Scarlets semi-final ‘will be a massive occasion’

The Welsh region reached the last four of the competition for the first time as they beat ASM Clermont Auvergne 32-30 in a dramatic game at Parc y Scarlets last Friday.

Scarlets were roared on by a raucous crowd in Llanelli and Peel is pleased that they will be at home again when they face Glasgow on April 29, courtesy of topping Pool B.

“When you look at this competition, finishing top of the table in the pool stages to secure home advantage has been huge,” he said.

“It will be a massive occasion. Being at home does not necessarily mean you are going to win the game, but it helps and for our fantastic supporters, it’s a massive day out.

“To have an occasion at home for our supporters is something we will all look forward to.”

Sam Costelow’s 77th-minute conversion handed Scarlets victory over Clermont after the TOP 14 heavyweights had threatened to snatch a remarkable win with 14 men.

“It was an emotional night in many ways,” Peel said. “It was a massive win in the end. We snatched victory from the jaws of defeat.

“After 65 minutes I thought we had lost it. Clermont in the second half were powerful, they kept us in the 22 and at that stage I thought there was only going to be one winner.

“Credit to the boys, they fought so hard. We were clinical when we needed to be, and I am proud of the effort and character we showed to stay in that game.

“There is a lot of work to do but the spirit and fight was huge, the way we came back to win the game was fantastic.”