Scarlets team to face Ultster @ Ravenhill

Friday Oct 2nd at 1905:-

15 Priestland, 14 Lamont, 13 Maule, 12 Davies, 11 Williams, 10 Jones, 9 Roberts, 1 I Thomas, 2 Rees, 3 R Thomas, 4 Cooper, 5 Reed, 6 Jones, 7 Edwards, 8 Lyons (c)

Replacements: 16 John, 17 Owens, 18 Welch, 19 Turnbull, 20 Pugh, 21 Evans, 22 Higgitt

An interesting selection. Tavis Knoyle misses out through illness after a promising debut and Dominic Day drops to the bench along with Daniel Evans and Ken Owens. It's great to see the Lions back in the team though, a much needed boost in quality.

Priestland moving to Full Back is another interesting move. He did OK there last season with a few run-outs at 15, it could suit him.

Stevo!

What a huge boost it would be to see Stephen Jones back in Scarlet this weekend. The one thing we have sorely missed so far this season is a reliable goal kicker. Just think if we had kicked that conversion at Cardiff last weekend. A kickable penalty followed shortly after but we were 4 points behind.

Jones is also the commander of the backs. Not having a 'controller' at 9 or 10 has meant that much of our game has been extremely disjointed or misguided.

Being a forward myself it's almost soul destroying to put in all the effort only for your ten to give possession away cheaply or to have the chance you have earned for three points kicked wide. Stephen Jones gives you much more consistency if your a forward or a back and is also a solid defender - a real team player.

He showed on the Lions tour how much he can bring to a team. He may not have the 'spark' of a player like James Hook or the flamboyancy of Fredrik Michalak, but I know which 10 I'd rather have on my team. With the Heineken Cup fast approaching, getting Jones on the pitch is a MUST for us!

Cardiff Blues 19 - 15 Scarlets

Totally out muscled I'd say. The Scarlets were beaten by a stronger, more experienced Blues team in a game plagued by errors and bad decision making.

I'm a little confused as to what the Scarlets are trying to achieve with the kicking game being used currently. Last night at the new City of Cardiff Stadium, both Rhys Priestland and Daniel Evans continued to kick possession away without much chance of a chase. The majority of kicks ended up with the Scarlets losing territory, adding to the difficulty of beating a Blues team whose pack was clearly on top.

The Blues started brightest, scoring in the first half through Paul Tito who finished off a lovely move, started by Richard Mustoe. Mustoe broke through an attempted tackle from Johnathon Davies and continued by running over Daniel Evans. A quick sweeping move to get the ball out wide gave Tito the chance to fall over the line.

The Scarlets rallied late in the first half but couldn't break down the Blues. A pattern which continued long into the second half before a dubious David Lyons try rewarded the battling Scarlets' efforts. With hardly any time to breathe it was Rhys Priestland's turn to spot a gap in the Blues defence left by Sam Norton-Knight and ex-Scarlet Gavin Evans. Priestland carved through linking up with Gareth Maule on the way before the scoring pass was given to Johnathon Davies who ran in another superb try.

What was evident to me is that the Scarlets are lacking real firepower up front. Too many time the ball is turned over and there is a clear inability to compete at rucks without the likes of Dafydd Jones and Simon Easterby, the latter leaving the pitch early carrying an injury.

I'm probably more concerned about how our European campaign will go after this match as some of our weaknesses were clearly exposed by a poor Blues team.

Two legends at work.

One of my favourite videos, Scarlets legend Ray Gravell and chef Keith Floyd at Kidwelly RFC. Two people who thoroughly enjoyed what they did and it was great to watch them do so.

Scarlets team v Blues

September 26th 6.30PM @ City of Cardiff Stadium:

Scarlets: 15 Daniel Evans, 14 Sean Lamont, 13 Gareth Maule, 12 Jonathan Davies, 11 Mark Jones (c), 10 Rhys Priestland, 9 Martin Roberts, 1 Iestyn Thomas, 2 Ken Owens, 3 Deacon Manu, 4 Lou Reed,
5 Dominic Day, 6 Simon Easterby, 7 Richie Pugh, 8 David Lyons.

Reps - 16 Phil John, 17 Matthew Rees, 18 Vernon Cooper, 19 Josh Turnbull, 20 Tavis Knoyle, 21 Dan Newton, 22 Lee Williams.

