Llanelli Scarlets Blog

Ooohhh, the excitement!

2008-07-25T16:37:00.004+01:00

Long time, no see, eh?

Lots of progression since the last post on here, thankfully, so it's onwards and upwards.

Driving past the new stadium makes you realise just how privileged we are in Llanelli. Brand-new, pretty stunning, state of the art stadium to watch our favourite team clash with the heavyweights of Europe. We're all sad to see the end of Stradey Park closing in, so many occasions, such emotion and a whole host of achievements through the decades all echo around the four stands.

The time has come to begin something else though, something very special, something modern yet steeped in history and culture and something to continue the proud tradition of the Scarlets and the fans.

Just watching the video at http://www.scarlets.co.uk/ makes you realise how much history could be made at Parc y Scarlets, just as it was a Parc y Strade. Nigel Davies has already commented on how the stadium has 'blown-away many of the players', even at this stage. So, imagine an occasion such as the Heineken Cup Quarter finals, 15,000 in attendance and a whole new buzz around Llanelli and the ground.

We're ready...

5 Scarlets make the squad.

2008-01-14T16:05:00.000Z

28-man Welsh Squad for 6 Nations:

Backs: Lee Byrne (Ospreys), Jamie Roberts (Cardiff Blues), Tom James (Cardiff Blues), Mark Jones (Llanelli Scarlets), Shane Williams (Ospreys), Tom Shanklin (Cardiff Blues), Sonny Parker (Ospreys), Gavin Henson (Ospreys), James Hook (Ospreys), Stephen Jones (Llanelli Scarlets), Dwayne Peel (Llanelli Scarlets), Mike Phillips (Ospreys), Gareth Cooper (Gloucester).

Forwards: Gethin Jenkins (Cardiff Blues), Adam Jones (Ospreys), Duncan Jones (Ospreys), Rhys Thomas (Newport Gwent Dragons), Huw Bennett (Ospreys), Matthew Rees (Llanelli Scarlets), Ian Evans (Ospreys), Ian Gough (Ospreys), Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys), Jonathan Thomas (Ospreys), Martyn Williams (Cardiff Blues), Robin Sowden-Taylor (Cardiff Blues), Gareth Delve (Gloucester), Alix Popham (Llanelli Scarlets), Ryan Jones (Ospreys, capt).

Martyn Williams has surprised a few people after a short international retirement. No doubt Gatland recognised the weakness at openside flanker and pleaded with Williams to come back, at least for this 6 nations championship.

Not really any surprises apart from that, Gareth Delve earns a welcome return after injury with some powerful displays in the Gloucester shirt and Jamie Roberts gets a well earned call up for some solid performances at the Blues. No doubt both will be eager to impress and get into the starting line-up at Twickenham. Both have a pretty good chance!

As far as the Scarlets contingent goes, Mark Jones, Stephen Jones, Alix Popham, Dwayne Peel and Matthew Rees all keep their places. Iestyn Thomas may feel aggrieved to have missed out, although he did face competition from some decent loose-head props and Morgan Stoddart, after an impressive debut, misses out, possibly due to Jamie Roberts having a more rounded full-back game.

Wasps 40 - Scarlets 7 :-(

2008-01-14T15:40:00.000Z

Not a great day for the Scarlets at Adams Park, conceding 6 tries with only one in return. Things were looking a little more promising at 12 - 7 but Wasps power came through to hand out a lesson to the young Scarlets team.

I don't think too many people expected the scoreline to fluctuate much from the end result and there is no doubt that the guys on the field gave 100% with some heroic defending as they were under pressure for almost 80 minutes. Lawrence Dallaglio pretty much summed things up in his interview with the BBC, saying 'Llanelli obviously didn't bring their strongest side but I thought we played very professionally and showed we can play for 80 minutes.'

Not wanting to dwell on negatives, but it was the brute strength of the Wasps pack which provided a platform - against a Scarlets pack which has been struggling in the Heineken Cup all season - to give their backs the chance to put together some silky running and a few nice tries.

