Mike Phillips believes drawing on recent experience and an attacking coaching philosophy are the key ingredients to Scarlets retaining their Pro14 crown this weekend.
The 94-time capped scrum-half was drafted into the west-Wales side earlier in the season on their mini-tour of South Africa and believes the recent defeat to Saturday’s opponents Leinster in the semi-final of the European Champions Cup yielded a lot of lessons that can be learned and built on.
“Leinster will be favourites after beating them in the semi-final, but I think everything went Leinster’s way that day,” he said. “Some of the decisions went against Scarlets and they would have come off feeling really disappointed with themselves because they didn’t really fire a shot. I think they will improve a lot and learn from that experience.
“Scarlets will be thinking they have nothing to lose and everything to gain. They just need to be a bit smarter and have a good crack at them. They are the underdogs and sometimes Welsh teams do well when in that position.”
Leinster went on to beat Racing 92 in that European final and are now chasing what would be a historic double for the Irish province. The men charged with plotting their downfall are Scarlets coaches Wayne Pivac and Stephen Jones who have long been receiving plaudits for their part in the side’s successes.
According to Welsh legend Phillips, he reckons their ability to makes players feel at ease is one of the reasons behind their run of great results.
“They give the players a genuine license to play,” said the Welshman. “Coaches often say it in media but behind closed doors it’s not always true, they feel the pressure and tactics change – especially around kicking. Scarlets want to play the ball, and play a wide game which is where their strengths are and we have seen them score some amazing tries in all conditions.
“The coaches really instill that philosophy and mindset of being positive even when things are going against you, and it shines through. They are all in it together and that will be massive for this game.”
Phillips was a part of the squad that beat the Southern Kings and lost narrowly to the Cheetahs, and recalls that up-close look at the set-up fondly, and is hoping for something a little more permanent to remember it by.
“It was a really important part of the season because all the international stars are gone, and you see what the backbone of the side really is like. The team spirit was magnificent, as were the coaches. The way they got their message across was superb and it wasn’t a pressurised environment. Players were given responsibilities and respect, which allows them to just play – which reflects the philosophy at the club. Hopefully they can go out and do the business against Leinster, and get me a medal in the process!”
You can find out more about the Mike Phillips Rugby Academy at https://www.mikephillipsacademy.com/.