That doesn't give us a whole lot of options if the backs aren't functioning. The halfbacks need strong games here as the forwards are in with a good chance of getting amongst their Blues counterparts.

The Full Moon!

I have to commend Rupert Moon and Paul Sergeant on their work so far down at Parc y Scarlets. Since taking up their positions both have shown a great desire to succeed in their roles and are looking to ensure the Scarlets tradition of being a successful rugby club on and off the field continues.

After playing his part in the glory of the early nineties through to when the Scarlets began 'bearing the flag' for the Welsh in Europe, Moony cemented his place as a Scarlet legend and is now looking to continue that status as a member of the management team.

He now faces the challenge of revitalising an historically lacklustre marketing department at the Scarlets. Getting the 'buzz' back in the region will surely be Moon's main concern as crowd numbers are worryingly low, a knock-on effect from poor performances and possibly a reminder that Scarlets fan like to feel part of the club, something which doesn't seem to have been taken into account in recent seasons.

Sergeant, who made his name in Wales by overlooking a successful period as Chief Executive of the Millennium Stadium, has all the experience necessary to get the best out of the new stadium. Welsh Rugby's jumper connoisseur Sergeant also went onto become general manager of the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Australia before deciding it was time to head back to Wales.

One thing that stands out is the effort both are making to connect with fans again. Both have recently appeared on Scarlet Fever to take part in on-line question and answer sessions, answering openly and honestly any concerns us fans have. Both have also appeared regularly in and around Parc y Scarlets on match days and at organised events, again giving their views on matters important to the people supporting the Scarlets.

It's all a bit too promising if you ask me!

To the Metropolis...

We stand a chance for this one. After a decent start to the season a visit to the new City of Cardiff Stadium has probably come at just the right time. The Blues look quite disinterested in the Magners League at the moment, it will be interesting to see if that lack of momentum comes back to bite them in the early rounds of the Heineken Cup. Harlequins, Sale and Toulouse all play in intense competitions so it will be tough for the Blues from the off.

So, will the Blues up their game now that the Heineken Cup is fast approaching? If so, it will be quite interesting to see how the Scarlets adapt. Although fairly entertaining, the games so far have been rather lacklustre on the whole. A good win v Leinster has been followed by two defeats, at Glasgow and the painful defeat at home to Munster. With Stephen Jones' return imminent and the return of Lions team-mate Matthew Rees to come, can the Scarlets really compete in Europe and can they compete if the Blues decide now is the time to start putting performances together?

I'd suggest that the experience gained so far from the young team should stand the Scarlets in good stead to compete at least. We have a decent squad full of local talent and some experience, not as much as the likes of local rival The Ospreys or the Blues, but still enough so that teams will be taking us seriously and for us to expect a few 'big' wins.

The West Wales Derby

Tomorrow sees Parc y Scarlets host it's first west Wales derby match between the Scarlets and Ospreys. With 11,000 tickets apparently being sold it promises to be a memorable occasion - but possibly for the wrong reasons. Both teams have named relatively weak squads for one reason or another and both have just recorder arguably their worst defeat of the season.

The Ospreys come to y Parc still fresh from the agony of their Thomond Park massacre at the hands of Munster and the Scarlets enter the game after an embarrassing loss to Glasgow on home soil.

The Teams:

Scarlets:

Rhys Priestland; Mark Jones, Jon Davies, Gavin Evans, Daniel Evans; Stephen Jones (capt), Martin Roberts; Phil John, Matthew Rees, Deacon Manu, Vernon Cooper, Dominic Day, Josh Turnbull, Dafydd Jones, David Lyons.

Replacements: Iestyn Thomas, Mahonri Schwalger, Aaron Shingler, Rob McCusker, Gavin Cattle, Lee Williams, Rob Higgitt.

Ospreys:

Gareth Owen; Tommy Bowe, Sonny Parker, Jonathan Spratt, Shane Williams; Dan Biggar, Mike Phillips; Paul James, Richard Hibbard, Cai Griffiths, Filipo Levi, Andy Lloyd, Tom Smith, Marty Holah, Ryan Jones (capt).