Onto the positives! Rhys Priestland looked quite comfortable on a stage which could have been overwhelming for many young outside halves. Priestland could have a big future in the Scarlets jersey and is obviously picking up some good pointers from Stephen Jones.

Iestyn Thomas managed another valiant performance but was unfortunately alongside front-rowers who aren't of a high enough standard to back him up.

For Wasps, James Haskell proved how important he will be not only for Wasps in this years Heineken Cup and Guinness Premiership, but for England in the Six Nations.

Once again it appears to be the same story of lacking strength in depth and having players who, although give their all, aren't quite up to the pace and intensity of Europe's premier club competition.

Want to play for Wales? then play in Wales!

2008-01-11T16:47:00.000Z

No doubt this will give Mr Gatland far more time with his players and flexibility between the regions and the national team, ensure the best players stay in Wales whilst their interested in international rugby and ensures a competitive nature throughout the regional system, but this raises a whole host of other issues...

Will this mean we have too small a player base by only being able to choose from 4 teams? Will it create the basis for a Magners 'A' league? Will players retire from International rugby early...a la New Zealand? Will overseas teams simply outbid the Welsh regions on wages to effectively force players into international retirement and weaken our national side? The questions will keep coming.

What we can determine from this is that it's risky. If the WRU decide to implement this, all sorts of problems could become apparent with players leaving and Wales being in more trouble. It may work in New Zealand, but that's a different environment altogether in terms of how young players are brought through the system, the different cultures and the fact that they are in a far better position to challenge for major trophies with a system that enables youngsters to develop into stars far more effectively. The downside is of course, players leaving early to find bigger wages in order to fund their lengthy retirements.

The upside of course is that it could work for future development. If Wales are to become a rugby super-power, maybe its a risk like this that will breed the competitive culture where only the best can make it?

I'd rather see the WRU focus on supporting it's regions and creating a playing environment which is filled with competitiveness, discipline and gives the platform for a successful national team...

Just as we thought?

2008-01-10T23:09:00.000Z

The Scarlets have named a relatively young and inexperienced team to face Wasps as injury hits 11 players. Ceiron Thomas and Darren Daniel make their first starts for a long time whilst young half back pairing Liam Davies and Rhys Priestland take the stage yet again.

The pack includes a little more experience as Simon Easterby captains from openside flanker.

I'm afraid this game could get a little ugly if the weakened team is a reflection of the Scarlets aiming to name a stronger team to clinch a win against Clermont. Hopefully we'll see a few youngsters put in a good show to give the Scarlet faithful a glimmer of hope for this season.

Wasps will be searching for a bonus point victory and judging by the limited resources available to the Scarlets, you wouldn't bet against them achieving that.

Anyway, it's time to try and be a bit more positive. Rhys Priestland has given a good account of himself in the last few games and this is the stage every player should relish, maybe this is the game he makes everyone sit up and take notice.

The team also includes a surprise element, with speedster Darren Daniel an unknown quantity to many and the experience of Mark Jones who scored a fantastic try in the reverse fixture at Stradey Park.

If the forwards put on a courageous and spirited effort, the Scarlets could come away happier than many expect.

Wasps: tbc

Scarlets: Ceiron Thomas; Darren Daniel, Matthew Watkins, Gavin Evans, Mark Jones; Rhys Priestland, Liam Davies; Iestyn Thomas, James Hayter, Deacon Manu, Adam Eustace, Scott Macleod, Dafydd Jones, Simon Easterby (capt), Nathan Thomas.
Replacements: Daniel George, Bruce Douglas, Dominic Day, James Bater, Gavin Cattle, Jonathan Davies, Garan Evans, Phil John, Daniel Evans.

Wasps: Mark Van Gisbergen, Paul Sackey, Fraser Waters, Riki Flutey, Dominic Waldouck, Danny Cipriani, Eoin Reddan, Tim Payne, Raphael Ibanez, Phil Vickery, Simon Shaw, George Skivington, James Haskell, Tom Rees, Lawrence Dallaglio (capt).
Replacements: Joe Ward, Tom French, Tom Palmer, John Hart, Mark McMillan, Rob Hoadley, Joe Worsley.

