Scottish international John Barclay has backed up head coach Wayne Pivac’s sentiments that the region’s performance against Leinster on the weekend was one of the best so far this season.
The Scottish international has consistently put in barnstorming performances for the Scarlets since arriving in West Wales in the summer of 2013 and was one of three try scorers in Saturday’s victory over a strong Leinster side.
Speaking after the game Barclay said; “We didn’t hide away from the fact that it was a huge game. We’ve got to get into the top six. A club like this needs to be playing in the top flight.
“We talked it up and the pleasing thing was we really delivered. Points wise we’ve had 12 from the last four games so effectively we’re three from four. It’s really pleasing.”
Reigning PRO12 champions Leinster travelled to Parc y Scarlets with strength in depth right across the park. Scarlets’ victory over such a strong Irish side was all the more pleasing according to Barclay due to that fact. He went on to say: “They weren’t far from full strength – that makes the performance even better, even more special.
“I think it was one of our best performances of the year. I thought we played really well to a man. We kept playing and playing. We could have got the bonus point but we were happy to get the win.”
Barclay is pleased to see young players develop in the pack with fellow flanker James Davies named man of the match after Saturday’s clash. Barclay went on to say: “Our defence was great, a few guys have come through like Cubby (James Davies) and Lewis (Rawlins) – these guys are really stepping up.
“It’s great for this year and next year with these guys coming through. I play the way I play; Cubby is playing well so we feed off each other. We’ve also got Shings (Aaron Shingler) and Rob (McCusker) – we’ve got quite a bit of depth here.”
Despite being overlooked by the coaching set-up at Scotland Rugby Barclay says he would still like to represent Scotland. He went on to say: “I definitely want to play for Scotland. Think I’m playing pretty well but obviously not good enough at the moment.
“I’m happy down here, really happy at the club. I’ll just keep my head down; if I get called up I’d love it. I think I’ve got a lot to offer still. I enjoy playing here, if I was at a club I wasn’t happy at that may be playing on my mind more.”
Scarlets will be back in Guinness PRO12 action at Parc y Scarlets on Saturday 28th March, kick-off 2.40p
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