Scarlets need seven victories

Feb 28 2008 by Our Correspondent, Western Mail

THE Scarlets have been told they must to win all their remaining seven matches if the Magners League title is going to head to Stradey Park in May.

That bid for a 100 per cent winning finish starts for second-placed Scarlets against resurgent Ulster at Ravenhill tomorrow with the region’s assistant coach Robert Jones insisting only a magnificent seven victories will do as they attempt to make up the six points between them and leaders Leinster.

“We have got seven games and, if we really want to win this competition, we have got to win all seven,” Jones said.

“I don’t think it’s a case of being able to go into any of these games thinking we can afford to lose one. We have got to win every game. Every game matters.

“Europe has been a massive disappointment and an emotional drain on everyone, but that’s been pushed out of the way. It’s gone.

“There is a focus on winning these remaining matches because we are in with a shout for some silverware.

“That win against Glasgow has put us back on track and, as far as the disappointments of Europe are concerned, I think we have come out the other side.

“We were in desperate need of a mental and physical break after Europe and we had that before coming back and refocusing. Although we have had only one game back, it has put us on the right footing.”

The Scarlets are helped that four of their seven remaining games are at home – to the Blues, leaders Leinster, Munster and Edinburgh.

“We have also got the Blues and Glasgow away, but this Ulster game is going to be our toughest,” warned Jones.

“They have got a new coach in Matt Williams and it’s a honeymoon period where players raise their levels.

“Ulster have been a different side since Matt Williams took over.

“They have grown in confidence after going through a bad period earlier in the season.

“With the same players they have managed to turn it around. The win against the Dragons (38-13) shows that they have made a huge improvement in a short space of time.”