Peel rings the changes for Scarlets
THE Scarlerts have changed nearly half their team for the rematch against the Dragons following last weekend’s shock defeat at home (kick-off 3pm).
Dwayne Peel makes seven changes to the side that went down 37-28 to their east Wales rivals, while Steff Evans makes his 150th Scarlets appearance.
With Liam Williams ruled out with a hamstring injury, Angus O’brien comes in at full-back to join Corey Baldwin and Evans in the back three, while in midfield skipper Jonathan Davies switches to outside centre to accommodate fellow Wales international Johnny Williams at 12.
Fly-half Rhys Patchell returns from a hamstring issue and he partners Gareth Davies, who replaces Kieran Hardy at scrum-half.
Wales international Ryan Elias returns at hooker, packing down between Steff Thomas and Javan Sebastian, while Sam Lousi has recovered from the knee problem which forced him to withdraw just before kick-off last weekend. The Tongan international partners Jac Price in the second row.
In the back row, there is one change with Josh Macleod coming in for Aaron Shingler, who drops to the bench. The Dragons make three changes, the most notable of which sees Taine Basham left out of the starting XV in favour of Ben Fry. Taylor Davies replaces Elliot Dee at hooker, with the Welsh international recovering from the knock he received last week to be amongst the replacements. Aki Seiuli and Leon Brown pack down either side of Davies with Welsh duo Ben Carter and Will Rowlands
completing the front five at Rodney Parade. There is just one change to the backline from last week’s thrilling victory as Jordan Williams comes in at fullback after missing the previous game through illness.
Ross Moriarty, Ollie Griffiths, Aneurin Owen and Ashton Hewitt are among those that remain unavailable for selection as they continue to recover from injuries.
Dragons boss Dean Ryan said: “We look at this weekend as an opportunity to see if we can back a performance up and we’re looking forward to playing at home again.
“Reflecting on last week, I didn’t think we played as well as we can, I do think there is more in us.
“We need to control the game more when we’ve got periods of ascendency.
Scarlets head coach Dwayne Peel said: “Rodney Parade is a tough place to go, but we are looking forward to it. There is a lot we can work on and we have trained hard this week. I am excited for the group that they get an opportunity again. Like I said last week, historically, results between the two sides have been close and I expect it to be the same again.” Scarlets: Angus O’brien; Corey Baldwin, Jonathan Davies (capt), Johnny Williams, Steff Evans; Rhys Patchell, Gareth Davies; Steff Thomas, Ryan Elias, Javan Sebastian, Sam Lousi, Jac Price, Josh Macleod, Tomas Lezana, Sione Kalamafoni. Reps: Daf Hughes, Rob Evans, Willgriff John, Morgan Jones, Aaron Shingler, Kieran Hardy, Tyler Morgan, Ryan Conbeer.