Ahead of the resumption of BKT URC action and a trip down to the M4 to Cardiff, head coach Dwayne Peel spoke to the media this week.
Here’s what he had to say
What can you take from the last two weekends in the Champions Cup?
DP: “From a performance perspective we feel we are taking steps forward in certain aspects. It was a super intense game in Bordeaux with an amazing atmosphere. We have played in two real top-quality games and occasions these last two weeks. We are obviously disappointed to ship the points we did last weekend, but we were in there competing; we showed a lot of fight. We feel it has given us a really good springboard going into this block of games.”
What are your thoughts on Cardiff’s form this season?
DP: “They have been going well, credit where it’s due. They have stayed in games and won games at the death, like they did against Ulster last weekend. It shows they have got good character about them and have been picking up the wins.”
You have a good record at the Arms Park, do you take confidence from that?
DP: “They have always been high-contested, high-scoring, physical games and we are expecting more of the same. We have focused a lot on ourselves this week, trying to execute our gameplan. We obviously respect what Cardiff will bring, but for us it is about getting our house in order for what is a really important game for us. We need to be picking up points and climbing the table.”
Do you have any players who missed last weekend returning from injury?
DP: “I am expecting most to be available, there are few question marks, a couple of boys need to get through training on Wednesday to see where exactly they are.”
Do you feel you have turned the corner after a challenging start to the season?
DP: “The last four games, and I’m counting the Sharks game in South Africa, we have looked more like the way we want to look, the way we finished towards the end of last season. We still have a long way to go, there is execution stuff we need to work on because we have created opportunities in these last couple of games and not finished as much as we could. That comes with a bit of confidence and clarity and the boys are working hard on that. It has helped having a few senior boys back in the group as well.”
How important is the Scarlets support when you play in Cardiff?
DP: “It is massive for us. Over the other side of the tunnel there is always a sea of Scarlet. What did the PA announcer say last year? “Scarlets fans have a safe trip back home to Pontcanna!!” Obviously, there are a lot of West Walians living in Cardiff and it is always a well-supported match for us. Our fans travel well, we had something like 500 in Bordeaux, it was class to see them, their support is important for us and to put on a show for them is important for us. It was fantastic for us seeing them behind the posts there last Saturday and I am sure they had a great weekend.”