Scarlets have a magnificent chance of retaining league crown
Historic title success
The Welsh region enjoyed historic success last season, winning the Pro12 for the first time in 13 years. Finally, the hope of domestic triumph was duly answered last term with several resounding performances. Their 46-22 victory against Munster in the Grand Final was the pinnacle of a campaign in which Llanelli produced adept rugby. Over recent seasons, Scarlets have established a reputation for providing some of the most tantalising and free-flowing rugby in the division, a style of play that irrefutably paid dividends last term.
Nonetheless, the league itself has undergone amendments over the summer period. The inception of two South Africa teams to the league is well renowned, the Cheetahs and the Southern Kings have been instituted as Pro14 teams. Those placed in the upper echelons of the division have insinuated that more arrivals could be welcomed in the not too distant future, meaning an increased fixture list, more travel and greater competition.
Scarlets registered a magnificent total of 72 points over the duration of two playoff fixtures, and they’ve started the new term with the same attacking dynamism that characterised their indelible success last campaign. The West Walian team have already amassed 98 points during their first two games, which included an unrelenting 57-10 thrashing of the Southern Kings. While their attacking might is tangible for all to admire, their defensive qualities have been equally impressive. In their opening two games of the season, they’ve only conceded 20 points – a figure that is demonstrative of their capacity to retain their crown.
Potential summer concerns negated
Despite this undeniably constructive start to the new season, there was ample and justified cause for concern with noticeable departures over the summer period. Liam Williams – who had engraved his name into Scarlets folklore during his six years with the club – opted to seek pastures new in the form of English giants Saracens. Additionally, the experienced D. T. H. van der Merwe transferred to the Newcastle Falcons.
Nonetheless, Scarlets’ recruitment policy has seemingly addressed and negated the effects of these departures. Most notably, the addition of Leigh Halfpenny is a significant coup. When fully fit and exerting his creative talents, he is, without doubt, one of the most proficient fullbacks in world rugby. Additionally, his kicking game provides yet another dimension to the Scarlets attack. Wayne Pivac’s side now flaunts two of the division’s most capable kickers in the form of Rhys Patchell and Leigh Halfpenny. While facing the more forbidding teams in the Pro 14, the talent of their kickers could prove to be exceedingly beneficial.
The perfect mix of youth and experience
Scarlets have been very shrewd in with their acquisitions, opting to prioritise versatility over any other trait as a productive method of augmenting squad depth and providing invaluable competition to recognised starters. Tom Prydie can operate as a winger or at full-back, Paul Asquith has attained the experience of featuring as a centre, winger or at full-back.
In addition to their transfer proceedings, the welsh club flaunts a proud and treasured history of promoting academy graduates. One notable example who can attest to the success of Scarlets’ academy is Steff Evans, who scored the most tries in the division last season with a total of eleven. The success isn’t solely applicable to the backs either; hooker Ryan Elias enjoyed a tremendous breakthrough last season as did prop Wyn Jones who has become highly regarded for his terrific ability at the breakdown.
This current Scarlets squad is endowed with seasoned internationals, and youthful exuberance and this is derived from their tremendous ability to develop and nurture homegrown talent while also making astute signings.
While looking through the teams in the Pro14, it’s hard to find a team that has such an exciting backline as the Pro12 champions. The telepathic relationship that Jonathan Davies and Scott Williams share is cause for excitement, while the experience and class of Gareth Davies, Rhys Patchell and Leigh Halfpenny will be of great significance this season.
In defence, John Barclay will continue to thrive with his refined defensive quality and treasured experience, while the know-how of Rob Evans, Samson Lee, Jake Ball, and Aaron Shingler will be of exceeding utility to their title hopes.
Scarlets had the second best defensive record in the league last season, and if they can maintain that defensive poise and prolong their destructive attacking performances, there is no reason why they cannot record successive title triumphs. The Bookies have the Welsh team at 5/1 to retain their league crown; it could be a very fruitful bet!
