Two changes to Scarlets side for Cardiff clash

Two changes to Scarlets side for Cardiff clash

Scarlets head coach Dwayne Peel has made two personnel changes to his starting line-up for Saturday’s BKT United Rugby Championship round seven clash with Cardiff Rugby at the Arms Park (15:00; Viaplay).

Young centre Eddie James and back-rower Dan Davis come into the side as Scarlets look to bounce back from last weekend’s derby loss to the Ospreys.

The back three of Johnny McNicholl, Tom Rogers and Steff Evans remains the same with the lone switch behind the scrum being in midfield.

With Joe Roberts nursing a knee issue, James is recalled at inside centre and Johnny Williams moves to outside centre. Ioan Lloyd and skipper Gareth Davies are again named at half-back.

The front five is unchanged with Wyn Jones, Ryan Elias and Harri O’Connor packing down in the front row and Alex Craig partnering Jac Price at lock.

Davis has recovered from a hamstring injury picked up in the opening rounds in South Africa and wears the No. 7 jersey in a back row also featuring Vaea Fifita and Carwyn Tuipulotu.

Among the replacements, second row Morgan Jones will make his 50th Scarlets appearance if he comes off the bench.

Dwayne Peel said: “Everyone was hurting after last weekend, players, staff and fans alike. It was a disappointing performance, there is no way of dressing it up in any other way. We want to see a reaction and I’m sure our fans do as well.

“The last two times we have been to the Arms Park we have had a real good away following. That travelling support can make a huge difference. We have to put in a performance that they are proud of.”

Scarlets team to play Cardiff at Cardiff Arms Park on Saturday, December 2 (15:00)

15 Johnny McNIcholl; 14 Tom Rogers, 13 Johnny Williams, 12 Eddie James, 11 Steff Evans; 10 Ioan Lloyd, 9 Gareth Davies (capt); 1 Wyn Jones, 2 Ryan Elias, 3 Harri O’Connor, 4 Alex Craig, 5 Jac Price, 6 Vaea Fifita, 7 Dan Davis, 8 Carwyn Tuipulotu.

Reps: 16 Shaun Evans, 17 Steff Thomas, 18 Joe Jones, 19 Morgan Jones, 20 Teddy Leatherbarrow, 21 Kieran Hardy, 22 Charlie Titcombe, 23 Ioan Nicholas.

Players unavailable because of injury

Joe Roberts, Kemsley Mathias, Taine Plumtree, Josh Macleod, Sam Lousi, Ken Owens, Samson Lee, Dan Jones, Sam Costelow, Isaac Young.