More than 10,000 fans packed the Bridgend ground to watch the narrow 17-12 loss to London Wasps last Friday night, and Howells is hoping just as many turn out this Friday to watch the Warriors’ crucial game against French heavyweights Perpignan.
‘It was a fabulous crowd at the Brewery Field and, although Wasps do have a big travelling support, it would be marvellous if we can get the same turnout for Perpignan,’ Howells said.
‘It was an electric atmosphere and the boys really responded to the occasion – it would be great if we could get that on a regular basis.’
‘Wasps were superb for 20 minutes but then we were right back in the game. We are most certainly not dead in the water yet, but Friday night is a must-win game for us – it is a massive match.
Howells said the loss had dented his hopes of making the Cup quarter-finals.
‘We could have won it on Friday but we lacked a bit of bulk, gave away far too many penalties and did not win our set-pieces in crucial areas.
‘The bottom line is that we have to beat Perpignan or we are out. It will mean that when we go to Calvisano we will know if we are still in the hunt – and I think we will be.
‘Mick O’Driscoll is back for Perpignan and Daniel Herbert in the centre will carry the ball, while Manny Edmonds is a great controller of a game.
‘But we showed we could compete with them at their place – we simply have to get our set-piece right.
‘Brent Cockbain (hamstring) and Robert Sidoli (groin) could be right and that would be a big bonus for us.’
