Scarlets' Rees set for his biggest test

Nov 8 2007 by Andy Howell, Western Mail

SCARLETS head into their Heineken Cup opener against Clermont Auvergne at Parc des Sports Marcel-Michelin on Sunday with Matthew Rees knowing he faces one of the toughest briefs of his career.

The Wales No 2 will lock horns with one of the best hookers in the world – South Africa’s World Cup-winning captain John Smit or Argentina star Mario Ledesma.

It’s tough brief for 16-times capped Rees, who has played against Ledesma, but has yet to come into contact with Smit.

Should Ledesma start, Rees then faces the prospect of a fresh Smit taking over later. Or vice-versa.

“They are probably two of the best hookers in the world and it will be one of my biggest challenges,” he acknowledged.

“They are both experienced hookers and they have played a lot of rugby. They have both been great leaders for their countries over the years.

“I’ve played against Ledesma, but I haven’t a chance to play against Smit.

“Ledesma is a big guy. He is very physical and gets through a lot of work around the field as well. He is a great leader and he showed in the World Cup his qualities. He was a key member of the Argentine pack.

“He spurred them on and is a great ambassador for them. He’s been there for years and Argentina have built a pack around him.

“Smit has been consistent over the years. He has been their captain for a couple of years and what a captain he has been.

“He is obviously looking for a new challenge coming to Clermont.

“They are lucky to have two hookers of such quality.

“With those two and a lot of other signings they have got to be one of the favourites to lift the Heineken Cup this year.”

Rees knows that much is expected of the Scarlets in Europe again this year after winning their opening six games last season before going down to Leicester at the Walkers Stadium in the semi-finals.

But it will be a difficult afternoon against a Clermont side who have invested in more than just star hookers. They have quality across the field.

“It’s our first game and it’s out there. It’s going to be a tough challenge and the threats Clermont will pose make it a difficult game come Sunday.

“But we had a good run last year and we are hoping to build on that,” said Rees.

“The win over Toulouse last year was my first win in France and that has given us more hope and belief that we can go out and win the pool.

“We proved last year we were up there with the best and it’s exciting times for us again this season.

“As well as that the pressure is on us to reach the quarters, but we won’t be happy unless we achieve that at least.”

Scarlets only injury worry is Wales No 8 Alix Popham, who is suffering from a rib injury picked up in the Scarlets 59-19 EDF Energy Cup victory over Leeds at Stradey Park last Friday.

Meanwhile, France lock Fabien Pelous has he is quitting international rugby with immediate effect.

The Toulouse veteran, whose last game for Les Bleus came against England in the World Cup semi-final last month, amassed a national record 118 caps.

Only Australia scrum-half George Gregan, with 139 caps, has made more international appearances than Pelous.