By Peter Ryan – @PeterRyanSports
Now that the first block of URC games is ending, the league table is beginning to take shape.
It has been an exciting couple of weeks to start the season, with many great games showcasing the quality of competition in the URC.
Of course, Leinster, Vodacom Bulls, and Glasgow Warriors look like the frontrunners for the title.
However, the Scarlets have had a productive start to the year and are sitting fifth in the table, putting them in contention for the playoffs.
It will take a lot of work for Dwayne Peel’s side to stay there by the end of the season.
Yet, the squad’s depth is underrated, and they could have the ability to sneak a playoff position come springtime.
Although it is unlikely, with odds of 4/1, it might be worth taking a long shot on the Llanelli-based team.
Scarlets So Far
The Scarlets came into this season with a massive need for improvement. The side had an abysmal 2023/24 season, and there was a lot of pressure on players and coaches alike.
However, there have been positive signs in the initial stages of this year’s campaign. Their first game of the year saw them travel to Italy to take on Benetton, who many tipped to have a solid season.
The Scarlets played hard and secured a solid draw against the Italian opposition. Two tightly contested losses followed against Cardiff and Connacht.
Yet, after an excellent derby win at the Arms Park, Peel’s squad hasn’t looked back, going on a three-game winning streak.
These victories included a dominant performance against Cardiff and a thrilling 30-8 win against Zebre. Most notably, they achieved a massive win against the Bulls on a Friday night in Llanelli.
The Scarlets will encounter their first European opposition once the international break concludes.
They will be looking for a big win against Glasgow on their return, which would go a long way in proving they can compete with the league’s best.
The West Walian organisation aims to build on the momentum from recent victories and cement itself as a genuine playoff contender.
Key Players
Several key players have stepped up significantly for the Scarlets so far this year, and they will need to continue delivering outstanding performances for the team to stay near the top of the table.
The first name that comes to mind is Taine Plumtree. The back-rower is an incredibly versatile talent who should be on the radar of all opposition the Scarlets will face.
He is a dynamic ball carrier who can make hard yards for the team and has the well-rounded skill set typical of modern back-rowers.
His performances in West Wales have earned him a spot in the Wales squad, and many expect him to start the opening game against Fiji.
His standout game this year was against the Bulls, where he received the Man of the Match award. The Scarlets will be hoping for more performances like that throughout the season.
Blair Murray
Blair Murray has been a hidden gem in the Scarlets squad. Murray came over from New Zealand and immediately made an impact Wales.
He can cover most of the backline, but Peel has positioned him on the left wing. The 23-year-old has performed impressively in his first year with the Scarlets, with a try-saving tackle in the capital and an excellent finish in the monumental victory against the Bulls.
Like Plumtree, his performances have earned him a spot in Warren Gatland’s autumn squad, where he appears to be a viable option on the wing.
The sky seems to be the limit for this promising talent, and the Scarlets hope to capitalise on his massive potential.
Ioan Lloyd has provided a calm and composed influence on his team. Coming off his debut year in West Wales, he’s expected to grow even more.
His attacking play is sensational, and the young Welshman isn’t afraid to experiment on the pitch. He is in constant competition for the ten shirt with Sam Costelow, so it remains uncertain if he will wear 10 or 15 on a given match day.
However, he stands out in this promising Scarlets team. This year, his goalkicking is a massive asset, as Lloyd rarely misses a shot at the posts. Lloyd will be crucial for the Scarlets as he orchestrates their play.
What’s Next
As stated before, when club rugby returns, the Scarlets will face a tough challenge, but they will enter the contest filled with confidence.
It is another break from the URC as European rugby gets into the swing of things. The Scarlets will take on Bayonne and Black Lion in the Challenge Cup. These matches will be crucial, providing a platform to test their mettle against European competition and potentially gain momentum for the URC.
Looking at the way the season is unfolding, it might be worth putting some money on the Scarlets to make the playoffs, as they will likely be competing for the lower positions in the top eight.
In the eyes of Peel and his players, the teams they will face in this battle are beatable. The Scarlets are on a roll right now and will look to carry that forward towards the latter part of the season.
For those who like a long shot, the 4/1 odds could provide a decent return if the Scarlets succeed.
READ MORE: Mike Forshaw urges Wales to be ‘aggressors’ against Fiji