Referee: Christophe Berdos (France)

Injuries could give youngsters chance to shine...

2008-01-09T13:16:00.000Z

As the final games of this years Heineken Cup group stages draw closer, the Scarlets' chances of making any sort of impact seem to be diminishing as the injury list keeps growing. Regan King looks set to join the likes of Dwayne Peel, Vernon Cooper, Alix Popham, Gavin Thomas, Stephen Jones, Gavin Evans and Nathan Brew on the sidelines.

So how will this affect this weeks clash at Wasps?

What it means is that the Scarlets face a struggle to even name a team of recognised first team players who are eligible for the Heineken Cup. It also means that the Scarlets are now forced to throw the youngsters in at the deep end. Will it result in humiliation or a dramatic uncovering of some future stars?

Wasps are never an easy team to play, home or away. Fortunately for the Scarlets, this game only involves pride so the pressure is off in terms of qualification. Wasps will be after a bonus point win, which could mean catching them 'red-hot' or catching them nervous. I know which is the more likely...

This is a chance for Scarlet youngsters such as Jon Davies, Daniel Evans and Darren Daniel to get a chance. What we must hope is that some of the Internationals manage to pass late-fitness tests to guide these future stars through as the experienced Wasps personnel will be waiting to teach them a tough lesson.

How do you beat the European Champions on their own patch?

2008-01-07T15:12:00.000Z

Munster and Clermont came close but can the Scarlets go one step further and beat the defending champions at Adams Park? Recent signs suggest that it’s very unlikely, but what better way to prove that you’re a team with a lot to offer?

The way Wasps came to Stradey last year and put in a masterful display to consign the Scarlets to bottom place of the group was an indication that the champions could retain the Heineken Cup.

If the Scarlets are to put up a decent fight, then there must be improvements in many areas of their game. Here are just a few that stand out…

Firstly, the silly errors; the festive derbies in Wales were full of intent and grit but lacked any amount of skill or finesse. It’s a given that these games would lose some of the skill given the nature of the derby, but what was on show was quite disappointing from professional players. Contrast that with the Guinness Premiership matches over Christmas and what you would see is that together with the determination and tenacity there was also plenty of talent and ability on show.

The Scarlets always intend to play with style and finesse but what we have seen lately is a dip in skill levels and an increase in frustration. If your going to put Wasps away, you have to take your chances.

Secondly, the Pack: The Scarlets have struggled all season to compete up front and before any other aspect of the game can be criticised, the forwards must play with determination and prove they can compete with the best. Wasps will look to put the pressure on here; if the Scarlets break it could be a long afternoon.

Finally, Ball Carrying: One thing that becomes noticeable when watching the Scarlets is the lack of big ball carriers and how that affects the breaking down of opposition defences. Wasps have arguably the best defence in Europe, if the Scarlets are to breach it, they need to punch holes and draw in tacklers. Recycling the ball quickly from that situation helps capitalise on the advantage of ball carriers as overlaps are created as well as gaps as a defence is stretched.

No doubt Phil Davies is already aware of these things, now lets see it put into action and give us some pride and something to cheer about!

Kickety Kickety kick!

2008-01-05T11:46:00.000Z

Another day another bonus point. Unfortunately it's another losing bonus point and it came as the match was snatched away in injury time, again!

I have to admit I haven't watched the game, but from what I've read it was another scrappy affair with Rhys Priestland slotting over 6 penalties before Connacht snatched the game deep into injury time with their fifth penalty, an earlier try from Conor O'Loughlin helping them on their way.

I understand the fact that these games give players like Liam Davies, Rhys Priestland and other youngsters in the Dragons game and even new players like Bruce Douglas valuable gametime, but the fact that its always a scrappy affair and we're beginning to come out on the losing side a bit too often is quite disappointing.

So what's the solution? Are we to be patient and hold on until next season when these players have more gametime under their belts to improve the squad and we've signed some of these 'promised' international class players? Or do we demand that this is reloved NOW before the players become so demotivated it has a knock on effect to next season anyway?

