Peel’s side won only five games in the URC last season, two of which were against their Welsh rivals but after a summer of strong recruitment and the return of several long-term casualties off the treatment table the signs are much more positive of a stronger campaign.
A moral boosting draw in Treviso against last season’s surprise package Benetton showcased more of the attacking flair the west-Wallian faithful would have been used to in past seasons, but the failure to see out the victory would be a bitter disappointed for Peel and the travelling support to take.
The former Wales scrum-half knows though his side are very much still in the work in progress phase but is pleased with the fight shown and is encouraged ahead of a tricky clash against the early leaders.
“We have spoken about building our performance,” said Peel. Pre-season is always a bit mix and match, so the first game is a good one to see where you are.
“We know we have to improve our performance week on week to build momentum.
“We have reviewed areas where we need to improve, we showed flight and good connection to come back and force our way ahead and we feel there is enough to build on going into this week.
“Is there ever a good draw? Being ahead with a couple of minutes to go, it was bitterly disappointing to be denied at the end.
“It is always a work in progress; we have put a lot of work into those areas. It doesn’t happen overnight; it is about mentality and there has been a good buy-in from players.
“We have to keep striving to improve and working hard. We are by no means the finished article in any part of our game.
“We have always had close battles with Cardiff. They will be buoyed from that win against Zebre last weekend, so it is important we are on our mettle.
“Callum Sheedy gives them a different option from 10; Aled [Davies] coming in at nine has a good kicking game and they have always been dangerous on the floor, it is their DNA to contest ball on the floor with players like Thomas Young, Ellis Jenkins and now Dan Thomas.
“It goes without saying, we need to be accurate at the breakdown. It is a big game for us, and we need to impose ourselves on the game.”
“We want to make this a difficult place for teams to come. We are here to compete and compete hard. It is a great place to play, a great track, great stadium and getting the fans behind us is important for momentum.
“Were close to having a few fit and healthy and that is important after a physical game last week.
“I’m looking forward to seeing some guys in action this weekend whilst also rewarding the guys from last week who put in some big shifts there [in Italy].
“We are coming off the back of a very physical game, we need to be mentally and physically ready and hopefully we can have a good result here.”
[Lead image: Scarlets Rugby]
