Dafydd has plans to topple Tigers

Apr 19 2007 By South Wales Echo

Dafydd James is already established as a Heineken Cup record-breaker - but his sights are set on another landmark feat this weekend.

Wales international James has scored more tries than any other player in the tournament's history, claiming 28 touchdowns from 57 appearances.

The Llanelli Scarlets wing, though, would probably sacrifice that significant personal achievement on Saturday for a place in this season's Heineken Cup final against Wasps or Northampton.

But Llanelli must overcome a significant semi-final hurdle, with twice European champions and this season's trophy-treble chasers Leicester standing in their way at Walkers Stadium.

The Scarlets have twice failed at the same stage, suffering agonising last-gasp defeats against Northampton in 2000 and Leicester two years later. Each time, their conquerors went on to lift the trophy.

James, whose Heineken try tally has been amassed for five different teams - Llanelli, Pontypridd, Bridgend, Harlequins and Celtic Warriors - was part of the Scarlets side edged out 31-28 by Northampton at Reading's Madejski Stadium.

He said: 'I remember we gave away a silly penalty that allowed Paul Grayson to step up and slot the goal.

'With the Leicester semi-final two years later, that does mean we hope it is third time lucky for us, but we don't dwell on the past.

'This is the crucial part of the competition where you get no second chances. It is winner takes all, but if you want to win the title you have to beat the best.

'We beat defending champions Munster in the quarter-finals, and now we have to go one step further against a side who have a great European pedigree, appearing in three finals and winning the Heineken Cup twice.'