The Scarlets claimed their third consecutive bonus-point triumph in the PRO12, with a Welsh derby victory over the Blues, to enhance their play-off credentials.
And Rees reckons the west Wales outfit are capitalising on the momentum brought back by the region’s Six Nations stars.
“It was a lot easier coming back into the club having won the Grand Slam. Every one of us just wanted to get back out onto the field and it has given us some real momentum,” said Rees.
“We were really frustrated at missing out on the play-offs in the last game of last season and that made us realise we had to work hard on our defence. That has paid rich dividends this season and now I think we are good enough and strong enough to challenge for honours.”
With four games to go Scarlets coach Nigel Davies his side have a golden opportunity with Edinburgh and Aironi away followed by Munster and the Blues at home.
But he is looking no further than this weekend’s tricky assignment at Murrayfield.
“We’ve got four huge games left and we just have to concentrate on ourselves. If we win all four, then I think that will be good enough to earn us a Play-Off place,” said Davies.
“Edinburgh is a very difficult place to go and win, although we managed that last year. It is a vitally important game for us. All the remaining games are winnable, but we will have to be on our mettle.”
Andy Fenby played a staring role in the Scarlets victory at Cardiff City Stadium and grabbed two tries in the process.
Davies paid tribute to the centre-cum-wing saying: “The bonus point we picked up at Cardiff could prove vital and it was great to see Andy Fenby pick up his two tries. He is a quality player who has lacked momentum this season because of injuries, but he sniffed out his two chances and took them well.”
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