Scarlets Save Big Scott

Scott Quinnell is to get the cotton wool treatment to help lead Llanelli to Euro glory.

The Scarlets war-horse is feeling the strain after leading the line at Stradey Park in the absence of their Wales stars.

So Llanelli will sacrifice their Celtic League hopes by resting Quinnell to make sure the big No 8 is primed to smash Biarritz in the Heineken Cup quarter-final.

'Medically Scott needs complete rest,' said coach Nigel Davies.

He has an abdominal muscle strain at the moment. It's one of many injuries that he has suffered over the years and that has gradually become more acute.

'We have to be sensible so we realise that he needs to take it easy for a few weeks and will only play when he is completely fit to play.

'By his own admission Scott plays his best rugby when he gets a run of games under his belt.

'He has a huge influence on the game but because of his well documented injuries over the years we have had to learn how to manage without him.'

Another Scarlet targetting the quarter-final clash for his return is Wales wing Mark Jones following an operation on his problem knee.

Jones broke down in his comeback game against The Borders last month following a hamstring problem but reckons he will be stronger than ever following surgery.

'What would be ideal is if I could get one or two games before the Biarritz match,' said Jones.

'The operation went really well and I have to learn my lessons from the past and only come back when I am totally ready - but the aim is Biarritz.'

The April 9 clash at Stradey Park is already a sell-out.