Scarlets head coach Dwayne Peel is urging his side to seize control of their United Rugby Championship (URC) destiny, as they prepare for a pivotal Welsh derby against the Dragons in Judgement Day at the Principality Stadium on Saturday.
With the play-off race tighter than ever, Peel knows the margins are razor-thin—and that every point could shape the season’s outcome.
“This is an important match for us because it is very, very tight in the table and points are important for all of us with only four games left to play. But there is still all to play for,” he said.
The Scarlets are currently one of three teams locked on 33 points, alongside Ospreys and Connacht.
Above them, the Stormers sit on 35, while Cardiff, Benetton, and Edinburgh hover just one point ahead.
With Ulster and Munster slightly further out of reach, Peel’s side must take matters into their own hands.
“We can still force our way into the play-offs and we know that other teams are going to take points off each other,” he stressed.
“Our destiny is still in our own hands, and that's all we can ask for.”
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After back-to-back slow starts—falling behind 17-0 and 12-0 in quick succession in their last two matches against the Ospreys—Peel is calling for sharper execution from the first whistle.
“The two starts against the Ospreys were disappointing and we have had to adjust certain things in our game plan.
“We understand we have to be better than we have been in the first 10 minutes of matches. There is no panic about it, but we do need to be better.”
The Dragons, meanwhile, welcome back influential lock Ben Carter, who is set to play his first game since recovering from knee and ankle injuries.
It’s a significant boost for the hosts, who are looking to finish their own season with momentum.
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Peel is wary of the threat the Dragons pose, particularly up front.
“They will want to get among us and it's going to be a huge battle at the breakdown.
“They've got a number of Welsh internationals in their ranks and with the likes of Elliot Dee, Aaron Wainwright and Taine Basham in their pack they will definitely be up for it.”
The Scarlets coach is also monitoring the fitness of key personnel. Wing Tommy Rogers has returned to full training after breaking his thumb against Scotland, while fly-half Sam Costelow is also back on the pitch—though his return to action remains uncertain.
“Sam Costelow is also back in training. He's doing well and it will be a late call on whether or not he is able to play this weekend.
“It's probably a little bit too early for him, but it's good to have him back on the pitch. It's important we make sure he is right and confident. When the time is right he will come back in.”
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Peel is keen to see the growth his team has made across the season reflected in their final four matches, which include a tough home fixture against Leinster and a demanding two-game tour in South Africa.
“The next four weeks will be big for us in understanding the growth we have made this season. I wanted the team to be more competitive in every game and we have done that.
“There haven't been too many games in which we haven't been competitive and there are a number we might have won with a bit more luck. That would have put us in a better position.”
While the Scarlets are focused on play-off progression, for the Dragons this match is as much about pride and performance as it is about points.
For Carter, it’s a return he’s long been waiting for.
“I’m excited to be back,” said Carter. “We’ve got four more games and I am glad that my season wasn’t over from that injury.”
“What have we got to lose? Let’s get stuck in.”
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