In what looks like the most competitive of the three Pools, the Scarlets face up against their Anglo-Welsh rivals knowing that victory in the West Country could put them one foot into the knockout phase of this year’s competition.
Lying in third position, and level on points with Edinburgh and RC Vannes – a side they face off against at Parc y Scarlets next weekend, the West Wallians hopes of progression are in their own hands as they enter their penultimate group fixture.
Having convincingly dispatched the Georgians of Black Lion last time out Peel feels the game will provide a good opportunity to see how far his side have come this season.
“It’s a good measure for us to see where we are at this year,” said the Scarlets head coach at his pre-match conference.
“I think an Anglo-Welsh game with one of the West Country teams is always great and adds a bit of spice.
“We have been competitive but going away to a place like Kingsholm and performing well there would be awesome.
“We have a really competitive Pool in Europe, so picking up points is important. If you can get points on the road, it is invaluable as it always has been in many ways.
“It’s a special place to play rugby, the atmosphere is always really good there.
“You get called as many names under the sun and if you make an error you know about it. They are a passionate rugby crowd.
“They will be after us undoubtedly, but that’s why you play. I have spoken to a lot of the younger boys, and this is going to be a great experience for them.
“It a good challenge for us to go up there, it’s Europe and it is always an exciting time for us and our fans.
Young centre Macs Page has been handed his first European start with the Wales U20 international one of six changes to the side that beat Dragons on New Year’s Day.
With Tom Rogers ruled out with a groin issue, Ioan Lloyd slots in at full-back. Blair Murray and Ellis Mee continue on the wings.
Page links up with Eddie James in a youthful midfield. Joe Roberts provides cover from the bench; Johnny Williams is absent with a foot injury.
At half-back, another home-grown young talent, Archie Hughes, gets the nod at scrum-half, partnering Wales international Sam Costelow.
Up front, Kemsley Mathias is recalled to the loose-head berth and is joined in the front row by Marnus van der Merwe and Henry Thomas.
Former Gloucester lock Alex Craig partners Max Douglas in the second row, while in the back row, Tonga international Vaea Fifita returns to the number eight shirt with Taine Plumtree switching to blindside flanker. Josh Macleod skippers the side.
The bench includes tight-head prop Gabe Hawley, who is set for his tournament debut.
“Ryan [Elias] won’t be right this week. It’s a neck/shoulder issue,” explained Peel.
“He took some part in training today which is good to see, but he won’t be ready for this week and probably next week as well.
“Ryan is a big part culturally with the club and is a leader within the group. He put 100% into everything he does, and we will miss him undoubtedly.
“It’s a big loss from a leadership perspective because he brings that a lot, but it is an opportunity for everyone else to get time.
“The sooner we get him back though the better, he is a big part of what we are about.
“We have Marnus [Van de Merwe] who has been going well. He is a physical animal and a competitive rugby player. That’s what we liked about him when we looked at him.
“We wanted players that cross the game line for us, and he is definitely one that can do that.
“We also have some guys chomping at the bit who come in.”
Speaking on the threat Gloucester will pose on the Scarlets, Peel feels for his side to be competitive in the game it will be crucial to deny the opposition time on the ball and in particular neutralising playmaker Tomos Williams in the English sides expansive style of play.
“The pressure game is going to be really important for us. The way we handle that aspect and not give them time [on the ball] is key,” continued Peel.
“They have been going well of late and are a team that likes to throw the ball around and have changed their style of play a bit this year.
“They want to play from both parts of the field. If you think back a few years they were very kick dominated, box chase ad had abrasive forwards.
“Now they have the chance their style where they want to play with ambition and ball in hand.
“They played Sale last week who have arguably one of the best defenses in the [Gallagher] Premiership and they managed to cut them at times.
“We’ve played against Tomos [Williams] enough to know that if you give him time and space he can be as creative as anyone.
“Skill-wise, he is a top end player. He sees the space and has a new lease of energy this year.
“Gloucester’s style of play helps him because they shift the ball quite a bit and he is able to orchestrate that. The key is to cut down time and space with someone like him. If you give him too much room, he is a top end player and he will punish you.
“Something we have been good at this year is turnover and our defensive position. That will be the challenge, can we reproduce that this week.
“In transition, we have been quite good and finished opportunities against the Dragons, against the Ospreys we created but didn’t finish them.
“Ultimately, that may be the crux of the game.”
Scarlets XV to play Gloucester
15 Ioan Lloyd, 14 Ellis Mee, 13 Macs Page, 12 Eddie James, 11 Blair Murray; 10 Sam Costelow, 9 Archie Hughes
1 Kemsley Mathias, 2 Marnus van der Merwe, 3 Henry Thomas, 4 Alex Craig, 5 Max Douglas, 6 Taine Plumtree, 7 Josh Macleod (captain), 8 Vaea Fifita.
Replacements:
16 Shaun Evans, 17 Alec Hepburn, 18 Gabe Hawley, 19 Sam Lousi, 20 Jarrod Taylor, 21 Gareth Davies, 22 Joe Roberts, 23 Ioan Nicholas.
[Lead image: Scarlets Rugby]
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