Scarlets v Dragons for Cup spot

Davies says Scarlets' youngsters have learned hard lessons

Following Cardiff Blues' 20-12 win over Munster the Scarlets and Newport Gwent Dragons are fighting for Wales' remaining automatic Heineken Cup spot.

Whichever of the rivals finishes below the other in the Magners League travels to Italy on 29 May for a play-off.

The Scarlets travel to Cardiff Blues on Wednesday and host Ulster on Saturday.

Paul Turner's Dragons end their season against Leinster, who have already indicated they will send a weakened team to Rodney Parade on Saturday.

Following their 45-8 defeat to Leinster on Friday boss Nigel Davies said they must improve.

Davies said: "There were a couple of technical areas we can resolve very quickly and yes, we have to."

The Dragons lost 43-3 at Murrayfield on Saturday, damaging their hopes of avoiding the Heineken Cup play-off game.

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Davies disappointed with 'leaked' tries

The three highest-placed Welsh Magners League teams avoid having to take on Italy's third-placed club and the Blues put themselves out of the danger zone with a 20-12 win over Munster on Sunday.

Scarlets boss Davies says his players simply must recover from the mental scars Leinster inflicted in the seven-tries-to-one rout.

He said: "It was extremely disappointing, obviously. We just leaked so many easy tries from first-phase defence, it's unacceptable. Very disappointing.

"We've just got to put this behind us very quickly. We've got to keep our heads up. We've got two big games coming up and this cannot affect the boys.

"And I've said that to the players after the game. What they've got to do is react professionally.

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"They've got to make sure that the rehab is done properly so that when they come back to work... they are ready to go again.

"There's a lot of things that have already been put in place. We've announced the signing of Sean Lamont.

"There are several other players that we are going to announce over the coming weeks and we are starting to regenerate this squad.

"There were a lot of young boys out there who would have learned a lot. These are hard lessons for them to learn, but they will be better off in the seasons to come.

"So the structure moving forward will be positive, but at this moment in time it's tough.

"These boys… are hugely disappointed with the performance."

An added complication is that the play-off is pencilled in for the eve of Wales' Test against Canada in Toronto and the British & Irish Lions tour opener in South Africa.