The Scarlets know exactly what is required to continue their journey in Europe this season when they run out at Franklin’s Gardens to take on the top team in England at present, Northampton Saints (Sunday, 18 January – 3.15pm).
A bonus point win at the home of last season’s Investec Champions Cup runners-up will get them into the top four in Pool 4 are earn them a ticket into the Round of 16 in the Champions Cup. A straightforward win will be enough to get them a place in the Round of 16 in the EPCR Challenge Cup.
With all three other Welsh regions through in the Challenge Cup, the Scarlets won’t want to be the odd ones out when the tournament resumes after the Six Nations.
“You have to have belief. If you don’t have belief, you don’t get very far,” said Scarlets’ skipper Josh Macleod.
“We know what needs to be done and we’re going into this game with one goal in mind and that is to win. This club has a rich history of winning, but we haven’t been on the right side of results this season.
“Behind the scenes we are working hard to change that. If everyone is on point and everyone performs, we have more than a fighting chance.
“We have to have that level of belief that in the final 20 minutes we can turn tight games into victories. If you believe you can do it and tell yourself you can do it, then anything is possible.”
Macleod’s rallying call to his players’ mirrors the view of Interim Director of Rugby Nigel Davies, who came into his post last week.
“Mindset and belief are a big thing for us. We have a great opportunity to go up against one of the top teams in Europe,” said Davies.
“Results haven’t gone the way of the Scarlets when games have been close. It’s all about what they believe in because this is a re-set for everything
“Northampton will be hot favourites and are a fantastic team, so we have to make sure we are in the right place to perform. We’ve got some tremendous coaches and players in our group and now it’s about showing what we’re about.”
Wales head coach Steve Tandy will no doubt be delighted to see international outside half Sam Costelow back in action at N0 10 for the Scarlets. His return allows Joe Hawkins to line up in the midfield with Eddie James to take on the England duo of Tommy Freeman and Fraser Dingwall
Wales full back Blair Murray switches to the wing and Ryan Elias starts at hooker. There is a welcome return following suspension for Aussie lock Max Douglas.
Northampton Saints: James Ramm; Edoardo Todaro, Tommy Freeman, Fraser Dingwall (captain), Ollie Sleightholme; Anthony Belleau, Alex Mitchell; Emmanuel Iyogun, Robbie Smith, Trevor Davison, Chunya Munga, JJ van der Mescht, Josh Kemeny, Sam Graham, Henry Pollock
Reps: Craig Wright, Danilo Fischetti, Elliot Millar-Mills, Tom Lockett, Callum Chick, Archie McParland, James Pater, George HendyScarlets: Jac Davies; Ellis Mee, Eddie James, Joe Hawkins, Blair Murray; Sam Costelow, Archie Hughes; Kemsley Mathias, Ryan Elias, Henry Thomas, Max Douglas, Jake Ball, Taine Plumtree, Josh Macleod (captain), Fletcher Anderson
Reps: Marnus van der Merwe, Alec Hepburn, Harri O’Connor, Jarrod Taylor, Dan Davis, Gareth Davies, Macs Page, Tomi Lewis