The Welsh region have struggled in the BKT United Rugby Championship this term but have enjoyed an unbeaten EPCR Challenge Cup campaign.

With Scarlets now needing to overcome Glasgow at Parc y Scarlets to reach a first ever EPCR final, Peel hailed the positive impact the competition has provided.

“Yes, we had a poor start to the season, but I think this competition, in particular, has given us lots of energy and a lot of good performances,” he told Scarlets’ website.

“We know it’s going to be a big challenge to win it. Glasgow are on form at the minute. They had new management in Franco Smith coming in and he’s done a really good job there, they play an attractive style of rugby and they’ve been a team, especially at home, that are very difficult to beat.”

Peel implored his team to be brave during the game against Glasgow and ensure that they can round off their season with a final in Dublin on May 19.

“You have to be bold and go and win the game in semi-finals, not sitting on or protecting leads,” he added.

“We have to try and go and play and that’s what I will try and encourage the players to do. I am sure it will be a great occasion with a good crowd so it will be fantastic for them.

“Results-wise it’s been a good 2023 so far, but we want to finish strong, and we’ve got a big opportunity at home, one we’ve worked hard for and not only since the 1st of January but since last June, July, when we came into pre-season.”

Former British & Irish Lions scrum-half Peel played for Scarlets in two Heineken Cup semi-finals – in 2002 and 2007 – and is looking to pass on his experience of such intense games to his squad.

“Not many of our guys have been where we are now in terms of semi-finals, especially the younger guys in the group,” he pointed out. “It is about them enjoying it.

“Probably a criticism of when I look back at my career is that we probably did not play our best when we got to semi-finals. There were tight battles but we have to go out there and be prepared to try and win.”

Scarlets head coach Dwayne Peel says the EPCR Challenge Cup has been a welcome oasis for his side this season as they prepare to host Glasgow Warriors in the semi-finals tomorrow.