It has been trying times of late for the West-Walians. Despite showing improvement in spells in their last two URC fixtures against rivals Ospreys and fellow strugglers Dragons it would still be recorded as another two defeats.
What has been hard to take for Scarlets fans, and a frustrating factor for Peel alike has been a lack of a clinical edge in the finishing department.
Several chances were squandered against both Welsh regions whilst on top in spells of games that could have changed the outlook on the standings at the mid-point of what has been an underwhelming campaign.
Next comes a daunting trip to France to play a Clermont side in a match a far cry from the epic 32-30 European quarter-final the two sides played out at Parc y Scarlets nine months ago.
With two defeats in their opening two European fixtures to Castres and Black Lion, the task is very much two wins needed for the Scarlets in their remaining matches and hope results go their way to progress from the group stage.
Whilst the task ahead Peel admits is a difficult one, the former Wales scrum-half believes that his side can be competitive and with the right execution can pull off another upset.
“For us, it’s about going out there and believing we can do the job and compete. We have a good side with a number of internationals,” said Peel.
“There are some areas where I feel we need to improve and execution being one of them. There’s no hiding away from the results have been disappointing.
“Execution is huge in any game; you have to take the points available when you can. That will give the guys an opportunity.
“The Dragons game against the elements I thought we played particularly well in really bad conditions, but when the points were on offer, we didn’t collect them.
“Performance is the big thing for me. We need to get that right, then everything else will follow.
“What we don’t want is for them to go into their shell, we want them to go out and play. That is the message this weekend.
“We haven’t questioned the morale of the group. There are elements of the game which are confidence-based, but morale and work ethic within the group is good. The boys are determined to turn it around.
“We have two difficult games left in this block and then we all have a week away which is needed. It’s important that we finish in the right way.
“My job here is to get the best out of the rugby team and I feel as a group the boys have reacted well and see the results haven’t been where they need to be, but work ethic is what will get us out of it.
“It is a great place for us to go and express ourselves. I want the guys to go out there with belief and play. It is about making sure we are competitive in every area we can be.
“For me, [this game] is about the occasion, Clement is a fantastic place to play rugby at. I was fortunate to play there twice as a player.
“The quarter-final last year was a good game. There was a grandstand finish to that one with Coste [Sam Costelow] slotting the kick for us.
“We are excited by that for sure to gain a bit of energy from the atmosphere generated.
“It is going to be difficult. Their record speaks for itself at home, they have been one of the powerhouses of Europe for many years.
“We will go there to play and want to put our best foot forward and the boys are looking forward to it.”
[Lead image: Scarlets Rugby]
