Edinburgh Are A Different Class

Llanelli coach Gareth Jenkins has admitted playing Scottish and Irish sides is a step up in class for Welsh rugby but warns his Celtic opponents – that’s the way Llanelli like it.
Jenkins, who coached the Scarlets to the last four in Europe’s Heineken Cup and to the Welsh domestic league title last year, has not been surprised by the early dominance of Irish and Scottish rugby in the Celtic League.
” We are going up a class when we play these teams, but that brings the best out of Llanelli,” said Jenkins.
“These are provincial sides with internationals and quality overseas talent and we have no reason to expect a Welsh team to go to Scotland and automatically win a game.”
” We have a tendency to underestimate and undervalue our opposition in Wales, but we are able to raise our game to meet high tandards.”
Llanelli have also been sure to get their preparation right for this season’s trip to the Scottish capital, after disappointing results last season.
Jenkins added: ” Travelling in the same day cost us dearly last season and we were embarrassed, to put it bluntly we got thumped really, but this time we have prepared properly.
” We’ve been on the wrong end of some scores recently but we don’t think we’ve been playing badly. Both teams are capable of scoring tries, we just need to plug the holes and ensure we stop leaking them.”
Llanelli make three changes to the side that beat Ebbw Vale last weekend, bringing back a trio of Welsh internationals. Incumbent Wales fly-half Stephen Jones replaces Gareth Bowen, Iestyn Thomas replaces Phil John at prop and Robin McBryde comes in for Marcus Thomas at hooker.
Llanelli: Garan Evans, Mark Jones, Matthew Watkins, Leigh Davies (Capt), Salesi Finau; Stephen Jones, Dwayne Peel; Iestyn Thomas, Robin McBryde, Martyn Madden, Vernon Cooper, Luke Gross, Dafydd Jones, Ian Boobyer, David Hodges.
Replacements: John Davies, Marcus Thomas, Chris Wyatt, Jamie Cudmore, Michael Phillips, Gareth Bowen, Matt Cardey