Llanelli Scarlets Season Preview

By Lestyn - 02/09/03
September 2 2003

After failing to impress in the League as a club, will the Scarlets be able to show form similar to that of their Heineken cup runs?

With only one real major addition to his squad, Gareth Jenkins has looked at improving depth more than anything. Even if Mark Taylor is an experienced international, his signing was still was a bit odd with the Scarlets being so strong in the centre department, with Matthew Watkins and captain Leigh Davies forming a dangerous partnership last season.

In the forwards they look as strong as ever with locks James Griffiths and Adam Jones, brought into back up what I rate as the best second row combination in Wales in Vernon Cooper and Chris Wyatt. Both will certainly be out to prove Steve Hansen's World cup Squad selections wrong.

There are however possible concerns in the front row, with John Davies's career nearing it's end and Martyn Madden's genuine lack of fitness they could struggle. Iestyn Thomas will have a lot of weight on his shoulders (pardon the pun), that is unless Phil John can keep his temper under control and fulfil his potential at prop.

McBryde is another who will be sorely missed during the World cup, with only former flanker Aled Gravelle and the underachieving for Leicester player Rhys Williams as back up.

As always Scott Quinnell will lead the charge from the back of the scrum, the mighty Quinn now free of international commitments should be able to add his considerable influence more than in past seasons. A big question mark remains around whether or not Dafydd Jones can cement a place in the back row, even if Jones may be a regular in Steve Hansen's squad, Simon Easterby and Dave Hodges were outstanding in last seasons Heineken cup run. Jenkins may have to rotate, and do so wisely.

With Guy Easterby off to the Zurich Premiership with Rotherham, Dwayne Peel finds new competition for the number nine shirt in Mike Phillips. But Phillips who by his run outs for Wales looks like a far better option than Peel, may not be the only scrum half at Stradey Park to have a chance this season. Dale Burn who was never given a real run at Newport, could be the surprise package.

As the boot of Stephen Jones won't be in action until at least December, Gareth Bowen will find himself at last getting a run at ten. It may come as something of a culture shock to 25 year old, who in the past two seasons has started few meaningful games.

In the three quarters the Scarlets showed a real improvement last season, moving away from the ten man rugby of the past. Matthew Watkins was a real find at outside centre, adding an extra dimension. Mark Taylor may only be a bit part player with Watkins and Leigh Davies going so well. Tall Selley is one to look out for, the Wales sevens player is something of a play maker.

Selesi Finau off with Tonga in the World cup is another who will find his appearances limited, even if he can play in all three quarter positions. He may offer utility, but over the last few seasons he's lacked the consistency to hold down a regular spot. Mark Jones lacked the confidence last season to show the form of a few years ago, but if he can avoid injuring his dodgy knee and last the whole season he may start to exploit defences again.

In Barry Davies and Garan Evans the Scarlets have two effective line breaking full backs, even if Evans does wear the number fourteen jersey him and Davies will act as right and left sided full backs.

My Top XV for the season-

15.B Davies, 14.Evans, 13.Watkins, 12.B Davies, 11.M Jones, 10.S Jones, 9.Phillips, 8.Quinnel, 7.Easterby, 6.D Jones, 5.C Wyatt, 4.V Cooper, 3.J Davies, 2.McBryde, 1.Thomas

Reserves: Burn, Bowen, Finau, Taylor, Hodges, Griffiths, Madden, Williams

During the World cup: The Scarlets won't be as badly affected as first thought, with only the wings being that badly affected.

Verdict: Could be a real threat, unless they have injuries problems up front. As a coach Gareth Jenkins has the ability to get the best out of his players, if he gets the fringe players to perform they could be up there. Possible questions remain on their away form outside Wales. Top third, but the Irish big guns along with the Warriors, could see the Scarlets reach their limitations. - 4th