The defeat for the travelling West-Walians ended any hopes of progression to the knockout phase in the European Challenge Cup for another season with a game to spare.
After holding their own in the opening quarter of the game against the French side, there would be no ignoring the turning point of the tie. The dismissal of Wales centre Williams for dangerous play clearly affected his teammates with Peel later feeling that the players ‘went back into their shells’ in the hostile surroundings.
Down to 14 men, it was always going to be difficult for the Scarlets. Clermont would strike quickly on three occasions in a damaging spell.
Making use of the extra man, wing Alivereti Raka would twice go over the try line, whilst France fly-half Anthony Belleau would score the first of his own double just before the break as Clermont raced into a 19-3 lead.
Injuries to Sam Costelow and captain Josh Macleod would compound further into the Scarlets miserable afternoon after the break as the hosts would secure a try bonus point through prop Giorgi Beria powerfully battering his way through.
Ill-discipline from the French gave the Scarlets slight consolation with Clermont reduced twice to 14 as Peel’s side fought to the end, scoring with replies from Steff Evans and replacement Keiran Hardy.
The French would have the last laugh, however, in a match hard to take for Peel with Belleau picking up his second of the game to add salt to the wounds.
With the Welsh region now eliminated from the competition with a game to spare, Peel felt that it was the response to the red card that lost the game for his side.
“The red card obviously hurt us, but I’m more disappointed with the 15 minutes after that,” said Peel.
“The card seemed to shock us, but we went into our shells and gave away two soft tries. After that, it was always going to be a struggle.
“It had been closely contested until then and in the second-half we were the stronger team and played some really good stuff.
“I guess though we’ll never know what could have been had it been 15 against 15.
“That is something for us to build on for next week and it’s important we show what we can do against Edinburgh.”
[Lead image: Scarlets Rugby]
