Scarlets v Ospreys: Wales scrum-half Gareth Davies says 'perfect time' for Welsh derby

Gareth Davies has played 74 internationals for Wales

Scarlets scrum-half Gareth Davies believes it is the ideal occasion for his struggling region to face local rivals Ospreys in the United Rugby Championship (URC) derby on Boxing Day.

Scarlets host Toby Booth's side on 26 December in Llanelli just a week after losing at home to Georgia side Black Lion in the European Challenge Cup.

"It's a new week, a derby week and the biggest game of the season for us," said Davies.

"I think it's the perfect game for us."

Scarlets have lost seven out of nine matches so far this season with the only two victories coming in a league double against Cardiff.

They have conceded 50 points on three occasions and suffered a 31-9 defeat against Ospreys in November before the new low of a home defeat against the Georgia club side.

"A lot of people will think it would be the worst thing now to play against the Ospreys," said Davies.

"But after the week we have had, hopefully we will be up for it. It's a massive fixture."

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Davies has been acting captain in the absence of injured flanker Josh Macleod and admits the aftermath of defeat against Black Lions has been tough.

"It has been pretty difficult few days," said Davies.

"We have reviewed a lot of things and there have been some harsh words said and we are looking forward to putting a few things right.

"We spoke in the week about how tough they would be. I personally had played against Georgia a couple of times during the World Cup and they are a very physical and emotional team.

"We did expect that challenge but unfortunately we didn't front up and they came out on top.

"As players we know we were nowhere near where we needed to be and we did not turn up in any aspect of the game. We lost every battle and didn't want it enough.

"We have a lot of senior players in the squad who have had a lot to say and a lot of them have spoken well. The coaches have been great and we have taken a lot of things on board."

A Scarlets supporters group has expressed concern this week towards the hierarchy about how the organisation is being run and released a letter they had sent to the board.

Davies, 33, says he understands the fans' frustrations.

"We fully understand it and it's in our hands to turn things around," said Davies.

"I love being here. Some results have been tough to take but I am really enjoying the coaching staff and the boys.

"It's a good place to be and hopefully we can get a few results and can kick on in the new year."

Scarlets hope to have internationals lock Sam Lousi, prop Wyn Jones and centre Joe Roberts back to face Ospreys, while captain Josh Macleod and fly-half Sam Costelow are close to returning from injury.

"We have a couple of boys coming back into the mix so hopefully that will give us a boost and a bit of confidence," said Davies.

"They are massive players and they lead us as well."