Scarlets interim director of rugby Nigel Davies insists the motivation of three Welsh derbies from the final four matches of the season will keep the fires burning amongst the squad for the BKT United Rugby Championship run-in.
Scarlets go head to head with play-off chasing Cardiff at Parc y Scarlets on Saturday, host South African side Vodacom Bulls a week later before signing off the season against the Ospreys in Bridgend and Dragons in Llanelli.
Davies spoke to the media this week and with the side’s play-off chances having ended, was asked what’s left to play for?
“First and foremost these games are important to us and important to our stakeholders and supporters, they are huge fixtures in their own right,” was Davies’s response.
“We’ve got a big block of games ahead of us, three Welsh derbies which have always been fantastic matches, the ante is always up for those games.
“There is also a Welsh Shield system and I think there is merit in finishing up that table, but equally as important are the standards we set ourselves as we look to the future.
“We have spoken about that as a group, our performances have to reflect that. We can’t just turn up next season and hope to be performing to a level, we need to set the standards now and in the next four games we need to do that.”
Cardiff go into the match in sixth spot in the URC table with Saturday’s match at Parc y Scarlets critical for their top-eight ambitions.
“It will add a bit more spice,” added Davies. “They are obviously fighting hard and have had a good season, they will be desperate for that victory.
“But equally we’re very keen to perform well and put in a big performance in a local derby, there is nothing like it and long may it last. It is a big fixture, a huge fixture and we are expecting a big crowd here as well, which is great.”
Asked about Cardiff’s strengths, Davies continued: “They are very competitive, they don’t go away, they are very disciplined and their penalty count is low; they also have players who can hurt you when they don’t have the ball, three or four players who impact the breakdown area.”
With Wales international fly-half Sam Costelow ruled out for the remainder of the campaign having undergone ankle surgery, Joe Hawkins and Carwyn Leggatt-Jones will be the options in the No. 10 jersey.
“We will mix it up over the course of the next four games,” said Davies. “Obviously, Joe brings a bit more experience and game management at this moment in time, while Carwyn is a genuinely exciting prospect, they will both be involved this weekend.
“We have a bit more flexibility now in how we expose Carwyn. Bearing in mind, when he first played for us he was in school so only had a couple of weeks in the environment before playing his first full game, the fact he is now more immersed in the environment, that helps his development as well.
“He has already had a tremendous amount of experience and he has learnt a lot from that. He has shown everybody he is very capable and has a huge future, he has also shown lapses in his game, but we accept that at this stage of this development. Being able to manage that a bit better and to immerse him more in the environment is progressing him further.”
A bumper derby crowd is expected at Parc y Scarlets on Saturday. Don’t miss out on what will be a fantastic occasion. Buy your tickets HERE