Two tries from flanker Rob McCusker in four minutes saw Welsh side Scarlets stage a stunning comeback on Sunday and beat Pool Six rivals London Irish 31-22 in the European Cup.
Victory did nothing really for either side's hopes of reaching the last eight as reigning champions Leinster, who travel to Twickenham to play London Irish next weekend, lead the table by five points with the one match remaining.
London Irish had looked to be cruising when they led Scarlets 22-10 in the second-half but McCusker showed electric pace in the 63rd minute to touch down in the corner - after London Irish fly-half Ryan Lamb had made a poor clearance.
A few minutes later McCusker was on hand again, taking the ball and despite a desperate tackle by former England scrum-half Peter Richards, he turned and twisted his way over the line for a try which was confirmed by the video referee.
The English side had few chances to get back into the lead and the one time they did saw replacement Australian fly-half Chris Malone waste it with a pass behind his team-mates' backs when they had an overlap.
Scarlets rubbed it in when impressive young centre Jonathan Davies went over for his second try of the match to give the Welsh side a deserved if surprising bonus point and left London Irish requiring a miracle of not only beating Leinster but also with a bonus point if they to progress as pool winners.
In later matches on Sunday French side Toulouse can reach the last eight if they beat English outfit Harlequins at home and take a bonus point in their Pool Five clash.
And should reigning French champions Perpignan, who are out of the running, beat English team Northampton in England then two-time title-winners Munster will be assured of topping Pool One.
Biarritz are the only team definitely through to the last eight, despite losing to Pool Two rivals Gloucester on Saturday.
Copyright 2010 AFP Global Edition
