It’s Must Win For Rees

Scarlets skipper Matthew Rees makes no bones about what’s required from his side tomorrow night at Parc Y Scarlets.

“We know we've got to win the next three games to stand any chance of making the top four. If we don't make the top four then it's been a disappointing season.”

Speaking to David Williams in The Western Mail today, Rees dismissed the idea that Munster, already qualified for the knock-outs and the semi-final of the Amlin Cup, would be an easy touch given the composition of their side.

“No matter what team Munster put out, it's going to be tough and it will be a big challenge ahead of us.” he said.

“We've put ourselves in a good position with some great wins on the road and at home. The biggest thing for me when I took over as captain was we had to make sure we won our home games.”

“But there are three games that stick out in my mind that cost us a place in the top four as it stands; drawing with Leinster at home in December, losing to Ulster at home and away in Connacht.”

“If we'd won those games we'd probably be sitting pretty in second, as it is we're in a dog fight to get in the top four.”

Rees makes no mention of the narrow defeat to Munster in Musgrave Park, a game he wasn't involved in, but one the Scarlets might have snatched but for Denis Hurley's last gasp tackle on Morgan Stoddart.

Hurley was expected to feature in tomorrow's clash but strained a hamstring in training yesterday and was withdrawn, his place now going to Danny Barnes with Scott Deasy drafted onto the bench.

Meanwhile it was confirmed yesterday that prop Dave Ryan will leave the Munster set up at the end of the season.