This week’s Scarlets News…Bring on Toulon!

This week’s Press Conference Updates, sponsored by First Choice Carpets & Flooring.

Following an impressive European performance against Bath on Friday evening that got the whole of the rugby world sitting up and taking notice of the Scarlets, it was back to business for a ‘very pleased’ Head Coach, Wayne Pivac, and the rest of the squad as they prepare for the biggest battle in recent memory on Saturday evening.
With their feet firmly on the ground, Pivac revealed “We talked prior to the game that we’ve got 160 minutes ahead of us to get where we want to be. One of our goals for this season was to reach the knock-out stages and that was the first phase of the two games really.”
“The boys are very well aware that that sets us up for this opportunity this week,” he continued. “It’s certainly not job done! We talked about that in the changing room after the game.”
On the back of the outstanding performance last week, Pivac added that it was pleasing to see all the hard work that had gone in paying off. He was particularly pleased with the strong start, together with the character shown to keep playing whilst John Barclay was sin binned. Also, the scrum worked very, very well – it was a great day in the office particularly for the front five and credit must go to not just the playing squad, but all the backroom staff who put a tremendous effort in. Certain drills are practiced every single training session with a lot of team versus team work to offer competition in training sessions. Fitness work is done with ball in hand, and all rugby related so the skills of the players are improving all the time due to the amount of hard work that everyone is putting in.
“It was probably the best night since I’ve been here, in terms of away support,” added man of the match, Tadhg Beirne. “There was one stage during the game I turned to Rob Evs and said – listen to that – wow! It was unbelievable!” Gareth Davies agreed, saying “It’s got to be up there hasn’t it? It’s probably one of the best victories I’ve had in a Scarlets shirt.”
“There’s something special brewing, something special is happening here,” revealed Beirne. “The culture is definitely something I’m going to miss when I leave next year because it’s been an incredible experience for me.”
Beirne added “Scarlets are underestimated at times, but us as players, we’re confident in our abilities, we know how good we are, so coming into these games we know we’re capable of winning and beating the best because we do believe we’re one of the best. So big games are exciting for us because it’s another platform for us to go on and prove how good we are. Our focus is on winning.”
“Confidence is a big thing,” agreed Davies. “The whole team is playing with a bit of confidence – the whole pack has been outstanding the last couple of weeks, which makes my job a hell of a lot easier when the pack is playing that well.”
“We’re looking forward to a good week’s training now and looking forward to Saturday,” added Davies. “It’s a good place to be at the moment. We know we can do it – we thrive on these big teams coming down here. I used to love going down to Stradey Park as a boy to the big European nights, so me taking part in these games is something special for me – it’s a dream come true.”
“Last year when we played Toulon the crowd was incredible then,” Beirne continued “If we can get a full house it makes a massive difference – it would be a big helping hand to getting the victory for sure!”

The good news on the injury front is that apart from the usual knocks and lots of ‘sore boys’ there were no long-term injury worries following the Bath fixture. The squad have had an extra recovery day and certain players have been given a further day to recover fully in readiness for the weekend. Leigh Halfpenny is improving well, but unfortunately, Johnny McNicholl is a big doubt for the weekend. He has had a scan on the shoulder injury that he picked up in the Boxing Day fixture against the Ospreys and doesn’t require surgery, only rehab, but will be seeing the specialist tomorrow to see what options are available. Both players will be given as much time as possible and a decision will be made on their fitness on Thursday.
Looking at Saturday’s opponents, Toulon, Pivac added “They did the job that they needed to do. They ground Benetton down and scored some good tries.”
“We’ll do our homework during the week,” he continued. “We’ve played them quite a bit over recent seasons, so we know what to expect. We’re going to have to make sure that defensively we’re on our game and our game management is spot on.”
Unfortunately, the fixture between Toulon and Benetton yesterday ended on a sour note with Captain, Mathieu Bastareaud being cited for using homophobic language against a Benetton player that was picked up on the referee’s mic. He will face a Disciplinary Hearing on Wednesday, and whilst it is highly unlikely that he will be available for selection for Saturday, Pivac added that until the decision has been reached, he would be included in their preparation.
The previous two encounters between the two sides have been closely fought affairs, with just a point separating both sides on each occasion. Each time, the home team has been victorious and Pivac is expecting another similar battle on Saturday.
Urging the fans to turn up in support of the Scarlets on Saturday, Pivac added, “There’s a lot riding on it, it’s the same for both teams…whoever gets the win goes through.”
“There’s a chance that both teams could go through yet,” he continued. “But we don’t want to be the team looking at mathematical equations! It’s all set up for a great evening – hopefully we’ll sell this place out!”
Talking of mathematical equations, it’s quite simple really – a win will see them qualify for the Quarter Finals. If they lose, then it’s highly doubtful. A losing bonus point would slightly improve their chances and a draw would probably be enough for a best runners-up spot, however they would rely on results elsewhere. A bonus point win would see the Scarlets finish as either third or fourth seeds and secure a home Quarter Final…. all will be revealed on Sunday though when the pool matches have all been played.

The other big talking point this week has of course been the return of George North, particularly with a possible change of heart from a Scarlets’ point of view.
Pivac explained “I caught up with George last week. I had 45 minutes with him and it was good conversation. “
“He’s very keen to come back to Wales, get his game back on track, get over his injuries and just look forward to playing rugby,” continued Pivac. “It was a good discussion.”
“Nothing’s changed in that we’re his region of origin and so he was always going to speak to us. Up until that point there had been no contact from his agent. After my talk to you guys, it went out straight away and his agent phoned me within 24 hours!”
“We had a catch up and it was very, very good,” he went on. “George is a top guy and he’s only 25 years of age, he’s got a lot of rugby ahead of him. He wants to make a decision sooner than later and I just spoke to him as the Coach of his old club and talked to him about our environment, what we’re trying to do here. I explained my comments to him that I made in the media and it was a good catch-up.”
Despite doubts from supporters that George would ‘fit in’ in the current squad, Pivac assured “It’s a no-brainer. Just look at what happened with Foxy when he came back. Leigh’s going through the process at the moment and I think George would be no different.”
“Anyone that can play the game at that level and has been successful, the way we play…for an outside back – who wouldn’t want to be there?” he added.
Interestingly, Pivac also revealed that he received a phone this morning from an agent regarding three high-profile players that he believes was a direct result of the weekend. “They were looking at France and now they’re maybe looking at the Pro14” he added……watch this space!!!!

With the squad for this season’s Six Nations being revealed tomorrow, Pivac revealed that he fully expected to lose the same number of players that he did for the Autumn Internationals, with the whole of the Scarlets family eagerly anticipating that James ‘Cubby Boi’ Davies is finally recognized for his continued form for the Scarlets. Along with the Welsh contingent and Scotland’s Captain, John Barclay, the only other player that could possibly be included in the Six Nations is Tadhg Beirne, though he revealed that he has been told that whilst he is playing abroad, he will not be considered for selection. Whether his decision to go home to play for Munster next season will have any bearing for this season remains to be seen, but Beirne confirmed that he has had no communication from the Irish camp at all.
With all four stands open for the game on Saturday, an estimated 10,000 tickets have already been sold and are selling fast. Tickets can be purchased online at eticketing.co.uk/scarletsrugby or by calling the ticket office on 01554 292939…. Kick-off is on Saturday, January 20th at 5.30pm…. your Scarlets need YOU!