Dwayne Peel has urged his Scarlets side to finish a difficult season in style in Saturday’s Judgement Day clash with the Dragons at the Cardiff City Stadium (15:00).
It’s West v East at the home of Welsh football with plenty still at stake, despite both sides being out of the BKT URC play-off race.
“It is an important game for us,” said the Scarlets head coach. “Results have not been on our side this year but we are determined to finish the season strongly.
“We have seen we have lost a lot of senior players out of the group and the transition will pose challenges. We have worked hard in developing the next group of players and leaders. We have got a good crop of young players coming through and there is a lot to be optimistic around.
“Eddie James was outstanding against Zebre, it was probably his best game for us; Tomi Lewis is getting better with every game, we have two talented young 10s in Sam and Ioan – yes, they are Wales internationals, but there is a huge amount to come from both those players – Macs Page, who has been brilliant for Llandovery and Wales U20s this season, made his debut in Parma; then up front Kemsley Mathias is still only 24 years old, Carwyn Tuipulotu continues to develop and since returning from injury Taine Plumtree has shown us all his potential.
“These boys just need to play and they have been able to this season. There is light at the end of the tunnel.”
Looking forward to the showpiece day in Cardiff, Peel added: “I think it will be a good occasion here. I have been here at Wales football matches and the atmosphere is electric. It’s important for Welsh rugby and us as four professional clubs that we make it a good day.
“There are going to be kids here coming for the first time and we need to create as much positivity as we can.”
Adding his thoughts, skipper Ryan Elias said: “I feel like we have grown a lot over the last five, six matches and taken steps forward, producing some of our better performances.
“We want to finish on a high now and go out on the right note. We are definitely motivated for this last game and will be raring to go.”
Tickets for Judgement Day are still available HERE