Dwayne Peel intends to undermine the case for two-tier funding in Welsh rugby by overcoming Leinster in the United Rugby Championship play-offs this weekend.
The Scarlets coach has already made the Welsh Rugby Union’s plan for reduced funding for his region next season look nonsensical by being the only one of the four regions to reach the knockout stages.
Now, Peel aims to make the WRU’s knee-jerk plan to give the Dragons more money (£6.5m) than the Scarlets (£4.5m) next season and beyond look even more ridiculous.
Peel knows that when it comes to on-field playing success over both recent years in the domestic league – and over the long-term history of regional rugby since 2003 – the Scarlets and the Ospreys are a long way ahead of both Cardiff and the Dragons.
The only way the Union can claim the Dragons, who managed one win all season, tick more boxes than the Scarlets is to place other factors – such as population, commercial potential, proximity to a major airport etc – above actually winning matches.
“I think that there are a lot of things that will come into that meritocracy argument, I'm sure,” said Peel, whose team will bid for a place in the semi-finals in Dublin on Saturday afternoon.
“For us, we're a proud region and rugby means a lot to the people of our community. And I think that if there's anything that we can do to improve our argument - to highlight it - that is performing on the field.
“That undoubtedly carries weight. It's about us representing this great club and region, really doing it to the best of our ability, and putting our best foot forward.
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“That's all we can do as staff and players. For me, that has always been a big part of our culture. That has always been a big part of why we play the game here.
“For me, it was a big part of why I wanted to come back. I've I loved it as a player and I’ve loved being part of it as a coach as well.
“So I think that it’s about representing this region to the best of our ability.
“If we can go as far as we can in this competition, then that highlights what it means to us as a group, and what it means to our fanbase and stakeholders.”
Regardless of the off-field arguments, the Scarlets were the only Welsh region to make the top eight of the URC.
Their reward for finishing eighth is a trip to face Leinster, who finished eight points clear of the Bulls at the top of the table.
The Scarlets beat Leinster 35-22 only a month ago at Parc y Scarlets, but that was an Irish team without a number of rested key players.
This time, Leinster will be at full strength and doubly determined to make the final after their exit from the European Champions Cup at the semi-final stage following a home defeat against Northampton.
Former Wales scrum-half Gareth Davies became the Scarlets’ record league tryscorer when he went over for the first of four tries in the clash between the teams in April.
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But the veteran No.9 is likely to be missing this time due to a rib injury suffered playing against the Lions in South Africa 10 days ago.
That will mean a chance at half-back for youngster Archie Hughes and Peel insists he has full faith in the 22-year-old.
“He (Davies) is going to struggle to make it this weekend, to be honest,” added Peel.
“He's been phenomenal this year. I think he's played the most this year since he's joined.
“At the young age of 34, he's been an outstanding operator for us this year.
“But I think Archie has proven his worth over the last two games for us. That's exciting for me.
“Archie coming on against the Lions, we were in a tough spot when he came on and it was a big, big, big game for him.
“Against the Sharks as well, he showed he's got the quality. It bodes well for the future.
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“We've spoken a lot about Archie in the last two years and he's taken his time this season. We've seen some steady growth in his game and these last two weeks, he's been excellent for us.”
Peel is hopeful that Wales centre Johnny Williams will soon sign a new contract with the region.
Williams has won a recall to the Wales squad for the summer tour to Japan, but is out of contract at the end of the season.
"We're having some positive conversations with Johnny," said Peel.
"Hopefully, there'll be some good news shortly. When that's ready, the club will release."
