Pivac eyes play-off spot in first season with Scarlets

Pivac had joined the Welsh outfit as an assistant coach in July before Simon Easterby made the decision to become Ireland's new forwards coach.

That left the former Auckland coach to step in and he is looking for his side to make their presence felt this season as they go in search of a play-off spot.

First up for Scarlets is the visit of Ulster and Pivac believes the match against last season's fourth place finishers will be the perfect test for his side.

"I think what we need to do is improve from last year. Last year the boys finished sixth which as important in qualifying for Europe," said Pivac at the official launch of GUINNESS PRO12 season.

"So we have to maintain that status but we certainly want to improve on that so a realistic target for us is to try and be in that play-off situation.

"If you can get there then it's a totally different ball game but certainly we'll be trying to improve on last year's sixth and break the top-four.

"Clearly the teams that have the experience and have had the success are going to be the ones to look out for.

"I guess for us and for me as a new coach Ulster is the big one; a top four team from last year and obviously playing them at home it's an important game for us to do well in.

"That will be a bit of a litmus test for us for the team and for myself."

Pivac is looking for a strong start from his Scarlets and he is hoping that all the players will be looking to impress.

"We're probably realistic with the budget we've got but we know where we want to be and the first step is to break into the top four," he added.

"Getting a good start is important but what we want to achieve at the club is a vision and we know where we want to be in a few years time.

"I'd like to think with two new coaches coming in the players are all on high alert.

"Sure we look at the form of last year and we're guided by the other coaches.

"But they've all been told that at the end of the day they all need to be performing in the present as opposed to the past.

"It's their present form that is going to get them selected and hopefully that's enough to have everyone chomping at the bit."

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