias, who skippered the Scarlets at Rodney Parade, is demanding progress is made before his side host the Ospreys on Saturday week.
“We have got to be honest with ourselves, that wasn’t good enough,” said the Wales hooker.
“The areas where we were poor today we had spoken about all week, fronting up at first phase, not allowing them to get momentum, it just wasn’t there.
“We ran in some good tries, but at the end of the day you have to front up in defence.
“We have to improve our physicality and we have to take a long hard look at ourselves and have a big couple of weeks leading up to the next game against the Ospreys.”
There were some plus points to come from Sunday’s game at Rodney Parade. The Scarlets ran in five tries of their own, with Steff Evans grabbing two, while Dane Blacker, Johnny Mcnicholl and debutant flanker Iestyn Rees also scored.
And there were returns to competitive action for Wales stars Rob Evans and Kieran Hardy, who have both been sidelined with injury.
“For me, some of the tackling out there looked as if it was optional,” said head coach Glenn Delaney. “We have got to make sure there is a hunger to enjoy the collisions and win them.
“If you are not controlling that gainline it is going to be difficult.”
“It was very disappointing.”