That was the verdict last night of dual code legend John Devereux after the Scarlets’ 19-13 defeat to Munster in Limerick completed a miserable three days of European competition for our representatives in the elite tournament.
The Ospreys are all but out of contention following a 16-13 reverse at home to English champions Saracens on Friday night, while the Scarlets now have to beat Northampton at home, and Castres away, to stand any hope of qualifying for the quarter-finals as one of two best runners-up.
The Blues’ situation is healthier – they are level on points with Edinburgh at the top of Pool Two after picking up a bonus point in a 19-12 loss at Murrayfield – but the manner of their recent performances has led many to doubt whether they can see the job through against London Irish and racing Metro in the final two rounds next month.
And Devereux reckons the current picture is indicative of the uncertainty surrounding the regional game, amid fears over poor attendances and a lack of cash to prevent top players leaving for foreign clubs.
“I think at best we’re looking at perhaps one team going through now, which is disappointing,” said Devereux.
“Our success at the World Cup was good but the regions are teetering on a knife-edge and much of it seems to do with finances.
“And I think some of the negativity may be affecting how the players perform.
“We are losing players abroad, we look like we could be losing more and people are staying away from games.
“Perhaps youngsters are getting more of a chance and that’s good, but when it comes to the Heineken Cup you need proven experience and quality. I’m still seeing too many basic errors.
“But I just sense a lack of confidence in all the sides, and a nervousness that I don’t see in, say, the Irish provinces.
“They are pulling in big crowds, their players feed off that and of course it gives them extra revenue. Just imagine the difference if the Blues and Ospreys could get gates of 20,000.”
Commenting on the Scarlets’ failure at Thomond Park yesterday, Devereux added: “I thought they tried to play too much rugby. Munster are always the same, they keep it simple and they don’t take risks.
“The Scarlets kicked ball away once or twice when they had less than a 50-50 chance of getting it back. They were given a lesson in taking chances.”
But Devereux stressed that because of a lack of funds, the regions will continue to lack the firepower to trouble Europe’s best.
“If you take the Ospreys, who have had a clear out, and the Blues, they haven’t really strengthened,” he added.
“They’ve stayed still.
“The Ospreys just cannot do it when it comes to the nitty-gritty. “Saracens were good on Friday, but they weren’t great. They won through their solid defence. The Blues should have gone up to Edinburgh and won. It’s no use Jamie Roberts saying it was their worst performance of the season, if you’re going to do anything you have to beat sides like Edinburgh.”
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