Dwayne Peel has been upfront and direct; the Scarlets understand the significant challenge they face in Bordeaux.
Prior to their Investec Champions Cup second-round encounter against the reigning title holders, Union Bordeaux Bègles, Peel openly acknowledged the immense task, especially after making adjustments to his squad subsequent to their close loss against Bristol last weekend.
The team from Wales has implemented eight alterations, introducing an entirely international front row and relocating Max Douglas to the lock position while Josh Macleod transitions to blindside flanker. Tom Rogers, Johnny Williams, and Archer Holz are unavailable due to injuries.
Peel stated, “We failed to execute a few crucial plays last weekend, which was regrettable upon review. This underscores the ruthless nature of Champions Cup rugby, but in terms of commitment, it certainly marked progress.”
“Bordeaux possesses remarkable squad depth. Their playing style combines immense power, rapid pace, and exceptional skill, boasting athletes of global caliber.
“The epithet ‘European powerhouse’ is often used, and it accurately describes them currently. This represents an enormous hurdle for our team, yet it’s precisely what makes this competition so unique—it allows you to test yourselves against such formidable opponents to gauge your standing.
“Crucially, one shouldn’t over-analyze Bordeaux’s game film; instead, a match of this caliber should be embraced as a chance to bring our own style of play to their home ground and aim to disrupt them as extensively as possible. That is my expectation of our players.
“Bordeaux offers a superb environment for rugby. The ambiance will be excellent, with a large attendance, including a significant number of Scarlets supporters. I anticipate a magnificent event.”
Scarlets starting lineup against Union Bordeaux Bègles: 15 Jac Davies; 14 Tomi Lewis, 13 Joe Roberts, 12 Eddie James, 11 Ellis Mee; 10 Joe Hawkins, 9 Dane Blacker; 1 Alec Hepburn, 2 Marnus van der Merwe, 3 Henry Thomas, 4 Max Douglas, 5 Jake Ball, 6 Josh Macleod (capt), 7 Dan Davis, 8 Fletcher Anderson.
Replacements: 16 Ryan Elias, 17 Kemsley Mathias, 18 Harri O’Connor, 19 Sam Lousi, 20 Jarrod Taylor, 21 Archie Hughes, 22 Sam Costelow, 23 Macs Page.
