Llanelli were made to work hard for victory in the Italian sunshine as a late Roma comeback threatened to produce one of the upsets of the Heineken Cup so far at the Stadio Flaminio.

The Welsh Cup holders appeared to be easing to a comfortable double over the Italian champions when they led 24-9 with barely 12 minutes remaining.

But two late tries by Roma produced some nervous final moments for coach Gareth Jenkins and his side.

"They were exactly what we expected - very stubborn, big and resilient," Jenkins said.

"But the group is wide open now."

Llanelli were able to call on all their experience of past campaigns for the victory and a certain Wales scrum-half in Rupert Moon.

Moon

Moon, who had replaced impressive Guy Easterby late in the second half, crossed for a crucial try two minutes from time and when centre Dafydd James claimed another soon afterwards the scoreline had a somewhat flattering look to it.

Earlier Llanelli had moved into a comfortable 24-9 lead at half-time thanks to tries by Easterby and prop John Davies.

Llanelli were looking dangerous at all times, cutting Roma's cover seemingly at will.

They looked capable of running in a number of tries, but poor options and determined Roma defence restricted the Welsh side time after time.

Stephen Jones, later voted man of the match, kept his side in front with some fine goal-kicking and finished with 21 points.

But tries by replacement Andrea Scannavacca and Virgilio in the final quarter of an hour had threatened to upset the odds until Llanelli's final flourish.

Scorers - Roma: Tries: Scannavacca, Virgilio. Cons: Scannavacca. Pens: Pez 2. Drop Goal: Pez.

Llanelli: Tries: G Easterby, J Davies, James, Moon. Cons: S Jones 3. Pens: S Jones 5.

Team

Llanelli: M Cardey, M Jones, D James, N Boobyer, S Finau, S Jones, G Easterby, P Booth, R McBryde, J Davies, V Cooper, C Wyatt, D Jones, S Quinnell (capt), I Boobyer
Replacements: M Madden, P Willock, C Gillies, M Buckingham, R Moon, A Lawson, W Proctor

Referee: J Bernard (England)

Attendance: 600