Despite the 31-17 defeat at Kingsholm on Friday night, the region’s head coach was happy with his side’s performance, especially after half time.
The Scarlets open their league encounter against defending PRO12 champions Leinster at Parc y Scarlets on Friday night, as they look to go one better than last season’s play-off defeat.
And ahead of that game, Easterby was left in a good mood following the second half against Gloucester, one in which Ken Owens and replacement scrum-half Rhodri Williams both added tries.
Easterby said: “There is a lot that we can be encouraged by from our second half performance.
“Our set piece game was excellent both in attack and defence. We probably didn’t achieve as much as we’d like in those situations last season, so we’re pleased to come away with positive outcomes in those positions.
“I think there were a lot of players out there that needed a good hit out and a lot of players that have not played that much rugby for a long time so I’d rather we get a few things wrong this week and learn from them to then put it right for Leinster on Friday night.
“There were too many errors in the first half and while Gloucester played well, we did not help ourselves with far too many turn-overs.
“It was good to see such a big turnaround in the second half.
“We learnt some valuable lessons in our pre-season and as a group we understand when we can be good and what we can achieve when we put sides under pressure.
“When we lose out, it’s often down to our error rather than the opposition enforcing us – so that’s why we’ve worked hard on our ability as a side to have strong leadership across the field and make good decisions under pressure.”
Easterby said it was another positive for the region to see Wales outside half Rhys Priestland back on the field in a Scarlets jersey.
“Rhys looked very sharp and that’s great for us to have him back on the field,” he added.
“It’s been an important factor for Rhys to have a full pre-season with his region which is something the internationals don’t get that often anymore.
“He’s achieved all his scores, he’s feeling confident and he certainly looked it when he came on.”
The Scarlets will today assess the extent of the knee injury to Gareth Maule but otherwise, Easterby’s side have kept a clean bill of health.
