Scarlets will play their first play-off of the BKT United Championship era when they head across the Irish Sea to take on Leinster in Dublin on Saturday.
Head coach Dwayne Peel has admitted It is one of the most formidable challenges in club rugby, but he and his players are relishing the prospect of going toe to toe with the tournament favourites.
Here’s what Dwayne had to say to the media this week
Dwayne, what is the feeling like going into this weekend?
DP: “It is an exciting week for everyone. We have worked hard to get here, now we have to embrace it. We have a big task going to Dublin, the tactical side is important, but we have to embrace the play-offs, we have to make the most of it now we’re here.
“It is big for the group. Nothing happens overnight and we have to do a lot of work off the field with a newish squad. I am pleased for everyone that we have got to this point because of the effort that has been put in, staff and players alike. We want to go further and push a great team like Leinster as far as we can. There is no greater task in club rugby, but we’re looking forward to it.”
What does a game like this mean for the Scarlets?
DP: “For us, we’re a proud region and rugby means a lot to the people of our community. It’s about us representing this great club and region, really doing it to the best of our ability, and putting our best foot forward.
“That’s all we can do as staff and players. For me, that has always been a big part of our culture. That has always been a big part of why we play the game here.
“For me, it was a big part of why I wanted to come back. I’ve loved it as a player and I’ve loved being part of it as a coach as well.
“So I think that it’s about representing this region to the best of our ability. If we can go as far as we can in this competition, then that highlights what it means to us as a group, and what it means to our fanbase and stakeholders.”
Do you take heart from Northampton’s Champions Cup win at the Aviva?
DP: “Northampton were brave, undoubtedly. It was a game I enjoyed. They executed their gameplan and scored some nice tries. It was a great game to watch. You do take some elements out of it and I am sure Leinster will have looked at our games in South Africa and looked at where they can target us. Play-offs are new for a lot of this group, but I want us to embrace it and really get stuck in. That is what I would like to see from us, passion and playing for each other.”
Is Gareth Davies going to make it?
“He (Davies) is going to struggle to make it this weekend, to be honest. He’s been phenomenal this year. I think he’s played the most this year since he’s joined. At the young age of 34, he’s been an outstanding operator for us this year.
“But I think Archie has proven his worth over the last two games for us. That’s exciting for me. Archie coming on against the Lions, we were in a tough spot when he came on and it was a big, big, big game for him. Against the Sharks as well, he showed he’s got the quality. It bodes well for the future.
“We’ve spoken a lot about Archie in the last two years and he’s taken his time this season; we are seeing some steady growth in his game and in the last couple of games he has been excellent for us.”
Leinster are going to be a different side to the one you beat at home, how tough is the task?
DP: “There is no doubt it is a big task, as I said, one of the biggest in club rugby to go to Dublin. We won’t shy away from it, understanding the challenge is a big thing and knowing we have to be at our very, very best to push them and that is what we need to aim for. We are confident in our own ability, all we can do is look at ourselves and give our best account. It is going to be a great occasion, it is not about chasing four or five points, it is knockout rugby and it is all on the day.
“As much as they have some star, world-class names in their group, we have some pretty good players in ours, the strength of the group is big for us and we are going to have to give it the best we can. We are going to have to be brave and we are going to have to be accurate. A slip in concentration and they can hurt you. That is the respect everyone has for Leinster.
“You can’t sit on your heels against Leinster, they are too good a team, we are not going there to soak up pressure and see what happens. We have to play the Scarlets way and put our stamp on the game. That is the reality of it.”
Blair, Ellis and Macs have been nominated for the URC’s Next-Gen player, how do you assess their impact this season?
DP: “They have been great. A few weeks ago we spoke about Blair as a potential Lions bolter, for him to come in and do the work he has done, he is young, full of energy and his season speaks for itself.
“Ellis and Macs are two young men who have come in, Macs a local boy, Ellis from Nottingham, and both have been outstanding. Ellis has probably gone under the radar recently with Blair getting the headlines, but the work he has done has been outstanding and there is a lot more to come from him. Macs has got that X factor, I am delighted he has his first tour with Wales, he deserves it and is one for the future. All three are nowhere near where they are going to end up which is exciting for us. What we are seeing is raw talent, that is the exciting part for me as their coach, this club and for Wales in the future.”