And Jenkins reckons the knock-on effect of English glory Down Under will take the competition to another level.
“It goes without saying that England’s success makes this the biggest year ever for the Heineken Cup as now we will be facing players who have won the World Cup,” said Jenkins.
“This tournament is now on the same terms as the Super 12 in terms of stature and competition.
“Players, teams and coaches are judged in competitions like this and now we are up against the best in the world. You couldn’t ask for more.
“We are well aware of the size of the task we are facing but we have prepared well and we are ready for Northampton.”
Llanelli are expecting a sell-out crowd of just over 10,000 at Stradey Park for Friday’s clash with only a few tickets remaining.
Meanwhile Jenkins has named as strong a team as he had available with promising full-back Barry Davies the only uncapped player in his starting lineup.
Captain Leigh Davies and Wales wing Mark Jones were both ruled out with knee injuries though have been replaced by Wales World Cup squad member Garan Evans and British Lion Mark Taylor who makes his debut for the region.
Llanelli Scarlets: B Davies; G Evans, M Taylor, M Watkins, S Finau; S Jones, D Peel; I Thomas, R McBryde, J Davies, V Cooper (capt), C Wyatt, D Jones, S Quinnell, S Easterby. Replacements: P John, A Gravelle, A Jones, I Boobyer, M Phillips, G Bowen, T Selley.