None of us outside the Scarlets truly know what goes on behind the closed doors but does that matter to the fans? What we want is some silverware, something to cheer about and something to put that spring back in our step! I'm prepared to give it time, but please give us something to cheer about this season!

Oh great, its started to rain...

Galway in the snow...

2008-01-04T14:26:00.000Z

Team:

Connacht: G Duffy; M Mostyn, D Riordan, M Deane, A Wynne; A Dunne, C O'Loughlin; B Wilkinson, A Flavin, R Morris; D Gannon, A Farley (c); M McCarthy, J O'Connor, C Rigney.
Replacements: J Fogarty, R Loughney, M Swift, R Ofisa, C McPhillips, T Donnelly, D Yapp.

Scarlets: Morgan Stoddart; Dafydd James, Matthew Watkins, Regan King, Mark Jones; Rhys Priestland, Liam Davies; Phil John, Matthew Rees, Bruce Douglas, Adam Eustace, Scott Macleod, Simon Easterby (capt), James Bater, Nathan Thomas.
Replacements (from): Deacon Manu, James Hayter, Dafydd Jones, Jonathan Edwards, Gavin Cattle, Ceiron Thomas, Nathan Brew, Garan Evans, Daniel George.

Referee: Andy Macpherson (SRU).

This will be a tester for the Scalrets in a cold Galway tonight. I'd imagine its the last place the team would want to be after the defeat on New Years Day. Still, there's hope with Matthew Rees and Matthew Watkins both back from injury giving much needed experience in a tough away match. Watkins (Outside) joins King (Inside) in the centre to re-form a prolific attacking partnership. The Scarlets will be hoping that their much criticised defence holds up.

This is a must win game for the Scarlets if they have any ambition to win the league. Hopefully this will help motivate the players and coaches to give them the edge. Connacht, unbeaten in their last few home games will again be looking to make it tough.

After my predictions for the Dragons match i'm holding judgement on this one. It seems almost impossible to predict any Scarlets results given the fluctuations in performance levels. Hopefully though, this will be one of the higher end performances and give the Scarlets a much needed boost.

That was a bit poor really...

2008-01-02T13:52:00.000Z

What a disappointing match, not only because we lost, but the manner of our defeat. One minute you think we're on top of the world after beating the Ospreys, the next, not only are we part of the poorest game of the season, but we manage to lose!

The start was quite encouraging, some solid scrums, a few line breaks and a 10-3 lead at half time, things looked pretty good. Unfortunately, the same old problems came back to haunt us, the lineout wouldn't work, defence became non-existent, nobody seemed to remember where touch was and we just couldn't cross the try line. Just as it looked like we may hang on, we lose our defensive pattern and fairplay to a doggy Dragons team, they pounced on the opportunity.

If anything, the game underlined many problems with the Scarlets and the Magners League. It was slow and scrappy due to poor handling, skill levels and a lack of imagination, both teams were suffering from a lack in depth in terms of players - a few injuries and it seems the quality of games drops dramatically.

Played Well - Iestyn Thomas, Rhys Priestland, Colin Charvis, Richard Mustoe

Not so Well - James Hayter, Simon Easterby, Dafydd James, Morgan Stoddart, Ceri Sweeney

Enter the Dragons

2008-01-01T13:13:00.001Z

Just the cure for a New Years Day hangover, another Welsh derby. The Scarlets are missing a few players, but it's nothing compared to the crisis the Dragons find themselves in. If I was a betting man (surely not) I'd have to back the Scarlets to gain revenge for the loss at Stradey Park at the start of the season. However, as always, Welsh derbies tend to be close and hard fought, especially at Rodney Parade.

The Teams:

Dragons: Kevin Morgan; Richard Fussell, Paul Emerick, Ashley Smith, Richard Mustoe; Ceri Sweeney, AN Other; Huw Gustafson, Steve Jones, Rhys Thomas, Adam Jones, Peter Sidoli, Colin Chavis (capt), Michael Owen, AN Other.
Replacements (from): Ben Daly, Adam Black, Andy Hall Lewis Evans, James Harris, Phillip Dollman, James Lewis, Aled Thomas, Andy Williams, Alex Walker, Robert Lewis.

