The Scarlets began 2020 as they ended 2019, with victory over one of their Welsh rivals.
Here are the thoughts of head coach Brad Mooar following the 16-14 win over Cardiff Blues at the Arms Park.
Brad, you must be delighted with that result?
BM: “It is a massive win for us, sometimes you have just got to grind it out. We had a bit of illness in the camp this week, but the thing about illness is it’s just weakness leaving the body. We showed a lot of courage tonight. I am very proud of the effort, it was a really important game for us.”
What factors won you that game?
BM: “Leigh Halfpenny’s outstanding goal-kicking, Gareth Davies’ superb try, he took his opportunity brilliantly and also a hell of a group, great spirit and composure at the end.”
What did you make about the breakdown battle?
BM: “It was a massive focus for us during the week. We knew they would be strong in that area and I thought our guys did a superb job. Josh Macleod is making some outstanding decisions, we won a few and lost a few and it was probably an even battle overall.”
How good was Leigh Halfpenny again?
BM: “He is in a real purple patch in his career at the moment. He is a champion, he is loving his rugby and is bouncing into work. He is an absolute professional in how he prepares; for our younger players watching a bloke prepare week by week you can set your watch by how he trains. There is no fear of not putting the work in, it is a matter of saying ‘mate you have done enough, time to come off now!’ It is no surprise that he kicks the goals, takes the high balls, covers the ground and is always in the right position on the field.”
A nice feeling to be top of the Conference?
BM: “It is nice, but we are not getting ahead of ourselves. There is a lot of rugby to be played, we will take it game by game, we will put the league to bed for a while and focus on the two European games that are coming up, Toulon is going to be a cracker at the Parc next week. We will keep our feet on the ground and realise there is a lot where we need to get better, we need to get the job done in these next two games and then send as many guys as we can to the Six Nations with Wales.”