Match Preview: Scarlets look to solidify top spot against Toyota Cheetahs

The Welsh region have been in impressive form so far in this season’s competition, running in 11 tries to claim maximum points from their opening two games.

A 39-7 thrashing of Aviron Bayonnais in Llanelli kicked off their campaign before they held off Toyota Cheetahs to win 45-26 in Parma.

That defeat was a setback for the South African outfit, who won 21-16 at Section Paloise in their first ever EPCR Challenge Cup game, leaving them fifth in the standings.

Toyota Cheetahs have been out of action since Round 2, while Scarlets have won twice in three United Rugby Championship games, picking up back-to-back victories in their most recent clashes.

The game at Parc y Scarlets kicks off at 20:00 (UK & Irish time) and coverage is provided by S4C, SuperSport and FloRugby.

Guess who’s back…

Here’s the lie of the land heading into #ChallengeCupRugby R3 this weekend ⬇️ https://t.co/JjPPmldGIp

— EPCR Challenge Cup (@ChallengeCup_) January 9, 2023

Key quote:

Scarlets head coach Dwayne Peel: “We have now won four of the last five games going back into Europe. The Cheetahs is another massive game for us with us topping the pool.”

Scarlets

• Scarlets have made more metres (1,169) and clean breaks (25) than any other club to date.
• Scrum-half Dane Blacker has forced a competition-high four pressure errors from his kicks.
• Sam Costelow was 100% off the tee in Round 2, landing six conversions and one penalty in the win over Toyota Cheetahs.

Toyota Cheetahs

• Kasende Kapepula beat the most defenders in Round 2 (8). He also made two clean breaks, won two turnovers and scored a try.
• The Cheetahs have scored more tries on the sixth phase or later than any other team to date (4).
• The Cheetahs have won more positive outcomes (turnovers or penalties) from rucks than any other team. They have also conceded the most penalties at rucks (6).