Priestland says best to come from proud Scarlets

The Scarlets have a tradition of creating shockwaves in the Heineken Cup games away from home to add to their rich European heritage which includes two semi-final places in 2002 and 2007.

And there are few Scarlets supporters that will ever forget the big wins in Europe over Northampton in 2011 and London Irish in 2009 away from home.

It’s the West Walian’s ability to excite crowds and their colourful history in the tournament that the current team respects and will want to uphold this season. As Scarlets and Wales outside half Rhys Priestland believes, the best from the Scarlets is yet to come.

Priestland said: “We haven’t come anywhere near our best yet; as a group we have nothing to lose, we’ve been written off already but we have a squad with the kind of players that when we do click can compete with most teams. We just know we are going to have to be at our best all the time with the sides with have in our Pool.

“We are a proud group here; we are gutted in the way we’ve lost some of our games this season; as players we want to do well for this great club and we know that we were not at our best at the moment.

“On Saturday if we are anywhere off our best, we’ll be punished. We know how good they are, and it’ll be about bringing a mental edge that we haven’t maintained yet this year.

“There’s no better time to find that form than in the first round of the Heineken Cup.”

Priestland said the notable wins in past competitions were a spur but the key is backing the performances up throughout the pool stages.

He said: “Yes, we’ve turned the form book on its head a few times, but we haven’t backed up those wins to go onto qualify in recent years and it’s going to be very tough again for us this season with our opponents.

“Harlequins have shown what a strong side they are from their performances in the Premiership last season, they may be a little frustrated right now and will be targeting us in terms of kick-starting their season.

“They haven’t clicked yet probably – and neither have we so both sides will be going hard after this game. We have a lot of respect for Harlequins; they play attractive rugby.”

Priestland said the Heineken Cup brings out the best in sides.

“It’s a great competition and my most vivid rugby memories have come from the Heineken Cup and watching what the Scarlets have achieved before. It’s the best club competition and I really look forward to Heineken Cup weekends watching or being a part of great matches between unbelievable squads.

“The ambition for this current group is to be part of a team that takes the Scarlets back to the knock out stages.

“It’s a big campaign for the boys this season. A huge challenge, but we have to perform as a group on this bigger stage as players that have stepped up now to lead the Scarlets – and taking pride in our performance is equally important for our supporters.”

The Carmarthenshire born fly-half says he’s enjoying being back in the Scarlets jersey after a long injury break last season and really appreciates being back doing the job he loves at his region.

He said: “When you get an injury like that, it makes you think and I just feel very fortunate to be back and playing for my region. I’m just so pleased to be back out there enjoying myself and I am taking nothing for granted.”