Scarlets: Morgan Stoddart; Dafydd James, Regan King, Jon Davies, Mark Jones; Rhys Priestland, Dwayne Peel; Iestyn Thomas, James Hayter, Bruce Douglas, Vernon Cooper, Scott Macleod, Simon Easterby (capt), James Bater, Nathan Thomas.
Replacements (from): Deacon Manu, Daniel George, Adam Eustace, Dafydd Jones, Liam Davies, Ceiron Thomas, Nathan Brew, Matthew Watkins, Phil John.

Referee: James Jones (WRU)

The 'AN Other' brothers in the Dragons team illustrate just how much they are struggling after suspensions and injury's have taken their toll. Again they will look to win the game up front and the Scarlets, without many stars of their own will be looking to open the game up and take advantage of any inexperience in the Dragons squad.

2007: Year of the Up and the Down!

2007-12-31T10:34:00.000Z

What a year to be a Scarlets fan, one minute your travelling to a Heineken Cup semi final, optimistic as ever after some brilliant performances, the next your pulling your hair out because someone is campaigning to save the worms on the training pitches!

It all started so brightly, wins in Europe to make it 6 out of 6 and then one of the all time great Stradey nights against Munster. It's not very often Llanelli becomes host to such an event and it highlighted the importance of rugby to the town. Munster played their part in every way and made the occassion such a special one.

On to the Leicester match, travelling over the border with such optimism and belief that we were untouchable after such brilliant performances in the previous months but unfortunately we came up against another team brimming with confidence, only this team had a proper pack of forwards who did a job on us, something that was to be part of our downfall.

Just days later, the Ospreys took advantage of the broken men who pulled on the Scarlets shirt to take our home record and any chance of the Magners League title.

Over the summer, not one day went by without debate over the new stadium and the plans for Stradey Park. Possibly the most frustrating time for the majority of fans behind the move as a small number of people held firm over their 'beliefs' of what should happen.

The new season began with a humiliating defeat as the Dragons tore into a weak Scarlet pack and recorded a famous win at Stradey. That was followed by misery in both the EDF and Heineken Cups, both competitions being lost due to the lack of firepower.

Undoubtedly though, the biggest lost of all almost made everything else irrelevant. Scarlets legend Ray Gravell sadly passing away, leading to the most emotional scenes ever seen at Stradey Park and throughout Welsh rugby. Such a great man had been lost, but his legacy will live on forever.

On to 2008, hopefully the year that sees the Scarlets move forward, new stadium on the horizon, the promise of a far superior recruitment policy and a new generation of young players ready to don the Scarlets jersey.

YES!

2007-12-31T10:08:00.000Z

Great win on boxing day, full of fight, passion and hard work. Hopefully it will be a performance to build on which makes the Dragons game on New Years Day all the more important.

I have to admit it was a little emotional when thinking that was the last time we are likely to see a full Stradey Park with Sosban Fach echoing around and a win against the old/new enemy. Hopefully we can take some of the fight and pride shown on the field into the new stadium, we won't go far wrong if we continue with that.

From the start it was obvious the Scarlets were up for the match, a game brimming with all the intensity you'd expect from a welsh derby. Watching from the enclosure you could hear how hard each tackle was, see how much each player wanted to respond to the recent criticism and feel how the crowd kept lifting the team, even after going in 9-7 down at half time, James Hook scoring the points for the visitors after Gavin Thomas grabbed the first try.

Congratulations to Nathan Brew on his first try in Scarlet colours, breaking through the Ospreys defence after a turnover. The Ospreys didn't lie down though, coming back through the Scarlets indiscipline and a powerful effort from their pack. It was only a wonder tackle from Mark Jones and a knock on from Andrew Bishop which allowed the Scarlets to hold on for a much deserved win.

