The West Wallians face off against Europe’s finest, a star-studded Bordeaux side full of confidence after starting their defence of the Champions Cup with an impressive 46-33 win against South Africa province Bulls in Pretoria.
The hosts boast star French wing-duo Louis Bielle-Biarrey and Damian Penaud amongst their arsenal as well as fly-half Matthieu Jalibert in a squad built with power and pace.
“Playing them at their home is a massive challenge for us. You only have to look at the pace in the back three, they are world-class players,” said Peel in his pre-match conference.
“They were really good [against Bulls]. What Bordeaux have is they have massive depth in their squad. They have power and then pace in the back line as well.
“European juggernaut is a term passed around from time to time, and I think they are one at the minute.
“It poses different challenges for us, but that’s what it is, it’s why European rugby is so special. You get to play against these teams to see where you are at.
“It is an opportunity for us to go there and play our game.
“You can’t delve too much into the footage of Bordeaux. You have to look at what you do well and try and upset them as much as you can.”
The Scarlets come into round two of Europe’s premier competition in fourth position of Pool 4 having narrowly missed out on turning over Bristol last weekend at Parc y Scarlets.
Peel’s side would come agonisingly close in the 17-16 defeat to the English side in a positive display but would only come away with a solitary losing bonus point. Wales wing Louis Rees-Zammit’s second half score settling the match for the visitors.
“I’m disappointed not to get over the line because we created opportunities, applied a lot of pressure, and had a couple where we didn’t execute,” said Peel.
“There is a couple of learnings there, but the effort and quality of the game was high. It was a game that could have gone either way.
“It was a case of should or could have, but top-quality European rugby is cutthroat.
“I was a good game for us and definitely a step forward in the right direction from the last couple of games. I feel we have been building nicely.
“We are starting to see the benefits of some key players who are big for us with the depth of squad we have.
“Having Ryan [Elias] and Marnus [van der Meuwe] as hooking options [has been good]. Ryan has played exceptional over the last couple of games and a standout in the forward pack.
“Having Josh [Macleod] back as captain, Lousi, Jake [Ball] and Max Douglas, who are big players for us, has helped from a performance and leadership perspective.
“Eddie James has come back on fire from his break after having an operation on his back.
“He has worked really hard on his physique and his power and has been a real addition for us in that back line.”
Peel names a side showing eight personnel changes with a combination made from injury issues and rotation.
Tomi Lewis comes in for Tom Rogers, who picked up a groin strain in training, while Ellis Mee continues on the left wing and Jac Davies at full back.
In midfield, Wales international Joe Roberts comes in to partner Eddie James with Johnny Williams sitting the game out because of a calf issue. There is a new half-back partnership of Joe Hawkins and Dane Blacker.
It is all change in the front row with Alec Hepburn, Marnus van der Merwe and Henry Thomas stepping up. Thomas, who made a big impact off the bench against the Bears, replaces the injured Archer Holz, who left the field against Bristol with a neck injury.
At lock, Max Douglas moves up from the back row to partner Jake Ball so skipper Josh Macleod switches to blindside with Dan Davis coming in at openside. Fletcher Anderson continues at number eight.
Among the replacements, there is a return from injury of scrum-half Archie Hughes.
“Archer [Holtz] won’t be available this weekend after being stretchered off in that game. He is up and running, but it’s more precautionary, which is good news,” continued Peel.
“We are still without Taine [Plumtree] and Blair [Murray] this week. Hopefully, they will be back next week.
“We rotated a few of the guys as it is a long block and it’s a real tough and physical game on the weekend.
“I feel we have a bit of an edge about us again. We talk a lot about being here to compete, that is our DNA. If we can be competitive and give ourselves an opportunity in games then I back the squad to go on to deliver.
“Bordeaux is a brilliant place to play rugby. It will be a great atmosphere, a big crowd with lots of Scarlets fans over there as well. I am looking forward to a fantastic occasion.”
Scarlets XV to face Union Bordeaux Bègles:
15 Jac Davies; 14 Tomi Lewis, 13 Joe Roberts, 12 Eddie James, 11 Ellis Mee; 10 Joe Hawkins, 9 Dane Blacker; 1 Alec Hepburn, 2 Marnus van der Merwe, 3 Henry Thomas, 4 Max Douglas, 5 Jake Ball, 6 Josh Macleod (captain), 7 Dan Davis, 8 Fletcher Anderson.
Replacements:
16 Ryan Elias, 17 Kemsley Mathias, 18 Harri O’Connor, 19 Sam Lousi, 20 Jarrod Taylor, 21 Archie Hughes, 22 Sam Costelow, 23 Macs Page.
[Lead image: Scarlets Rugby]