Replacements: Huw Bennett, Adam Jones, Alun Wyn Jones, Steve Tandy, Rhys Webb, James Hook, Lee Byrne.

Referee: John Lacey (IRFU)

Both teams appear to have made quite a few questionable selections although I'm sure the players will be looking to improve on recent performances.

Braid signing in Limbo all of a sudden...

Now this is something the Scarlets could probably do without. Whilst Daniel Braid has confirmed his move to Wales it is understood that the Scarlets are yet to have confirmed the signing due to the contracts not being finalised.

Although the signs are promising, with Braid looking very positive about the move, more bad press is not the best marketing tool for the derby at the weekend. The 'national' paper of wales has jumped straight onto the 'Scarlets are a shambles' bandwagon to criticise the situation.

On a more positive note, David Lemi is still being linked to the Scarlets who are reported to be ready to outbid a 'host of English Clubs to secure his services. He'd definitely be a useful addition to our backline which has looked a little stationary of late.

Link 1 Link 2

Croeso Daniel Braid!

The deal to bring Daniel Braid to the Scarlets has finally been agreed. Braid, 28, has revealed that he has signed a deal to bring him to Parc y Scarlets next season seeing him link up with former All-Blacks Regan King and Kees Meeuws. Braid has also revealed that Deacon Manu has been keeping him up-to-date with the latest news from Wales via Facebook. Link

The news gives us fans a huge boost after the disappointment of this season, but maybe, just maybe, it's a sign of more promising things to come. A back-row consisting of Simon Easterby/Dafydd Jones, Daniel Braid and David Lyons has plenty enough to compete in the Heineken Cup. Second-row recruitment must now be a priority as a decent front-five will allow that back-row to cause havoc.

Time for blind optimism once more...

Where do we go from here?

A few sections of the Welsh media will no doubt be enjoying this. One of Wales' stand alone 'regions' struggling to get it right on and off the field. Of course, they'd be right to question the direction of the Scarlets. None of us could guess the next move of what appears to be a shambolic excuse for a professional rugby outfit currently.

In front of yet another disappointing crowd I, along with a few thousand other Scarlets fans, witnessed possibly the worst defeat since professional rugby began in West Wales. It wasn't in terms of the scoreline, but the manner in which the team lost was enough to send home the majority with over 20 minutes still remaining. A chorus of 'boos' sounded around Parc y Scarlets as the team walked off the pitch.

Where was the pride? Where was the commitment? Where was the plan? Most importantly, where do we go from here?

Nigel Davies commented on Scrum V that if we're looking for someone to blame, then blame him. Ultimately, he is the guy responsible for motivating the players, installing the game plan and ensuring that we have the structures in place on the field to eventually win the game. Can he take us forward? By now we should surely be seeing his influence on the team given that he is approaching a full year in charge. As of yet, we haven't seen any positives during his reign.

Unless we sign a few players with the ability to change the way we play then we have to fear for the future of the Scarlets. The recruitment over the last 5 or so years has been diabolical on the whole, wasting money and putting the club in a desperate light.

Off the pitch we're looking more and more amateur as the days go by. Stories of elementary mistakes in the marketing, a business plan which appears to have been out of touch with reality, especially when it comes to pricing structures and to top it all off, we've no idea of who the next CEO will be. If anyone is listening, please give us something to perk us up a bit!

Scarlets team for Glasgow named

Scarlets team to face Glasgow on 4th April 2009 is:

15 Daniel Evans
14 Mark Jones
13 Jon Davies
12 Gavin Evans
11 Dafydd James
10 Stephen Jones (Capt.)
9 Martin Roberts

1 Iestyn Thomas
2 Matthew Rees
3 Deacon Manu
4 Vernon Cooper
5 Dominic Day
6 Josh Turnbull
8 David Lyons
7 Dafydd Jones

Reps - 16 Phil John, 17 Ken Owens, 18 Lou Reed, 19 Rob McCusker, 20 Gavin Cattle, 21 Rhys Priestland, 22 Darren Daniel.

Borat to visit Y Parc?

I have to say I'm fairly happy that the Welsh Under-21's International went well at Parc y Scarlets this week. Wales ran out 5-1 winners against Luxembourg U21's in Parc y Scarlets first ever Football match.