One thing I noticed from referee Nigel Owens performance was that he tends to be inconsistnet at the breakdown, sometimes penalising players for using hands or being in an offside position and other times leaving the same infringement go. It's difficult as a player to get into a game if your unsure of what you can and can't do, its always a fine line and if the game is ever going to flow, it needs to be made that little bit clearer. All in all though, Owens let the game go and it was an enjoyable festive derby, if you were wearing Scarlet anyway! :)

Scarlets v Ospreys - which way will it go?

2007-12-24T09:57:00.000Z

The teams have been named for the most fierce derby of the season and a few surprise selections look to have made it quite interesting. The Ospreys, flying high in Europe have recalled Ryan Jones after injury to captain the team from No.8 so a dual with Alix Popham looks to be on the cards.

The Teams:

Scarlets: Morgan Stoddart; Mark Jones, Regan King, Gavin Evans, Nathan Brew; Stephen Jones, Dwayne Peel; Iestyn Thomas, Matthew Rees, Deacon Manu, Vernon Cooper, Scott MacLeod, Simon Easterby (capt), Gavin Thomas, Alix Popham. Replacements: Bruce Douglas, James Hayter, Adam Eustace, Dafydd Jones, Gavin Cattle, Ceiron Thomas, Jon Davies.

Ospreys: Lee Byrne, Nikki Walker, Mark Taylor, Andrew Bishop, Aled Brew, James Hook, Mike Phillips, Ryan Jones, Ben Lewis, Jonathan Thomas, Alun Wyn Jones, Ian Gough, Adam Jones, Richard Hibbard, Duncan Jones. Replacements: Huw Bennett, Cai Griffiths, Lyndon Bateman, Tom Smith, Justin Marshall, Shaun Connor, Jonathan Vaughton.

Referee: Nigel Owens (WRU).

With the Ospreys resting Marty Holah, Filo Tiatia, Justin Marshall and Ian Evans, along with the injury of Gavin Henson, the Scarlets have a great chance for revenge on last seasons festive horror show and a chance to regain the Evening Post cup after a hard fought win at the Liberty Stadium earlier in the season.

No doubt the Ospreys will be looking to target the Scarlet front five to gain the upper hand, an area which one again will be crucial for the Scarlets. Gaining some sort of equality in the area should give the Scarlets enough to take the game, although overcoming the Ospreys defence has proved a tough task in the past.

The festive period.

2007-12-21T13:15:00.000Z

Now that we're entering the festive derby season, it may be a good time to put what has happened behind us, learn from it and move forward. The Osprey's game promises to be a cracker with a packed Stradey Park and two teams ready to go at each other - hopefully the temperature will rise a bit by then as we don't want a repeat of two years ago.

I find it quite confusing that Simon Easterby has come out defending the team and rubbising all criticism. Ok, it's natural to defend you team mates and take a step away from the criticism that is flying about, but its almost as if he's saying the recent performances have been of an acceptable level and we're just 'unlucky' to be losing. I just hope that behind the scenes Easterby is asking for alot more from his players. Unfortunately too many key players are underperforming and the team is suffering as a result of the packs inability to compete for 80 minutes, let alone actually take the game to teams.

On a positive note, Lou Reed looks like he is going to get some game time up at Rotherham. I and many others know he is a talented player, so a months loan in English League 1 could do him the world of good and experiencing some of the tougher packs means he'll be ready to step up to regional level.

Back to the festive period - a win against the Ospreys will at least give us some bragging rights closer to home and would be a huge boost to the confidence, so take it easy on the Mince Pies boys and bring us the Evening Post Cup, Ta.

The Ospreys grab Hore.

2007-12-20T14:07:00.000Z

The Ospreys look to have continued leading the way in off-field activities with the announcement of Andrew hore as Elite Performance Director. The Ospreys have time and time again shown the way forward with their marketing, brand building and off-field appointments.

