Title race set for thrilling finale
The Celtic League title race is set for a thrilling conclusion tomorrow night with three teams seeking championship honours.
Llanelli Scarlets are in pole position, needing just to beat second-based Ulster at Stradey Park, but both Ulster and third-placed Newport Gwent Dragons remain strong challengers.
Ulster, one point behind Llanelli, must either defeat the Scarlets or win with a bonus point if the Dragons collect a maximum five points haul from their clash against Leinster in Dublin.
Mike Ruddock’s Dragons can only finish on top by winning and collecting a bonus point, while hoping that Ulster also triumph but do not claim an extra point, given that the Dragons’ points difference is inferior to both that of Llanelli and Ulster.
The Scarlets are clear favourites, having set up their final title push by gaining a priceless away win against Neath-Swansea Ospreys last weekend.
And championship glory would go some way towards compensating the Scarlets for their Heineken Cup quarter-final exit last month, when they crashed out at home to Biarritz.
“At this stage, it isn’t about ability, it is about attitude and focus,” said Scarlets’ rugby director, Gareth Jenkins.
“We know that we’ve let ourselves down in that department this season. We failed to do that against Biarritz, and we’ve all been hurt by it.
“We have to go out and play our game with the right mental attitude,” he added.
Jenkins has retained the team that defeated the Ospreys 18-15, including Montferrand-bound Wales star Stephen Jones, who had seven stitches inserted in a facial wound as Llanelli ground out a vital victory.
“It is a perfect conclusion for the Celtic League, pitching together the two most consistent sides,” said Jenkins.
“We’ve watched the videos this week, and it is no surprise that Ulster are up at the top of the table. They are really able to mix it, and there is a lot more to their game than people have given them credit.”
Ulster are chasing a double, having lifted the Celtic Cup earlier this term, and it is also coach Alan Solomons’ last game in charge before he takes over from Wayne Smith as Northampton director of rugby.
“The odds are stacked against us and we are substantial underdogs, but that is the sort of challenge professional sportsmen relish,” said Solomons.
“Winning the Celtic cup was an incredible achievement, and to be sitting in second place one point behind Llanelli after 21 League games speaks volumes for what this Ulster team has achieved.
“We had a total of 10 players involved in the World Cup last autumn, so to have won the Celtic Cup and to be challenging for the league title adds up to a very good season indeed.”
Ruddock, who formally ends his association with the Dragons this weekend after being appointed Wales’ new national coach, admits his team are title outsiders.
But they have enjoyed a memorable campaign, winning more league matches than any other side after being written off by many pundits as no-hopers when the season began.
“Obviously, it is our of our hands,” said Ruddock.
“I would think that Llanelli Scarlets must be most people’s favourites for the title, and good luck to them if they do it.
“Overall, I have really enjoyed the season. It has been a great experience, starting from scratch with a brand new team.
“But when you have a squad who all play for each other and that team spirit is there, then you are always in with a chance.”
The Ospreys will secure Heineken Cup qualification if they defeat Glasgow, while Neil Jenkins plays in his final competitive match before retirement when the Celtic Warriors visit Connacht.
