Scarlets prop Archer Holz spoke to the media after his player-of-the-match performance against Zebre Parma, revealing that every player has been challenged to find a spark that can ignite the side.
The former Waratahs and Brumbies tight-head produced an outstanding 50 minutes at the heart of the Scarlets’ bonus-point win on Friday night – a destructive force at scrum time, while also carrying strongly and putting in some big hits in defence.
“I can’t remember the last time I won player of the match so it’s nice, props aren’t meant to win these! I’m sure my family watching will be very happy,” he smiled.
“This group has worked really hard over the last few months so to get a result, especially at home, means a lot. We love playing here, we have brilliant fans, to turn up for them was really good.
“For me, I just try to do my job. Our set-piece was good tonight, all eight were on it, they provide the weight, the push, so that makes our job (in the front row) a hell of a lot easier. It’s nice to reap some benefits from their work.”
Asked about the style Scarlets are looking to play, Archer added: “It is a real positive brand of rugby, you are going out there and you are trying to do things that gets the team going and that’s an easy way for you to kind of focus on yourself and to try and do things that can spark up the team.
“We have got a backline who are full of those kinds of players, but for me, when I hear that (about providing a spark) I think about the set-piece or trying to make a decent tackle to put the opposition on the back foot.
“It’s not flashy, but it’s a spark in its own sense. That is a good way for us to think that anyone can have a moment that brings us into the game. It is something to strive for; as I said, it’s a real positive brand of rugby and something we enjoy playing.”
Focus now turns to a trip across the Irish Sea to Dublin to take on a Leinster side looking to bounce back from their 38-17 loss to Glasgow at Scotstoun.
“It is exciting,” added Archer.
“Leinster are a benchmark in this comp; it is a good chance for us to go and do something special. We want to push on and deliver a performance our fans can be proud of.”