Rugby European Cup quarter-finals: Llanelli v Biarritz: Scott Quinnell reckons a European semi-final place will be the perfect tonic for Wales coaching reject Gareth Jenkins.
Llanelli take on Biarritz at Stradey Park tonight with a place in the last four of the competition against either Toulouse or Edinburgh at stake.
Quinnell revealed the strength of support for Jenkins among his own team after he was overlooked for the top job in Wales. Jenkins was deeply upset over the controversial appointment of Mike Ruddock as Wales coach, blasting the Welsh Rugby Union as lacking "integrity or honour", and Quinnell believes victory would be a perfect response for the long-serving coach.
"Gareth has been through a difficult time, but there is great unity at this club and we all have pride in ourselves," Quinnell said.
"When someone gets hurt or injured, then we pull together even more tightly as a squad. That's what we've done with Gareth, but what's gone is gone. Gareth is a real professional and only wants what's best for the Scarlets."
Quinnell said last season's shock quarter-final loss to Perpignan at the same venue hadn't been forgotten by the players. "We're a better side now than we were last year and this is a huge game for us. We've spent as much time in the classroom this week as we have done out on the field.
"We have learnt things from last year. We're a different group of players and we're further along with our development. We feel this is the best opportunity for us to mount a challenge for the Heineken Cup."
Jenkins said he wasn't thinking about the Wales coaching job. "All I want to do is put the thing behind me. This isn't about individuals - it's about collective responsibility."
He has been able to turn to the experience of his international players despite several key players being struck by a stomach bug, with full back Barry Davies the only uncapped player in a side that includes Triple Crown winner Simon Easterby.
Club captain Leigh Davies is on the bench having missed the last two weeks with a knee injury.
Meanwhile Biarritz, who have already lost in Wales against Cardiff in the pool stage, include four of the France squad that won the Grand Slam, with Nicolas Brusque, Serge Betsen, Dimitri Yachvili and captain Thomas Lievremont all named to start.
LLANELLI SCARLETS: B Davies; G Evans, M Taylor, M Watkins, S Finau; S Jones, D Peel; I Thomas, R McBryde, J Davies, V Cooper (capt), C Wyatt, D Jones, S Quinnell, S Easterby. Replacements: J Thiel, A Gravelle, A Jones, D Hodges, M Phillips, G Bowen, L Davies.
BIARRITZ OLYMPIQUE: N Brusque; P Bidabe, M Gaitan, J Isaac, J Marlu; J Peyrelongue, D Yachvili; P Balan, J-M Gonzalez, D Avril, H Manent, D Couzinet, S Betsen, T Lievremont (capt), O Tonita. Replacements: J Campo, M Fitzgerald, S Puleoto, O Nauroy, D Chouchan or C Milheres, P Bernat-Salles, L Mazas.
