As the battle for the URC play-offs intensifies, Scarlets head coach Dwayne Peel chatted to the media ahead of Saturday’s crucial clash against the DHL Stormers.
How are the Wales players, are they in contention for Saturday?
DP: “They are all in contention. They were all very keen to come back into contention. It’s good from my perspective that they want to come back and play and are very enthusiastic about taking the field. We didn’t have to have too much of a conversation with them. It was more ‘yeah we are ready to go, we realise it’s an important month’. For me as a coach it’s great to have that. I am proud that they are thinking that way, that they want to come back and represent and put their best foot forward.”
“We had everyone back in on Monday and had a barbecue in the afternoon just to make sure we are all coming together again for the business end of the season. We recognise they are a bit beat up from the game at the weekend. It’s about making them feel we are here for them.”
Is Josh Macleod available?
DP: “Yes, it’s good to have Josh back, we have missed him the last two games with his leadership and his form this season. When he has played it is not just about his performance, he lifts the players around him, he demands high standards. It is good to have him back in the fold.”
What’s the latest on Max Douglas?
DP: “Max had a dislocated shoulder against Ulster. We are just waiting on surgical opinion. He is pretty sore at the minute. He won’t be available in the short to medium term I’d say. It’s probably unlikely (he will play this season).”
How close is Sam Costelow to returning?
DP: “He is back in training, albeit non-contact at the minute. We have to wait until the bone heals. He is passing, running, kicking, the next step is contact and weight bearing, things like falling over believe it or not. We won’t be taking any risks with him, when he is ready, he is ready.”
How important is Saturday’s game?
DP: “We have three games at home in this block and two big games coming for us. If you can get on a bit of a roll, you can easily find yourself in the top five, top six. We are right in the hunt. It’s in our hands I believe.
“This is a big game. It’s pretty key really that we pick up points in these next two games. It’s the team who can string two, three wins together quickly will find themselves in the play-offs and stay there.
“Looking at the squad Stormers have picked, it’s going to be a good test. They are bringing a full crew so it will be a good challenge for us. We have got three home games and home support is going to be huge. Our record at home this year has been strong. We have got to target our home games first. We will go hard at that. Picking up points early is important.”
You have announced the signing of Joe Hawkins, what will he bring to the Scarlets?
DP: “It’s a statement for us that we want to create competition in our squad. Joe is desperate to get back to Wales to play and he adds to the talented backs we have here.
“He has the ability to play 10 and 12. He hasn’t played that much 10 but we see him as a genuine ball player there. You also forget how big he is. I think he will add nicely to the balance we have in the backline.”