Magners League Official Website : Jenkins in confident mood

Vernon Cooper - back for the Scarlets

Jenkins in confident mood

12 May 2005, 11:21 am

By Jonathan McConnell

Gareth Jenkins believes his side has the ability to overcome Munster in Saturday’s Celtic Cup final.

Speaking as he announced the side for Saturday’s game Jenkins said “We know Munster to be a physical, intense and efficient team. We have the utmost respect for the honesty of their team, but we have a clear set strategy on how we want to approach this weekend’s fixture and I believe that we have the right tools in the kitty to deliver that game plan”.
However, with both teams seeking a Cup victory to pull back a season that has fallen short of usual expectations, Scarlets Skipper Simon Easterby is under no illusion of the “all-out battle” stood between the team and a cup victory on Saturday night.
“ Munster have probably had a more disappointing season than we have, and Saturday night will give both sides the opportunity to take the season’s final piece of silverware home with them”.
“We know that a win on Saturday won’t make up for our season but it would go a long way to putting something back. It would be a great motivation tool for pre-season and our preparation for next season, and would give us an opportunity to say thank you to all the supporters that have continually supported us through the season’s ups and downs”.
There’s only one change to the starting line up for Saturday’s Final with Vernon Cooper starting at 4 and Adam Jones moving on to the bench. David Maddocks returns to the 22 having scored the first try in Llanelli RFC’s Cup win over Pontypridd last weekend, with Salesi Finau returning from injury.
Scarlets Team: 15. Barry Davies; 14. Garan Evans; 13. Matthew J Watkins; 12. Tal Selley; 11. Aisea Havili; 10. Ceiron Thomas; 9. Dwayne Peel; 1. Phil John; 2. Matthew Rees; 3. John Davies; 4. Vernon Cooper; 5. Chris Wyatt; 6. Simon Easterby ( C ); 7. Gavin Thomas; 8. Andy Powell
Replacements: 16. David Maddocks; 17. Aled Gravelle; 18. Adam Jones; 19. Gavin Quinnell; 20. Mike Phillips; 21. Gareth Bowen; 22. Salesi Finau