Home record big motivation for Scarlets derby win

Scarlets’ 25-15 victory over Newport Gwent Dragons, in the sixth round of the 2015-16 Guinness PRO12 campaign, was enough to keep the West Wales region atop of the league table ahead of the region’s clash against Leinster on Friday evening at the RDS.

Speaking after the victory international second row Jake Ball said; “We obviously talked about them not winning a game down at Scarlets. That was big motivation for us before the game and it was good to keep that record.

“Like we said before the game, you’ve got to be mean to keep these wins coming and play with confidence.”

Despite a strong 80-minute performance in Wales’ Rugby World Cup opener against Uruguay Ball missed out on further game time during the campaign. Just like the Scarlets Ball says he is trying to play with confidence since returning to the region.

He said: “I felt like I had good confidence after the game against Uruguay and was coming into a bit of form. I’m just trying to play with a bit of confidence and always trying to adapt and work on new things.

“From a forwards point of view the set piece was a massive step up. We did a lot of work on it in the week and we’re really pleased. I thought as a team the work at set piece was pretty strong.”

Scarlets will be looking to continue to build on their recent performances in the final round of the Guinness PRO12, against Leinster on Friday night at the RDS, before the European Champions Cup campaign gets underway.