The Scarlets fell to a 38-16 defeat to Leo Cullen’s side in last months Champions Cup semi-final but have responded by thrashing the Cheetahs and Glasgow in the PRO14 play-off’s. And they will have another crack at Leinster this weekend in Dublin as they look to defend their Guinness PRO14 crown.
“Leinster are a very very good side,” said Pivac.
“We only have to look back to our semi-final where we were completely outplayed. They’ve gone on to be crowned European champions and deservedly so.
“We are expecting a massive game. It’s a massive challenge for us but I think it’s a great game.
“Last year’s PRO12 champions up against the European champions. If you want to win it you want to beat the best and we are going to get that opportunity this weekend.
“We’ve just got to make sure that we bring the physicality that was lacking in that semi-final and make sure we are in the contest for longer periods than we were. We have to fire some shots it’s as simple as that.”
Despite facing the reigning European champions Pivac believes his side do have capability of becoming the first Welsh region to win back to back PRO14 crowns. And the west Walians are set to be boosted by the return to action of Wales and British & Irish Lions full back Leigh Halfpenny while Rob Evans has been passed fit after leaving the field injured against Glasgow.
“It’s been a successful season where we’ve only had one poor game this year so we think we are playing some good rugby as well,” said Pivac.
“I’d be surprise if the boys don’t make a better fist of it than the last time we’ve played. We’ve come through that run in Europe as well as the PRO14 and I think that we are in a stronger mental state than we were in this time last year.”
