The men from west Wales were beaten by the Irish giants in two crucial games last season, but came out on top this time around thanks to tries from captain Ken Owens and Gareth Davies.
The two Wales internationals, plus team-mates Hadleigh Parkes and Leigh Halfpenny, all had excellent games with hooker Owens named man of the match.
“We’ve had a bit of time in the off season to reflect on last year and we knew we had to improve against Leinster,” said Pivac
“Getting them so early in round two was about showing us how far we’d come and how much work we still needed to do.
“The result is very pleasing first and foremost and we played well in the last 10 minutes even though we conceded a try.”
Scarlets were outscored three tries to two by Leinster – Fergus McFadden, James Lowe and Rhys Ruddock did the damage – but the kicking of the outstanding Halfpenny proved crucial.
Of concern to the Scarlets were the injuries suffered by Wales prop Rob Evans as well as Johnny McNicholl, Josh Macleod and Jake Ball.
Pivac’s men host Benetton – who have won both their games so far against the Dragons and Cardiff Blues to sit top of Conference B – in Llanelli on Saturday.
A further update on the injuries suffered by the Scarlets against Leinster is expected at the region’s press conference on Tuesday morning.
“It was superb stuff for us to get the win and to do it with some casualties in the first half made it all the more pleasing,” Pivac said.
“We’re concerned about the injury count again, but the result is what we were after. We’ve got a proud record at home and we wanted that to continue.
“Our plan in terms of getting people off the bench was disrupted, but everyone got on and did their part so I’m pleased from a squad perspective.
“We’re heading in the right direction even though there is still a lot of work to do.
“Ken is leading from the front with his defensive work, he’s making contacts and winning the ball. He scored a good try, he pretty much ran himself to a standstill, and it was a captain’s knock.
“The players wanted it desperately and I’m pleased for them they got the result. It’s a pass mark for us for the first two games, but to get the win here is fantastic and now we’re back on track.”
