Following the announcement earlier this week that he has signed new contract keeping him at the region until the end of 2017-18 flanker Aaron Shingler believes the region is on the up but that the hard work must start on Saturday.
Scarlets narrowly lost to Northampton Saints in last weekend’s opening round disappointed to have only come away with a losing bonus point. Speaking earlier this week in reflection of the physical encounter at Franklin’s Gardens Shingler said; “It was massively frustrating, it was definitely there for us to win.
“We just didn’t perform in certain areas and were disappointed not to get a win.
It’s hard to take but we’ll just have to get on with it this weekend.”
Despite the result against Northampton Shingler believes that the Scarlets are evolving. “We’re not conceding many points. We’re moving in a good direction; it’s exciting moving forward in this club, hopefully this year we can progress but that starts Saturday.”
With French side Racing 92 making their way to Parc y Scarlets this weekend Scarlets will be looking to get back to winning ways and take advantage of the region’s strong home record, he went on to say: “When you’ve got a record like that you want to keep it. Anything that’s extra motivation you have to use it.”
The weekend’s fixture, like the opening rounds of the European Rugby Champions Cup, will come with added emotion as Parc y Scarlets falls silent in memory of those killed and injured in last week’s attacks in Paris.
Racing 92 will be playing their first game of the Champions Cup campaign, after their round one game against Glasgow Warriors was postponed, and will undoubtedly be motivated to put in a good performance.
Shingler went on to say: “There’ll be a lot of emotion around the game.
We’ve got to respect what’s happened, respect the fact they’ll come here with a real passion. It’s a difficult game anyway, they’re going to be determined to win.
“It’s a must win game for us at home, we’ll have to be on top of our game.”
Don’t miss the all of the European action at the Parc this weekend. Tickets for the European Rugby Champions Cup clashes at the Parc are available on a 3 for 2 offer. Buy now from tickets.scarlets.co.uk or call 0871 871 8088 – open until 7pm today and from 9am tomorrow.
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