Munster and Clermont came close but can the Scarlets go one step further and beat the defending champions at Adams Park? Recent signs suggest that it’s very unlikely, but what better way to prove that you’re a team with a lot to offer?
The way Wasps came to Stradey last year and put in a masterful display to consign the Scarlets to bottom place of the group was an indication that the champions could retain the Heineken Cup.
If the Scarlets are to put up a decent fight, then there must be improvements in many areas of their game. Here are just a few that stand out…
Firstly, the silly errors; the festive derbies in Wales were full of intent and grit but lacked any amount of skill or finesse. It’s a given that these games would lose some of the skill given the nature of the derby, but what was on show was quite disappointing from professional players. Contrast that with the Guinness Premiership matches over Christmas and what you would see is that together with the determination and tenacity there was also plenty of talent and ability on show.
The Scarlets always intend to play with style and finesse but what we have seen lately is a dip in skill levels and an increase in frustration. If your going to put Wasps away, you have to take your chances.
Secondly, the Pack: The Scarlets have struggled all season to compete up front and before any other aspect of the game can be criticised, the forwards must play with determination and prove they can compete with the best. Wasps will look to put the pressure on here; if the Scarlets break it could be a long afternoon.
Finally, Ball Carrying: One thing that becomes noticeable when watching the Scarlets is the lack of big ball carriers and how that affects the breaking down of opposition defences. Wasps have arguably the best defence in Europe, if the Scarlets are to breach it, they need to punch holes and draw in tacklers. Recycling the ball quickly from that situation helps capitalise on the advantage of ball carriers as overlaps are created as well as gaps as a defence is stretched.
No doubt Phil Davies is already aware of these things, now lets see it put into action and give us some pride and something to cheer about!
The way Wasps came to Stradey last year and put in a masterful display to consign the Scarlets to bottom place of the group was an indication that the champions could retain the Heineken Cup.
If the Scarlets are to put up a decent fight, then there must be improvements in many areas of their game. Here are just a few that stand out…
Firstly, the silly errors; the festive derbies in Wales were full of intent and grit but lacked any amount of skill or finesse. It’s a given that these games would lose some of the skill given the nature of the derby, but what was on show was quite disappointing from professional players. Contrast that with the Guinness Premiership matches over Christmas and what you would see is that together with the determination and tenacity there was also plenty of talent and ability on show.
The Scarlets always intend to play with style and finesse but what we have seen lately is a dip in skill levels and an increase in frustration. If your going to put Wasps away, you have to take your chances.
Secondly, the Pack: The Scarlets have struggled all season to compete up front and before any other aspect of the game can be criticised, the forwards must play with determination and prove they can compete with the best. Wasps will look to put the pressure on here; if the Scarlets break it could be a long afternoon.
Finally, Ball Carrying: One thing that becomes noticeable when watching the Scarlets is the lack of big ball carriers and how that affects the breaking down of opposition defences. Wasps have arguably the best defence in Europe, if the Scarlets are to breach it, they need to punch holes and draw in tacklers. Recycling the ball quickly from that situation helps capitalise on the advantage of ball carriers as overlaps are created as well as gaps as a defence is stretched.
No doubt Phil Davies is already aware of these things, now lets see it put into action and give us some pride and something to cheer about!
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