Owens: Don't write Scarlets off yet

The 28-year-old hooker rallied his troops to claim a late bonus point in defeat to Ulster on Saturday, but the result still leaves them six points adrift of Connacht in sixth, who are in prime position to secure the final spot for Europe's top competition.

But with two consecutive fixtures at the Parc Y Scarlets - a fortress where they remain unbeaten after eight home GUINNESS PRO12 matches this season - on the horizon, Owens is adamant his men can make a late surge up the table.

"As players, coaches and supporters we want to be playing in the top competition of European rugby," he told the Scarlets website.

"That's crucial for us as a squad next season and the way to do that is keep fighting, digging in for that sixth spot in the GUINNESS PRO12.

"We've got a decent run of games and if we win all of them, you never know we could be pushing for that top four.

"We've just got to go game by game and hopefully pick up the victories as we go along."

Next up Scarlets welcome GUINNESS PRO12 champions Leinster, and despite the Irish province's mixed fortunes against Welsh sides in recent weeks, Owens knows they face a tough test.

He added: "They're not one of the best teams in Europe for no reason. They're always there because of the standards they set, the quality of player they've got - we know how hard it's going to be.

"But the Newport Gwent Dragons put in a good performance against them a couple of weeks ago and got the result out there.

"We'll be looking to do the same thing at home in front of our home fans and finish off this block of four on a massive positive."

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