Hopefully this will give the other regions a kick up the backside as competing at the top level, not only in Europe, but in Wales is becoming increasingly difficult and challenging. The Blues, Dragons and Scarlets have failed to do anything of note to really make people sit up and take note, whereas the Ospreys have managed a number of big signings, money spinning games with Australia and possibly the Baa-baas and now on of rugby's most respected coaches will be joining their team.

What will it take for the other regions and the WRU to stand up and be counted. Everything seems a little too comfortable at times with no real drive, professionalism or passion coming from either, just alot of hot air! Ok, so the Scarlets have had their share of problems off the field, but we shouldn't be sitting back until it all blows over, hopefully plans have been put in place and now that things are moving forward, we'll see some exciting things happening, or am I being naive?

Since rugby moved into the professional era, its no secret that we in Wales have struggled to cope, now that the Ospreys have sorted their off-field madness out, hopefully they'll pull everyone along with them and who knows, we may even see one of the other regions come up with a few ideas to move into the new era of Rugby (Yes, the era which 'began' 10 years ago and we're still coming to terms with it!).

Is it really all doom and gloom???

2007-12-19T11:28:00.000Z

Munster make it two out of two.

Another 'L' by the side of this seasons fixtures doesn't make great reading. There was never much to play for but it still doesn't deter from the fact that if you want to be the best, you have to beat the best and we failed quite miserably.

The all to common problems were evident; Poor platform, lack of ball carriers and lack of imagination when we finally had the ball....oh, and the line-outs were quite shocking!

So, in a week that Mr Gallagher has come out and promised big name signings to compete with Europe's best, is it all doom and gloom at Stradey Park as many fans suggest?

A new Stadium, a promising group of youngsters and some very talented players would hopefully suggest otherwise.

After all the 'goings on' pre-season and which spilled into the season with regards to financial difficulties etc. this season was never going to match the success that Phil Davies achieved last year. Losing depth in key areas and not being able to strengthen the squad meant we'd always be struggling to compete with the likes of Munster, Wasps and Clermont.

These comments may not be news to many people but I feel they have to be reiterated and we MUST be patient! Unfortunately our expectations outweigh our current capabilities, we're all guilty of it.

Lets be patient. (Boxing Day doesn't apply to this!)

The Munster Double Header...round 2

2007-12-15T10:39:00.000Z

I'm just about dry after spending my Saturday evening in horrendous conditions watching another masterclass in wet weather rugby from Munster. The Scarlets were tought a lesson and the front five problems were, again, shown up with no mercy.

This weekend, the Scarlets will be hoping for a considerably dryer venue to play rugby at, but it still won't change the fact that unless the pack perform, the talented backs will be inaffective. Munster will, once again i'm sure, try to strangle the life out of the game, but it would be foolish to think that they will be looking to rumble the ball for another 80 minites. With a full house of singing munster fans behind them, the forwards will no doubt look to dominate a scarred Scarlets pack, but the secret weapons of Tipoki and Mafi will also be demanding the ball of O'Gara if the chance arises.

The Scarlets have decided to make a few changes. Big Vernon Cooper into the second row to add some much needed 'beef'! Ben Broster finally gets his chance with the problem No.3 jersey and Jon Davies gets the nod at inside centre after some impressive displays, but most importantly, Stephen Jones is back to add some direction and much needed grit to the Scarlets team.

We're now playing for pride and in Llanelli, rugby and pride go hand in hand, hopefully the players will be made aware of this if they're not already and Munster, now top of the group, will be looking for another clinical display to see off a hurting Scarlet army.

Scarlets Blog - The first post!

2007-12-14T14:06:00.000Z

If your reading this then I'm assuming your either a Scarlets fan, rugby fan or one of those jealous types from over the bridge ;)

This is my new Scarlets blog, designed for me to give my (hopefully) educated waffling views about all things tinted Scarlet.

Hoping to provide fans with a quick, fairly entertaining read, nothing I say will be designed to be malicious, offensive or one-eyed of course, if it is, please let me know and I'll make it stop!

But, beware, us Scarlet fans tend to get a bit passionate when the topic of conversation involves rugby. At least I think passionate is the right word. So, onto the rugby...