The two Scarlets based sides meet at Church Bank on Saturday (KO 2.30pm) for a place in the final against Pontypridd.
Llanelli are used to Premiership success, edging out Pontypridd in the play-off final to win the title in 2011. Llandovery on the other hand, have been a surprise package this season, upsetting some of the more traditional Premiership superpowers to finish in second place.
And as the two clubs prepare to go head to head for a place in the final, Buchanan knows Llanelli must be at their best to see off the Drovers.
“Llandovery have got quality players so we’ll have to be at our best,” he said.
“When we do that, we are as good as any team in this league. Llandovery have been good value for their position this season – they have got more points than we have and they deserve to have home advantage in the semi-final.
“Although we haven’t been as convincing as in previous years, we have still reached a semi-final and we’re looking forward to it.”
The two sides reached Saturday’s semi-final following a thrilling final day of the regular season. Llandovery’s 43-41 win over Bedwas saw them finish second and meant the Gwent outfit missed out on a first ever play-off place. As a result, Llanelli still qualified for the semi-final despite losing to Pontypridd.
“It’s a local derby and it’s a credit to the Scarlets region that the two teams are in the final,” said Buchanan, who has picked Jordan Williams and Justin James at half back at Church Bank.
“Llandovery beat us in the league earlier in the season so we have a lot to do to reach the final against Pontypridd.
“We’ve had a few injuries but so has everyone and we are as strong as we can be for Saturday, that’s all we can ask for.
“I am looking forward to seeing us play to the level we know we can do. If we do that we can get through to the final.”
While Llandovery have home advantage, they are without Chris Knight and Adam Warren who are with Wales Sevens this weekend.
The loss of both players is a blow but Drovers’ head coach Lyndon Lewis has confidence in the depth of his squad.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity for those boys to play at Twickenham,” he said of Paul John’s selection.
“Obviously it’s a clash between two tournaments and both players would love to be playing in this game. But at the same time, it gives other people an opportunity to impress.”
Despite missing the two Wales men, Lewis has named what looks a strong side on paper. Livewire Wales Under 20 scrum half Rhodri Williams starts as does Scarlets No. 8 Kieran Murphy. Matthew Jacobs and Jack Roberts continue their dangerous centre partnership, one that Bedwas struggled to deal with last time out.
“I think it’s always nice to play at home in front of your own supporters,” said Lewis.
“We’ve got a good side out and a home draw is what we would like.
“Llanelli are always up there in the play-offs each year and they are a very good side. They have a number of professional players and some guys who have represented the Scarlets so it will be a big challenge tomorrow.”
Llandovery: 15 Lee Rees 14 Jake Randall 13 Matthew Jacobs 12 Jack Roberts 11 Aaron Warren 10 James Garland 9 Rhodri Williams,1 Wyn Jones 2 Emyr Phillips 3 Peter Edwards 4 Shaun Jones 5 Bryn Griffiths 6 Phil Day (c) 7 Shaun Miles 8 Kieran Murphy.
Replacements: Andrew Jones, Dorian Williams, Llewelyn Jones, Luke Kendall, Luke Lewis, Richard Brooks, Sam Soul, Howard Thomas.
Llanelli: 15 Dion Jones 14 Kristian Phillips 13 Nic Reynolds 12 Chris Keenan 11 Dale Ford 10 Jordan Williams 9 Justin James, 1 Rhys Thomas 2 Kirby Myhill 3 Aled Hopkins 4 Adam Powell (c) 5 Nathan White 6 Lewis Rawlins 7 Dan Thomas 8 Stuart Leach.
Replacements: Tom Sloane, Craig Hawkins, Jake Ball, Duane Eager, Ryan Jones , Johnny Lewis , Steffan Hughes, Ceri Jones.
