In a match-up between 10th and 12th in standings, the match provides Peel’s side with an opportunity to boost their play-off hopes and build momentum ahead of three Welsh derby matches -two against the Ospreys (one in Europe) and a trip to Newport to face rock-bottom Dragons at Rodney Parade.
Parc y Scarlets has been somewhat of a fortress in recent months with the last six won on the bounce in Llanelli since a 24-23 defeat to Connacht back in October.
With just three points separating Cardiff in sixth place and Benetton in 13th, Peel is under no illusions as to how important getting results in front of their own fans will be to achieving a place in the top eight at the end of the season.
“Looking at the squad Stormers have picked, it’s going to be a good test. They are bringing a full crew so it will be a good challenge for us.
“This is a big game. It’s pretty key really that we pick up points in these next two games. It’s the team who can string two or three wins together quickly will find themselves in the playoffs and stay there.
We have got three home games and home support is going to be huge. Our record at home this year has been strong. We have got to target our home games first. We will go hard at that. Picking up points early is important.”
“If you can get on a bit of a roll, you can easily find yourself in the top five, top six. We are right in the hunt. It’s in our hands I believe.
Looking to bounce back from the late 30-28 defeat in Belfast against Ulster on St David’s day, Peel says all the Scarlets Wales contingent will be available for selection with the exception of wing Tom Rogers out with a broken thumb suffered against Scotland a fortnight ago.
Blair Murray, Ellis Mee, and Joe Roberts all started last weekend’s Six Nations hammering by England in Cardiff but will be available to play the South African province along with Henry Thomas and Taine Plumtree who were not selected.
“They are all in contention. They were all very keen to come back into contention,” said Peel in his pre-match conference.
“It’s good from my perspective that they want to come back and play and are very enthusiastic about taking the field.
“We didn’t have to have too much of a conversation with them. It was more ‘yeah we are ready to go, we realise it’s an important month’.
“For me, as a coach, it’s great to have that. I am proud that they are thinking that way, that they want to come back and represent and put their best foot forward.
“We had everyone back in on Monday and had a barbecue in the afternoon just to make sure we are all coming together again for the business end of the season. We recognise they are a bit beat up from the game at the weekend. It’s about making them feel we are here for them.”
Captain Josh Macleod also comes back into the squad, but the game will come too soon for fly-half Sam Costelow who is closing in on a return from a collarbone injury.
“It’s good to have Josh [Macleod] back, we have missed him the last two games with his leadership and his form this season,” continued Peel.
“When he has played, it is not just about his performance, he lifts the players around him, he demands high standards. It is good to have him back in the fold.”
“He [Sam Costelow] is back in training, albeit non-contact at the minute.
“We have to wait until the bone heals. He is passing, running, and kicking ok. The next step is contact and weight bearing, things like falling over believe it or not.
“We won’t be taking any risks with him, when he is ready, he is ready.”
[Lead image: Scarlets Rugby]
