It has been seven years since the 2017 champions last made the knockout phase, where the Irish province triumphed over the West Wallians in the final 40-32.
Much has changed since then, and after a few seasons in transition, the Scarlets new young crop of players have become a tougher nut to crack.
The West Wallians became only the second side this season to beat Saturday’s visitors, just a month ago, 35-22 at Parc y Scarlets. A win that in part helped seal their place in the top-eight end-of-season standings.
After coming through a spirited tour of South Africa, which won many an admirer, Wales flanker Macleod now feels that, despite coming across a Leinster side at full strength on their own patch, his teammates are ready to inflict another scalp on the heavyweights.
“This season has had its ups and downs, but the team is peaking just at the right time,” said Macleod to the media.
“There is a good buzz around the place, and it is really nice to see. We have built throughout the season and have had some good wins at the tail end, the Leinster one was nice.
“One thing I will say, the tightness, the bond within the group is one I haven’t experienced for a good couple of years.
“We have had a lot of mouldable youngsters who have come on board and seriously impacted the club, they are a cracking group who are continually evolving and willing to learn.
“We also have senior guys who are willing to help and open to learn as well. From a cultural perspective, it is one of the strongest teams I have been part of.
“We are in a quarter-final, so something has clicked. We are expecting a bigger challenge in terms of personnel, but the confidence is good, there is no complacency.
Leinster will welcome back several first-teamers missing from the meeting in Llanelli after the Irish side rested ahead of their European commitments.
A defiant Macleod feels despite facing a daunting challenge Scarlets are building by the day and are relishing a one-off contest.
“We know Leinster are going to be a different animal, we are preparing for that, but we have built nicely as well,” continued the Scarlets skipper.
“We have a changing room that is willing to fight for each other and when you get to the quarter-finals who knows what can happen.
“I think this group thrives when there is a little bit of anxiety around the game in terms of the level of opposition.
“We have shown in the big games this season with scalps against top teams, when there is a little anxiety in the background boys know they have to go the extra mile, and Saturday will be no different.
“When you get into knockouts, defences win you championships and we need to be there. Attack is not really my forte, but if we can score another 35 points it will go a long way to winning the game.
“We will be positive and have a gameplan that we have installed, and yes, we do know, that come the 80 minutes we are going to have to score that three four, five tries in order to beat them.”
[Lead image: Scarlets Rugby]
Discover more from Swansea Bay News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
