Saracens v Scarlets: Big names must step up, says coach Wayne Pivac

Scarlets backs (left to right) Scott Williams, Jonathan Davies and Liam Williams are all in the Wales squad for the autumn internationals

Scarlets' international players have to lead the way when they play holders Saracens in the European Champions Cup on Saturday, says coach Wayne Pivac.

The Kiwi said his team have to follow the example of Harlequins whose "big name" players stepped up to inflict Saracens' only defeat this season.

Sarries beat Toulon 31-23 on Saturday, while Scarlets beat Sale 28-11.

"Our international boys who played well at the weekend need to back that up and take it to another level," said Pivac.

Quins beat Saracens 17-10 in the Premiership on 24 September, with Wales centre Jamie Roberts named man of the match after a huge defensive performance.

"In that case I think you had a lot of big name players step up for Harlequins and lead the way and I think for us it's a focus this week," added Pivac.

Pivac accepts his team will be big underdogs at the Allianz Stadium however, especially after Saracens became the first team to beat Toulon at Stade Mayol in the top-flight European competition.

Liam Williams impressed for Scarlets so far this season

"They are the first team to go there and accomplish what they have accomplished and it speaks volumes for what they are," added Pivac.

"They have got some players who are on top of their game at the moment and riding the crest of a wave, not only with England and the international side but at club level they have won everything.

"They have set the benchmark for other clubs to follow I guess. It's a massive step up this week but also a great challenge."

Scarlets have seven players in the Wales squad named for the autumn internationals on Tuesday, including high-profile backs Scott Williams, Jonathan Davies and Liam Williams.

Scott Williams was named man of the match in the win against Sale, while Pivac also singled out tight-head Samson Lee who he says is returning to his best form after a long injury lay-off.

"The test players, the guys that perform on that big stage - this is the biggest stage at this level of the game so we expect them to perform," said Pivac.

"Then hopefully everybody else chips and and does their bit and I think that's what's it going to take for us to be proud of our performance."