Club: Scarlets
Last season: 4th
Odds for the title: 5/1
Season opener: home v Dragons, 1st September
Ins
Nathan Brew (Dragons), Adam Eustace (Gloucester), Ben Broster (Saracens), Bruce Douglas (Borders), James Hayter (Harlequins)
Outs
Clive Stuart-Smith (Exeter), Craig Dunlea (Exeter), Barry Davies (Brive), Adam Jones (Dragons), Inoke Afeaki (Grenoble), Jonathan Mills (London Welsh), Aled Gravelle (TBC)
The supporter’s preview
Lifelong Scarlets’ fan Gareth Hunt gives us his predictions for the season ahead
What do you make of Scarlets last term?
Last season was very much geared to the Heineken Cup and that did mean the Magners League seemed to be well down the pecking order. I can see why they did it but it is a shame because the league is supposed to be the bread and butter. By the time we were knocked out of the Heineken Cup while there was a mathematical chance of winning the Magners League it wasn't likely to happen.
So you never really tried?
It’s not that, it’s just I don’t think they were up for it as much and the Heineken Cup was always in the back of their minds. Better players were rested and wrapped in cotton wool and we needed to put a bit more emphasis on the Magners League to have a chance.
How did Phil Davies settle in?
Following Gareth Jenkins was never going to be easy as he was here for a really long time. That said, Davies has brought back the Stradey way of playing. When we had players like Scott Quinnell and Salesi Finau Jenkins would opt for a power-based game rather than flair. But now we’re playing at a much higher tempo with more skill work and Rob Jones has made a huge difference as the backs have been phenomenal. The fitness has been spot so Wayne Proctor must have done a lot of work on the boys.
What about the new signings?
It was disappointing we didn’t sign any major players. Whereas other sides picked up one or two big, big names we’ve got ‘okay’ club players. But then a lot of money is going towards the stadium and that has to be the priority so I do understand why we’ve lacked the money in the transfer market. At least we’ve retained players, which is a big bonus.
You don’t sound too confident about the season ahead?
I’m not as confident this year because of the disappointing signings. We’re in a really tough Heineken Cup group and we might not have the squad for the Magners League so I think the EDF Energy Cup is probably our best bet.
Should the league carry on during the World Cup?
I think the club scene is everything and they need money coming in, so yes. There’s also a lot of rugby to fit in to a season so it has to carry on. The thing is it could make it all a bit of a lottery, you could go to Ospreys during the World Cup and sneak a win, then play them six months later and lose by 60 points!
Do Scarlets have a chance of winning the league?
I’d say no. Probably mid-table but not top three. It’s just getting the depth of squad, even during the World Cup Ospreys have the likes of Justin Marshall, Lee Byrne and Mark Taylor. We’ve got a lot of young guys but need more experienced heads to go with them.
Who will win the Magners League?
I think it probably has to be Ospreys. The Blues will also be there or thereabouts but with Munster and Leinster losing so many to the World Cup, Ospreys should retain the title. I think they’ll have it wrapped up with a few weeks to go.
Dark horses?
Connacht are going to be a team to watch and while they have been the whipping boys they’re an awkward team to play against and I think they’ll sneak up on a few teams this year.
Who will struggle?
I think, bizarrely, it will be Munster. With so many players rested for the Heineken Cup I think they will struggle like they did last year.
Prediction: 5th
Rucked.com prediction: 6th. Should be a front-runner as they have a fantastic first XV but World Cup calls-up will kill off their title hopes
