Wayne Pivac’s men have just a quartet of Guinness PRO12 fixtures to make-up a three-point gap on Connacht Rugby, who occupy sixth place. Their assault hit a speed-bump when Edinburgh Rugby spoiled their 15-month unbeaten domestic run with a 26-15 victory.
And Owens reckons the shock result could be the wake-up call they need as they eye a spot at European rugby’s top table.
He said: “Perhaps Edinburgh was the eye-opener we needed to put things right. We have an opportunity against Zebre now to go out and do that. It’s a massive game for them as well being only four points behind Treviso for a European spot.”
First up for the Scarlets is an Italian job against Zebre Rugby at Stadio Lanfranchi on Saturday. Judgement Day could prove to be just that when they take-on the Newport Gwent Dragons at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday April 25. Another Welsh derby against Cardiff Blues awaits before they finish their campaign away to Benetton Treviso.
Edinburgh and Connacht are locked on 43 points, but both have unenviable league run-ins. The Scots must face Munster and Leinster before the season’s out, as well as an away trip to European Challenge Cup semi-final opponents Dragons.
Connacht have the toughest finish on paper as they have to play three of the top four sides in the PRO12. But Owens is still hopeful they can pip their rivals to the post.
He said: “It’s going to be tough; they are four massive games. We were obviously disappointed with the result against Edinburgh a fortnight ago, which has put us under slightly more pressure.
“It’s four Cup finals really. It’s disappointing and frustrating now that we’re relying on some other results but if we get a win on Saturday and win our three remaining games, we’re hopeful we’ll still make top six.”
