The Scarlets are in pole position to claim the honours but the Blues and Ospreys are also in with a shout, although they will need results and points difference to go in their favour.
After the first two rounds of double headers, the Scarlets find themselves top of the table having recorded a comfortable 50-0 victory over the Dragons before brushing aside the Ospreys 8-5 in a tight affair.
However, Sunday’s opponents, the Blues, could still have a major say in the final destination of the title. If the Blues can secure victory with a bonus point and deny the Scarlets a single bonus point, the cup could be heading back to Cardiff.
Scarlets Head Coach, Daryl Morgan, is hoping history doesn’t repeat itself after the Blues stunned the Ospreys last season in the final game of the campaign to snatch the honours with a huge upset.
“I’m really excited with the upcoming game this weekend because we as a squad have the opportunity to achieve something we haven’t done since the inaugural regional championship in the 2009-10 season,” he said.
“The squad have played superbly well to put us in the position we’re in at the moment, the performance against the Dragons was outstanding – to come away with a 50-0 win speaks for itself. And to follow that up by beating the Ospreys in what was a really tough physical encounter was possibly even more pleasing. The players really had to front up and show loads of character in that game,” he added.
“Sunday promises to be a fantastic day, hopefully we’ll do enough to pull off a win.”
WRU Rugby Manager for the Blues region, Chris Ower is adamant the title isn’t yet a forgone conclusion.
“The Scarlets are certainly in the driving seat with a two-point lead at the top of the table, plus they hold a favourable points-for difference. However our squad will certainly go out to make life as difficult as possible for them and who knows what will happen?” he said.
“The players, coaches and management are looking forward to this Sunday. Our mantra from the outset has been to be as competitive as possible and to ensure that the players have every opportunity to put themselves in the ‘shop window’ for potential international consideration. It has been very much a transitional season for us, as a number of influential and experienced players who were part of last season’s championship-winning squad have retired or are currently unavailable through injury.
“All the same, this has permitted the ‘blooding’ of new faces into the regional set up and they, alongside Welsh International players Laurie Harries, Jenny Davies, Jenny Hawkins, Robyn Wilkins, Shantelle Millar and Rafiuke Taylor, have improved throughout the process under the excellent coaching provision of Head Coach Nadine Griffiths and Assistant Coaches Liam Scott, Mike Morgan and Stuart Clarke.”
The Dragons are aiming to hoist themselves off the bottom spot when they face the Ospreys. Head coach Gwesyn Price-Jones was encouraged to see an improved performance last week against the Blues after an earlier hiding from the Scarlets.
“After a disappointing performance against the Scarlets, we, as a coaching staff, are extremely pleased with the performance on the weekend against the Blues,” he said.
“The girls played to the game plan we had set out and, but for a few small errors, we possibly could have sneaked a victory at the death and it was pleasing the see the return of Sian Williams who had a huge impact.
“We’re looking forward to this weekend against a strong Ospreys side and hope to build upon a good performance against the Blues.”
Still with an outside chance of gaining the title themselves, the Ospreys are going into their final game with a simple mind-set.
“The message is clear and simple, the tournament is still there to be won,” said Ospreys head coach Alan Flowers.
“We all know how dangerous the Dragons can be and are under no illusions as to how hard the game will be. Our entire focus will be on firstly winning the game.
“We’re looking forward to our final game against the Dragons where the girls will approach it with exactly the same professionalism as the previous games.
“The team will attempt to secure a bonus point and maximise our points difference. This in turn will hopefully keep the pressure on both the Scarlets and the Blues in the final game of the season.”
WRU Women’s Regional Championship
Sunday 11th January, Llandovery RFC
1pm Dragons vs Ospreys
3pm Scarlets vs Blues
