Jenkins Is Keeping The Pedal To The Metal

There will be no easing off for Llanelli as they move from the dizzy heights of the Heineken Cup semi-final draw this week to a Welsh/Scottish league match at Ebbw Vale on Friday (kick off 19:05).
The Scarlets now know they must travel to England to face auld adversaries Leicester Tigers in the European competition at the end of April, but director of rugby Gareth Jenkins still has one eye on winning the league.
“There is no reason for us to ease off,” said Jenkins.
“The Heineken Cup quarter-final draw has no bearing on the importance of this game for us.
“Although we will be resting our international players because of the demands of the Six Nations, we have a strong squad at Llanelli.
“And we have a strong enough squad to play away at Ebbw Vale and be competitive.”
Gareth Bowen will be flown back from the IRB World 7’s in Aukland by the Welsh Rugby Union to allow Jenkins to rest Wales fly-half Stephen Jones, but the rest of the side have been in preparation to meet the Steelmen for a fortnight.
“We are pleased that Stephen will be allowed to focus his concentration on the international match,” added Jenkins.
“But this is an important away game for us. Ebbw have been in defiant mood at home this season, they have already beaten Cardiff there and we have a difficult task ahead of us.”
Chris Wyatt has confirmed he sprained his ankle against Ireland last weekend, but hopes to be fit and available in time for international selection against France. Garan Evans (ankle) and Ian Boobyer (hamstring) where both ruled out of selection for this weekend, while long term injury victim Mark Jones (knee) is back in training – but Jenkins is taking care not to rush him back to action.