Llanelli will be looking to go one better than their performance of last season. Were it not for a Tim Stimpson’s heartbreaking 58 metre penalty right at the death of their semi final battle with Leicester, the Scarlets would have made it to the final, and maybe carried off the trophy.
Early season form has not been brilliant- but last year’s experience will stand them in good stead for another crack at the title.
Llanelli are skippered by Wales international Centre Leigh Davies. Davies took over the Captaincy from Scott Quinnell, who, if fitness allows will again be a major player in the Scarlet pack.
In Stephen Jones they have a goal kicker of deadly accuracy- although questions still remain about his kicking from hand.
The Scarlets line up against Glasgow Rugby, Bourgoin, and Sale Sharks in Pool 4.
For Llanelli to progress to the knock out stages, they will have to snuff out Sale’s attacking threat, and on the basis of last year’s evidence, Sale will prove to be tough opposition.
The PERKER PEN SHIELD winners have a rock solid pack, led by international props Kevin Yates (England) and Barry Stewart (Scotland).
In Scottish international scrum-half Bryan Redpath they have one of the best number 9’s in the world, and with England trio Charles Hodgson, Steve Hanley and Jason Robinson lining up together, Llanelli should be wary of the Sale threat.
If the Scarlets can beat Sale Sharks, then expect them to do well -but if not, there could be trouble in Llanelli.
Bourgoin haven’t started too brightly in the French league away, and home form has been patchy, expect Llanelli to go for the jugular in France.
Llanelli Fixtures
Round 1 v Glasgow (home)
Round 2 v Bourgoin (away)
Round 3 v Sale (away)
Round 4 v Sale (home)
Round 5 v Bourgoin (home)
Round 6 v Glasgow (away)
What do you think?
-Can Llanelli go one step further this year?
-Who will score the most tries for the Scarlets this year?
-Will last years heartbreak affect the team?
Have your say on the message board…
Tomorrow we take a look at Newport’s chances…