It now looks likely that the 'experiment' will continue as the FAW have shown interest in using the ground for Wales' home friendly v Kazakhstan.

Now, I say I'm 'fairly' happy with this as I'm a passionate rugby fan and am already a little possessive over Y Parc. However, I do enjoy a little round-ball and being a proud Welsh man it's great to see a full international being planned for the ground. Of course, this also means a much needed extra revenue stream is created for the Scarlets and if the rumours are true, we need it.

Interestingly, it may be the first opportunity we get to see the extra seating installed depending on how ticket sales go for the Scarlets v Ospreys game on April 18th.

Yesh Mesh.

Scarlets v Glasgow

At last, our welsh international return from Six Nations Duty - Stephen Jones, Mark Jones, Matthew Rees and Dafydd Jones all return bringing a much needed boost after the news that Simon Easterby will now be injured for most of the season.

Martin Roberts looks set to return after the rib injury he suffered but no news yet on Regan King yet so it looks likely that he'll sit this one out.

Hopefully we'll see Nigel Davies fielding his strongest possible side as a good performance along with a win will help boost the low morale amongst the fans.

This game gives Daniel Evans a big chance if selected at full-back. He's looked dangerous the last few weeks and with Morgan Stoddart out after his horrific injury, Evans has a chance to shine at 15. Definitely one for the future.

Get Braid, not Waugh!

The Scarlets have ruled out a move for Phil Waugh, possibly due to his alleged wage demands being too high. Waugh is still reported to be looking at a move to the Northern Hemisphere and will no doubt be an asset to whichever club he decides on moving to.

The Scarlets must now sign Daniel Braid. He's been impressive at this seasons Super 14 and looks like the type of player the Scarlet back-row have been missing, a clever openside who pops up all over the place.

Braid's stock is rising by the week, if the deal isn't done yet he too could be demanding a good chunk of the salary pot, sign him now!

Richie Pugh is a decent player, but we will not compete with the likes of Munster, Toulouse or even Cardiff Blues if we don't sign some quality.

Gavin Thomas and Simon Maling released.

Looks like the 26-week clause does exist then! The Scarlets have announced the departure of Gavin Thomas and Simon Maling, both have been injured for most of the season. Link

With Gavin Evans also released you'd have to wonder how much money has been freed up to recruit new players. Rumours are gathering pace, the Parc y Scarlets Car Park is filling up and now the money should be available. I say should as you can never tell!

Gavin Thomas has been a great servant over the last few years and an underrated Regional openside. He's had some storming games for the Scarlets and has put in many seasons of consistent work playing 93 games and scoring 9 tries.

For all the promise Simon Maling showed at the beginning of the season he was hit by injury, possibly a combination of wear and tear and a lack of conditioning after his time in Japan. Maling only made 9 appearances, 1 of which was as a replacement and many others ending in injury.

We now have to make sure the money is spent wisely. Rhys Thomas and Richie Pugh are both handy signings but we need a tough second row, an openside capable of turning the game and more cover and class to operate in the backline.

Who will and who won't?

Lots of rumours seem to be gathering pace at the moment, Rhys Thomas has been confirmed and names mentioned being:

• Daniel Braid, who's been in impressive form so far for the Queensland Reds. Seems he'd be a perfect acquisition given that we haven't really seen a 7 play in the Scarlets shirt for a while. Since Gavin Thomas' injury Easterby and Dafydd Jones have filled the 7 shirt, both of whom are more suited to Blind-side. Braid would be in a different league to Thomas.
• In another league again is Phil Waugh. Lots of rumours flying around in the Southern Hemisphere regarding his future but it's more than likely that he'll be costing too much. No doubt he'd be a class act in the Scarlet jersey though. Keep talking to him Lyno!
• Daniel Halangahu, a player who has come to life this season given Kurtley Beale's inconsistent form. Another 'NWQ' but his current form suggests he'd be a good signing. Also reported to have been to Y Parc to watch a game.
• David Lemi, Bristol's dazzling wing, has also been rumoured. It could definitely spark some life into the back line which has looked laboured at times this season.

Each of these would bring much needed depth, along with the youngsters coming through such as Daniel Evans, Jon Davies, who has established himself at 12, Lou Reed, Josh Turnbull and anyone else who fancies putting their hand up for contention!