Peel praise for Scarlets forwards

Apr 19 2007 Simon Thomas, Western Mail

DWAYNE PEEL has delivered a glowing tribute to the Scarlets pack and backed them to get the better of the much-vaunted Leicester forwards in Saturday's huge Heineken Cup showdown.

Scarlets backs like Peel, Regan King, Stephen Jones and Dafydd James have taken most of the plaudits during the Stradey side's fantastic march through to the semi-finals.

But Peel believes the contribution of the Scarlets pack has not been fully recognised and is quick to stress there is much more to the team than just a set of backs.

The Scarlets' expansive, free-wheeling running game has really caught the imagination of fans and pundits alike throughout Europe.

But Wales and Lions scrum-half Peel maintains it has been an absolute pleasure to play behind the Stradey forwards as they have put down the platform for seven straight wins in Europe.

"I challenge anyone to go into any game in Europe this year and see where our pack has been beaten," declared Peel.

"On not one occasion have our forwards been overturned in the tournament this season. We've always had the ball we needed to play with. Against Toulouse home and away we had it and French sides traditionally have strong packs.

"Ulster traditionally have a strong pack as well, but in the rain on a terrible day at Ravenhill our forwards absolutely destroyed theirs.

"It's been a pleasure to play behind our pack this season.

"If you look at our forwards, we've got grunt and we've got some real good ball-handlers who can throw the ball around as well as anyone in the back line.

"Just look back to Scott Macleod's offload for Barry Davies' try against Munster in the quarter-final. Any world-class back would have been proud of that. It was awesome. So we've got great balance there.

"Our pack has been outstanding throughout the year and I am sure it will be like that again against Leicester this weekend."

Peel says there is a real sense of anticipation within the Scarlets camp as they prepare for Saturday's encounter at the Walkers Stadium.

"The semi-final of the Heineken Cup speaks for itself," he said. "It's a massive game for us and one we are really looking forward to.

"Leicester bring a big challenge with their power, but we are confident we can do the job.

"We've played our best rugby by far this season in Europe. We've had a belief in ourselves and each other and that's carried on throughout the tournament.

"We were wary going into the quarter-final against Munster and that put us on edge, but we were confident in our ability. It will be like that against Leicester this weekend."

Peel continued, "Most of the players had last weekend off which was nice after the Six Nations and the big games we've had recently.

"We are fresh and excited, a bit nervous as well, but training has been really positive and we are in a confident mood."

It will be the Scarlets' third appearance in a Heineken Cup semi-final, with the previous two having ended in narrow defeats to Northampton in 2000 and Leicester in 2002.

Peel admitted, "We should have won the two games if you look back at them. But that's gone really. It's a different squad and it's time to make our own history.

"No Welsh region has been to a final yet, but I am sure we can do it.

"We are at our best when we are playing free-flowing rugby and that's what we'll be looking to do.

"It's obviously got to be sensible rugby as well. We need to play intelligently, but if we get the chance we like to throw the ball around a bit."

Some 11,000 Scarlets fans will make the journey to Leicester, with 90 coaches already filled.

"That support will be a big factor for us," said Peel. "It's classed as Leicester's home game and they will have a big following. But, in fairness, wherever we've gone this year we've had great support and that will obviously help."

For Peel, the match will bring him head-to-head with England scrum-half Harry Ellis in what is set to be an intriguing battle within a battle.

"I've played against him a few times and he's obviously playing well at the moment," said the 53-cap Wales star.

"He's a big cog in the Leicester side, so it's important we give him the respect he fully deserves. He's probably played the best rugby of his career this season.

"He's always been an exciting runner but he's played very intelligently this year as well. Obviously, he's a good player. He's England's number one scrum-half at the moment."