The current Principality Premiership title holders finished second at the end of the normal league season, one spot above last year’s finish when they bagged away wins at Neath and Pontypridd in order to lift the trophy.
This year, they have earned a home game for the semi-final, something Head of Rugby Anthony Buchanan is pleased about.
“Last year we did it the tough way with two away games, this year we have the advantage of playing at home,” he said. “Parc y Scarlets is a good stadium but I think it’s also a venue opponents like to play due to its quality. It’s good to have the home advantage and hopefully the Scarlets faithful will come out to back us. Neither of us have played for a couple of weeks which might affect the game plan but it’s helped the bumps and bruises and we’re in good shape.
“Ponty won the league and that should not be dismissed in anyway. They won it last year as well which suggests they’re up there in terms of being the top side. But if we want to play Ponty, first we must beat Aberavon, who have had a terrific season, and were just two points behind us. It has been such a competitive season where six clubs could have won the title.
“It’s been great seeing the guys who played for us last year doing so well for the Scarlets. We’ve had a new group this season and they’ve stepped up which is really pleasing. Anyone who has played the required number of matches is available, including the likes of Matt Gilbert and Nic Reynolds. Everything is coming together nicely, it’s a big game.”
Aberavon head coach Simon King said, “I feel we thoroughly deserve to be where we are after a long, hard season, probably the most competitive one there’s been. It’s justice for all the hard work, effort and commitment the boys have put in.
“With one or two results we could have topped the league, but whatever happens we will be able to reflect on an outstanding season. We have beaten Neath twice and Pontypridd twice. We have a tight, committed squad, who have worked hard.
“We’ve enjoyed a good end to the season with seven wins on the bounce. We’ve gone to some tough places and won which is a good indication of where we are. We keep setting targets and reaching them. We were fourth last year and finished third this year so there’s definitely progress.”
“Marc Breeze will be playing in some shape of form. The Blues saw his potential and he has gone on to play regional rugby. We made an agreement that he could come back and represent us.
“We always have good battles with Llanelli. Parc y Scarlets certainly isn’t a bad place to go, it’s 15 against 15 and we have one of the best referees in the world in charge in Nigel Owens. We certainly have no complaints and whatever happens we will shake hands and move on.”
Pontypridd await the winner of this game in the Principality Premiership Play-Off final next Saturday at Sardis Road (KO 7.35pm).
