The Star-Studded 23 Scarlets Could Field

August 20, 2020
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Ultimate Rugby

It's been over three years since Scarlets lifted the PRO12 trophy beating Munster 46-22 during the tutelage of Wayne Pivac but the immediate future looks particularly bright for the club.

Brad Mooar was starting to piece together a powerful side that would once again become a real force to be reckoned with in Europe before he was recruited to assist the All Blacks.

Now fellow Kiwi Glen Delaney will look to pick up from where Mooar left off with a number solid signings added to depth as well as adding world-class quality to the side.

Mooar wasn't the only key member of the Scarlets who left the club during the lockdown period with centres Hadleigh Parkes, Kieron Fonotia and Corey Baldwin all leaving the side.

As too did Jonathan Evans who was another member of the match-day squad that lifted the PRO12 trophy in Dublin while winger Tom James has retired.

Scarlets have done well to hold onto a number of key members of their squad while also adding a few stars to their roster. We take a look at the star-studded 23 they could pick if all their players were fit.

15. Leigh Halfpenny

Of course, they will have a few options at fullback but Leigh Halfpenny has proved to be world-class over and over again.

His place kicking is also of an extremely high standard.

Delaney could turn to Liam Williams, Jonny McNicholl, Tom Prydie, Angus O'Brien and even Rhys Patchell if he wishes.

14. Jonny McNicholl

With Halfpenny at fullback, McNicholl slots in on the right-wing with the recently capped Welsh international being a consistent threat on attack for the club since his arrival from the Crusaders while also being excellent on defence.

Again, there is no luck of option with Steffan Evans also on the club's payroll as well as Ioan Nicholas, Ryan Conbeer and Tom Prydie.

13. Jonathan Davies

When fit and firing, there are very few - if any - better outside centres in the game than Jonathan 'Fox' Davies.

With fleet footwork, a devasting handoff, silky skills and a brilliant eye for the game on attack and defence, Davies can add so much to this talented Scarlets backline.

While Davies is set to be sidelined for the opening rounds of the return of the PRO14, the Scarlets still have quality in the centres with Tyler Morgan joining the side.

Delaney also has a number of players who can play both inside and outside centre including Paul Asquith and Staffan Hughes.

12. Johnny Williams

The departure of Hadleigh Parkes will leave a hole in the Scarlets backline with Parkes making the role his own since 2014.

However, Delaney quickly added the likes of Johnny Williams and Tyler Morgan to the squad with the former a like for like replacement for Hadleigh.

11. Liam Williams

If he isn't starting at fullback, Liam Willaims could simply slot onto with wing for the Scarlets.

Williams returned to his former club following a successful stint with Saracens where he won the Premiership and Champions Cup last year.

10. Rhys Patchell

Patchell has had his fair share of injuries over the past few seasons as well as a dip in form but looked to be nearing his best once again during 2019.

When firing on full cylinders, Patchell is an incredibly difficult pivot to play against and with the arrival of highly-rated Sam Costelow, Patchell will be keen to stamp his mark on the jersey.

Again there are options with Dan Jones, Ryan Lamb and Angus O'Brien looking to get their shot at the starting jumper.

9. Gareth Davies

One of the form scrum-halves at the Rugby World Cup last year, Gareth Davies' starting role with the test squad was put under pressure during the Six Nations earlier this year and he will be looking to use the Scarlets as a platform to stake his claim for the Welsh and British and Irish Lions jersey.

Dane Blacker and Kieran Hardy will look to force their way into the side.

1. Rob Evans

A position where Scarlets are starting to build some depth the real standouts are Wyn Jones and Rob Evans.

Can't really go wrong with either one starting with the other coming off the bench. Jones was the starter for Wales at the World Cup and Evans the starting at the moment.

2. Ken Owens

The Sheriff has commanded the #2 jersey at the Scarlets and Wales for some time now.

Owens is excellent in all facets of the game and will likely be on the plane to South Africa next year but it won't be all plain sailing for Owens with Ryan Elias breathing down his neck with some excellent form.

The Scarlets could also shift to him to the back row after a handy stint there during an injury crisis at the club.

3. Samson Lee

Werner Kruger has consistently performed for Scarlets over the years but if Samson Lee is available to the club, he will more than likely take over the starting role.

Alex Jefferies could also make his presences known after joining from the Ospreys with Javan Sebastian also on the club's payroll.

4. Jake Ball

The hardworking Welshman slots into the second, another position Scarlets have plenty of depth in.

If Ball is unavailable to the side Tevita Ratuva, Steve Cummins, Morgan Jones, Jac Price and Lewis Rawlins could all easily slot in.

5. Sam Lousi

Close between Ratuva and Lousi with the former also more than capable on the side of the scrum.

The Tongan beats the Fijian in our team but not by much and Scarlets aren't losing much if either is picked.

6. Aaron Shingler

Like most Welsh sides, Scarlets have plenty of quality back-rowers on their books.

Shingler being one of them with a massive work rate and excellent defence. He is also good over the ball and at the lineout.

Uzair Cassiem, Blade Thomson and Sione Kalamafoni could all easily slot in on the blindside.

7. James Davies

Like his brother, Jonathan, James has had his struggles with injuries but when cubby is fit, he is one of the best openside flankers in Europe.

A threat over the ball, he too has an excellent work rate and a skillset to match.

Davies would be the most likeliest starter at openside if the Scarlets had a clean bill of health but there are still a number of quality back-rowers in the squad that have not been mentioned including Josh Macleod, Jack Morgan, Tom Phillips, Dan Davis and Ed Kennedy.

8. Uzair Cassiem

The signing of Sione Kalamafoni from the Leicester Tigers will certainly push Cassiem to stay on top of his game with Kalamafoni and Blade Thomson breathing down his neck for a starting role.

However, Cassiem has been excellent for the Scarlets this season and has quickly become a fan favourite at the club since arriving from the Cheetahs.

Potential 23:

15. Leigh Halfpenny

14. Johnny McNicholl

13. Jonathan Davies

12. Johnny Williams

11. Liam Williams

10. Rhys Patchell

9. Gareth Davies

1. Rob Evans

2. Ken Owens

3. Samson Lee