The West Wales region are six points behind Connacht in the race for a seat at Europe’s top table, and are hoping the Cardiff Blues can do them a favour against Pat Lam’s men on Friday night. The Scarlets welcome Leinster to Parc Y Scarlets on Saturday evening with their unbeaten home record on the line.
And Rawlins says a win against the Champions Cup quarter-finalists would put them in good shape to return to the top-tier tournament. He said: “We’ve been concentrating on this block of four Irish games. If we can pick up the win on Saturday we’ll be in a good position for the rest of the season and challenge for the sixth spot.
“I’m enjoying playing rugby for the Scarlets at the moment. Wayne Pivac has given me an opportunity and I’ve got a bit of confidence from that.”
Rawlins has impressed in the absence of Wales lock Jake Ball, who will remain with the Wales squad in preparation for their clash with Ireland on March 13. But the Scarlets do have Rhys Priestland, Gareth Davies and Scott Williams back for the crunch clash. And Rawlins is still adjusting to life in the same side as Wales’ finest.
He said: “When Jake comes back, it’s going to be tough. I’m just hoping I can keep myself in the mix. The best moment I’ve had so far – looking around the pitch and just being on the same pitch with those players was a surreal feeling! I was really nervous before that game in particular because I was starting.”
As for the remainder of the season on a personal note he’d be thrilled to be involved in the Judgement Day battle against Newport Gwent Dragons hooker, and brother-in-law, T Rhys Thomas; “That’s my main hope for rest of season now is that I can get involved in that game to play against him. That would be a special moment if I was able to play against Rhys at the Millennium Stadium.”
