Dafydd sets his sights on that big final glory

Apr 2 2007 Andy Howell, Western Mail

DAFYDD JAMES last night insisted the Scarlets can win their semi-final showdown with Leicester Tigers and make Heineken Cup history.

The Wales and British Lions star increased his record try haul in the crack European tournament to 28 during the Welsh region's 24-15 bashing of holders Munster at a super-charged Stradey Park on Friday night.

And the big winger is adamant the Scarlets have enough firepower to go all the way to next month's final at Twickenham.

James said before this season's tournament kicked off that they had the ammunition to become the first Welsh side to lift the trophy in 12 years of trying.

Although many were stunned by the confidence with which the 31-year-old made his prediction, his words have so far proved correct with a magnificent seven wins in as many attempts.

The Scarlets waltzed through their group unbeaten and sent shock-waves around Europe with their brilliant 15-man demolition job of Munster to leave those lucky enough to have been at Stradey with an indelible memory.

Now it's Leicester following the Tigers' dramatic 21-20 victory over Stade Francais at Welford Road yesterday in the last four.

The clash, which takes places at Leicester City's Walkers Stadium home on April 21, evokes memories of the epic clash between Tigers and the Llanelli club side five years ago in Nottingham.

James recalled, "They had that late, long-range penalty kick by Tim Stimpson. It went over via the crossbar and a post to put us out 13-12.

"I've been fortunate to play in two quarter-finals. We got knocked out by a late penalty against Northampton in Reading in 2000 after Ian Boobyer kicked the ball away.

"This is going to be another big occasion against Leicester, just what I love. These games really get the adrenalin pumping.

"There's a great buzz in the dressing room, but, as our coach Phil Davies and captain Simon Easterby said, 'Beating Munster was one hurdle but we haven't won the race.'

"But we've got fantastic support. When we ran out against Munster the hairs on the back of my neck were standing up.

"The crowd was immense. It's a great competition, close to the Super 14 in standard.

"We must be realistic and try to lift our performance to another level against Leicester.

"It's going to be another fantastic occasion, very passionate and it would be great if we became the first team since Cardiff in 1996 to go through to the final.

"They lost against Toulouse so, if we could go one better, it would be brilliant. But we mustn't get carried away with ourselves, we have to beat Leicester in our semi-final."

Nevertheless, James acknowledged the manner in which the Scarlets have disposed of three-time Heineken kings Toulouse, London Irish, Ulster and Munster has sent confidence levels soaring.

"We just go out and express ourselves. It's what the Scarlets are all about, playing expansive rugby," he stressed.

"To have won seven out of seven is a fantastic achievement and, although there's a long way to go, we could go on and win it. We're upbeat and confident in our ability.

"We have acquired a great scalp in beating Munster, the other sides left will sit up and take notice of us now."

It's one of the great mysteries of the season why experienced finisher James wasn't in Wales' Six Nations squad.

But he did his chances of an international recall no harm at all by dodging Denis Leamy and Christian Cullen before forcing his way over the line for the Scarlets' vital opening try against Munster.

James said, "I'd love to go on the summer tour of Australia and to the World Cup.

"It felt great getting that first try. It was a planned move, but I think Dwayne Peel fluffed his kick.

"I caught it, beat Leamy on the outside and Cullen on the inside and, bang, I was over. I was delighted."

James made a sign with his hands after touching down, explaining, "It was A for Aled. I do it to acknowledge my little boy."

The winner of the Walkers Stadium semi-final showdown will meet Northampton Saints, shock 7-6 winners over last year's finalists Biarritz in San Sebastian yesterday, or London Wasps, who demolished Leinster the previous day, at Twickenham on May 20.