Scarlets can go all the way and win it - O'Gara

Apr 3 2007 Andy Howell, Western Mail

IRELAND star Ronan O'Gara is tipping the Scarlets to follow Munster and become the first Welsh team to be crowned Heineken Cup kings.

The Munster outside-half showered praise on Wales' flag-bearers as he reflected on the European champions being beaten 24-15 at Stradey Park in the quarter-finals.

And O'Gara insisted, "Of course Llanelli can go on to win it.

"They are well capable with quality players all round the pitch and played against us with a lack of fear. I wish them all the best.

"The Scarlets brought a great intensity to the game and they had a hunger we couldn't match.

"There were also crucial scores before half-time, and we couldn't cut back the deficit."

Tries from Dafydd James, Gavin Thomas and Barry Davies swept the Scarlets into a Heineken semi-final against Leicester Tigers.

The tie will be played at Leicester City's 32,500-capacity Walkers Stadium on Saturday, April 21 following the Tigers' nail-biting 21-20 triumph over Stade Francais.

O'Gara believes the Scarlets have the all-round game to trouble Leicester and the winner of the other semi-final between London Wasps and Northampton if they reach the final.

"They deserve a lot of credit. I was impressed but not surprised by them," said the British Lion.

"We dug a very big hole for ourselves and tried to get out, but we could not manage it.

"That is what happens against an unstructured side like the Scarlets, who turned us over and scored at the other end. We kept going all the way but were always second fiddle."

Munster's dream of emulating Leicester to become only the second team to retain the Heineken Cup collapsed during a one-sided opening period when the Scarlets romped into a 17-0 lead.

"We tried hard, but our execution was poor at times," sighed O'Gara. "We turned over the ball and we weren't as sharp as we could have been."

Munster coach Declan Kidney also joined the chorus of approval of the Scarlets' credentials to succeed the Irish province as European champions.

"The Scarlets have won seven out of seven in Europe this season," he said.

"They have momentum and are brimming with confidence.

"They are a skilful side and, while there are still three other good teams left in the tournament, I wouldn't put them too far down the betting list.

"Do they have the ability to win it? I would say they certainly could. They won't be too far away, that's for sure."

Asked why, Kidney replied, "I feel they are very sharp and keep the ball alive well. They manage to keep hold of it for long phases.

"Generally, they were just on top of us the whole time and had a hunger about their work.

"They are very similar to ourselves. Sure, they play the game a little bit differently but their mentality is certainly the same.

"The Scarlets have also been there or thereabouts in the tournament before, so they know what they have got to do.

"They dominated for long periods against us, and we never got close enough to make them feel nervous.

"I always said I would put my hands up if we were beaten by a better team. They were that and I congratulate them."

Scarlets boss Phil Davies last night admitted he's pleased his side have got Leicester, and not Stade Francais in the semi-finals.

"It's going to be a great challenge for us when we go there in three weeks," said the former Wales forward.

"But it's great in one sense going to Leicester because we'll get more support.

"Leicester are a terrific side. They're very physical, they play rugby in a very intense way and they know their way around the field.

"There's great history between the two teams and we haven't been in the semi-final for five years."

The Llanelli club side was beaten 13-12 by Leicester in Nottingham five years ago, the last time a Welsh side made the last four of the Heineken Cup.