Scarlets prepare for payback

Swansea defeated Llanelli at Ninian Park last year

Llanelli meet Swansea at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday in a re-run of the 1999 Welsh Challenge Cup final.

Twelve months ago, Swansea, then playing their rugby in England, embarrassed the Scarlets With a 37-10 victory.

Swansea captain Scott Gibbs' comments that it had been "men against boys" merely added to the pain.

Last year's defeat was embarrassing after what had been a good season

Llanelli's Chris Wyatt

There has been little love lost between the club since and Saturday's clash is sure to be a physical affair.

Llanelli's Chris Wyatt admitted his side were hoping to use the match as a chance to exorcise the ghosts of last year.

"It would be nice to win after what happened last year," Wyatt said.

Scarlets captain Wayne Proctor says Swansea will be confident

"We simply did not turn up and let down both ourselves and our supporters.

"The defeat was embarrassing after what had been a good season until then. We had won the Welsh title and played some decent rugby.

"But Swansea are a very capable side, and we know we will have to play well to get a result."

With last year's result still fresh in the minds of the Llanelli players, the build-up to the has been hostile.

Llanelli are the favourites

Swansea coach John Plumtree

The Sarlets are determined to pay back Gibbs for his remarks, while Swansea accused the Scarlets of cheap shots in the last league meeting between the clubs.

But for all the crossfire, there is grudging respect on both sides for each other.

Llanelli captain Wayne Proctor said: "I am not one to indulge in psychological games but I think Swansea might fancy their chances.

"They have put together a winning run in recent weeks and will be confident."

Swansea coach John Plumtree added: "Llanelli are the favourites. They have had a great season and have improved tremendously as a side."