Scarlets Coming To Play

“We’re not going to go there to hide. We’re going there to play.” That’s the promise from Scarlets coach Nigel Davies ahead of his side’s RaboDirect PRO12 clash with Munster at Musgrave Park tomorrow night (7.45pm).

In their opening game Scarlets did a number on Aironi, albeit without getting the bonus point, before slipping to a narrow but surprising loss (13-11) to Connacht in Galway. “We're disappointed that we lost a game,” Davies says, “that for the large part we were in control of.”

“We created a lot of opportunities. What we didn't do really is identify them and take our chances when they arose.

“I thought our forwards went well again. The set piece went well again They gave us the opportunity to get more points. But unfortunately, we lacked cohesion and communication as a side and because of that we didn't take our opportunities.”

“That meant the game was always swinging in the balance and would always be decided by a decision or two whether that be by the referee or the players. And that was how it proved to be. I thought the referee did well in fairness overall. But sometimes 50/50 calls can sometimes make the difference.”

“Because we hadn't taken our opportunities and because we hadn't managed our own fate properly ultimately that's what made the difference.”

“The difference between Munster and teams like ourselves at the moment is that belief. And they believe that every time they go out on the park they can win. It's an area we focussed on this year.

“They've won their last eleven, twelve games in the League. I think they've beaten us the last eleven occasions we've played them, so the pressure's all on them.” he says with with a laugh and mischievous grin.

Warming to the subject he continues, “It's what Munster have. Absolutely. It's a mental attitude. Its that belief that regardless of whatever happens they can come back and they can win games.” 

“We always played very well competitively against Munster sides and I expect the same this week but what we have to do is nail those key moments as they arise and have the confidence to go and play there.”

“I think this group realise that. They've been competitive in all the fixtures they've played. We've gotta start winning these tight games and no better place to try and do it.”

“Where Munster are very good, they do have a lot of strength in depth, a lot of experience in that depth as well. That why they'll still be very competitive at this phase of the season.  But it's a great challenge for us. We haven't been successful against them for a long long time. But I firmly believe we'll always be competitive against them so its really about just getting it right on the day again.”

“We're not going to go there to hide. We're going there to play.”