Scarlets Ready for Leinster Semi Final Battle

There’s an excited buzz of expectation around Parc y Scarlets this week as the squad prepare for the Semi Final of the Champions’ Cup against Leinster on Saturday.
Around 5,000 supporters are expected to paint Dublin Scarlet with Head Coach, Wayne Pivac confident that “one Scarlets supporter probably makes up ten of the opposition” as he praised the great number making the trip. “I don’t know that it will be the cauldron that some people think,” he revealed.
This fixture is the culmination of nearly four years of hard work from Pivac and co. as they continue in their quest to add another chapter to the European adventures of Llanelli RFC and the Scarlets.
“It’s exciting isn’t it?” smiled Pivac. “It’s something we have worked towards for the last four years. It is a very exciting time for the players, the club and the community in general. Hopefully we can put up a very good performance that will reflect the hard work that has gone into getting us into the position we are in.”
The Scarlets were minutes away from crashing out of this year’s competition after losing their opening two games. In contrast, Leinster have deservedly earned themselves the favourties tag, scoring a total of 25 tries during their unbeaten run to the Semi Final stage.
“We certainly know it’s going to be a massive task,” confirmed Pivac. “Leinster are the form horse and we are going to have to have probably our best performance so far as a group. They are unbeaten in the competition, and to do that home and away against the quality of their pool shows the strength of their squad.”
“We’re playing the favourites,” agreed Scottish Captain, John Barclay. “It’s going to be tough, it’s going to be a big challenge but this group of players enjoys these occasions. Across the board they’ve got quality players who are playing with confidence off the back of a Grand Slam.”
“You can feel a real good buzz here,” added Scrum Half, Gareth Davies. “We’ve had a really good couple of days training so we’re really looking forward to the weekend now!”
Even though the two have met twice since the Semi Final last year, Pivac believes that this fixture is the first real clash since then due to the fact that both games were played during the Six Nations. “Really it’s a first clash since that Semi Final last year and I know Leinster will be very disappointed with their performance that day, so they’ll want to rectify that,” Pivac continued. “Both sides know there’s a massive prize at the end – 80 minutes away from a Grand Final.”
The good news is that there are no new injuries to report, with Pivac confirming that the squad that played against Glasgow were all fit. “The squad that came through the game against Glasgow had a week off and they’ve been ticking over behind the scenes and they feel a lot better for that, mentally and physically,” Pivac revealed.
“They needed a break,” he continued. “That squad is pretty much intact. There are no new injuries, everyone is available for selection that was then and we’ve got a decision to make in a couple of positions due to form, which is a good thing.”
“It’s a challenge for the coaches, its how they balance the squad and rotate and rest guys when they need rest,” Barclay added. “I think they’ve been top drawer making sure guys are fresh, making sure guys aren’t worn out.”“I’ve never been in this situation before, having to balance on both fronts,” he revealed . “ The boys are feeling good, the boys are feeling fresh, so we’re raring to go!”
Pivac didn’t rule out the possibility of another Cubby Boi cameo on the Wing either, should the need arise, “Obviously he covers the position for us, he’s done it on several occasions over the last couple years and he does a good job,” he commented. “Defensively, he’s very good. As a player who’s played sevens he’s used to being out wide a lot, it’s not foreign to him but it’s not something you’d choose to do every week!”
This will be the fourth time the Scarlets have reached the Semi Final stage of the competition, but have yet to go that step further and reach the final. In contrast, three-time winners Leinster are playing their fifth Semi Final in the Aviva, though history suggests that possibly the home advantage isn’t as great as you’d expect, as they have notched up just one victory there – against Toulouse in 2011.
Despite the task ahead, it’s obvious that it’s a challenge that everyone is looking forward to, and there is a quiet confidence around the squad that this group of players can go that extra step and make it to a historic final.
“From our point of view it is about having an 80 minutes performance on the day,” added Pivac. “We’re going to have to be up for this game both mentally and physically. It’s going to be a huge physical challenge across 80 minutes so we have to be prepared and ready to go and jump into those trenches.”
Barclay agreed, adding, “As a group we focus on the here and now, the guys are just excited about the occasion, about what we’ve achieved and trying to keep the journey going. It’s the reason why we play the game – to play in these big matches.”
“We know how big an achievement it is for us to have got this far, but we want to go that extra step now, ” revealed Davies. “We’re hungry for more now, we’re looking good! Hopefully we can make a bit of history on Saturday.”
“Both sides will get opportunities – it is about being clinical and taking those opportunities,” Pivac continued. “We are going to have to be sharp in our attack and make sure when those opportunities present themselves we are ready to capitalise. Conversely, at the other end of the field we have to make sure we are disciplined and don’t give those chances to the opposition. I believe it it going to be a quality match.”
Now all that remains is the counting down of the days before the supporters once more make their way over the Irish Sea in a sea of Scarlet. Whilst the Scarlets continue their preparations, Helzbach’s match day preparations are well underway……lucky cupcakes have been delivered!!