Away form crucial for Leinster, warns Contepomi
The province lie third in the Magners League table and face a difficult assignment at Parc y Scarlets this afternoon while they are paired away to London Harlequins in the Heineken Cup quarter-finals in April.
The Argentine international admits that last year’s performances on the road propelled them to the League crown — and wants a repeat of that in the hunt for 2009 honours.
He explained: “We know from our experiences last year how important it is to take points during the Six Nations.
“We have a difficult run in with six away games out of our last nine games in the Magners League and Heineken Cup.
“But it was our away form last year that gave us the platform to win the title. We took great heart from our win last year in Stradey Park. It’s vital that we approach this game in the same manner.”
Contepomi has mixed feelings about the break in games due to the Six Nations Championships.
He revealed: “Although it’s good to have a few weeks off at this time of year, we prefer to play week in, week out. It can be difficult playing at this time of year, but the calendar is what it is in the northern hemisphere. You can lose a bit of momentum, but you just get on with it. We have been training very hard over the last few weeks. Even though we will be without some of our Ireland players, there is enough strength in depth in the squad to cope and I’m sure that a number of the younger players will see Saturday as a chance to stake a claim over a big three month period.”
The Scarlets will have to do without their four Wales squad members — hooker Matthew Rees, blind-side flanker Dafydd Jones, outside-half Stephen Jones and wing Mark Jones who are retained by the national set-up. Centre Regan King and out-half Rhys Priestland, who missed the win over the Barbarians last month, are included in the side.
“It’s a very big game for us,” said Scarlets coach Nigel Davies. “Maybe it gets a bit lost in the international arena but certainly from our point of view it’s a massive game.
“I spoke to Warren to see what his thoughts were and he felt that with a tight turnaround with a Friday game next week he wanted to keep his options and his resources to the maximum.
“I can see where he’s coming from but I did actually ask him whether he wanted Mark to play or not (against Ulster).”
Though the hosts are depleted, Contepomi has warned against complacency.
He said: “Llanelli are a fantastic team. They are in third position in the league and will only be missing a few players who will be involved with Wales. They have attacking threats in every position and we have great respect for them.
“Are these games you enjoy? I’m not too sure ‘enjoy’ is the right word because these games are never easy. The Scarlets are the kind of team who can score tries against you at any time. They play a fast, attacking game and I remember a game when they scored over 50 points against us.
“I’m sure that it will be a good game to watch in an incredible new stadium. Hopefully the weather allows us to play a good, attacking game.”
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