Williams is back to push Scarlets’ case for defence
SCOTT Williams returns to the Scarlets ranks for this evening’s clash with Connacht (7.35pm), pushing the case for the defence as a key factor in the side’s emergence as a force in the Guinness PRO14.
The west Walians have won a band of admirers for the free-running philosophy that saw them soar to the Championship title in Dublin last season.
And they have started the defence of their crown in similar fashion, touching down for some spectacular tries in their opening four matches.
However, under the tutelage of Byron Hayward, the Wales centre insists the Scarlets’ appetite without the ball has arguably been as crucial as their ambition with it.
“Our attack outshone our defence last season, but I think our defence won us the league,” said Williams. “We scored most of our points off turnover ball and statistically our defence was the second best in the league.
“I remember Shaun Edwards (Wales defence coach) always saying that defence wins you trophies, so we have a big focus on that. We’ve got boys who can turn the ball over and when we get the ball wide, it’s happy days for the backs!”
Wayne Pivac’s men will be favourites to make it four wins from five in the battle of the last two champion sides, particularly as Connacht look a shadow of the team that romped to their own stunning title success in 2016.
The New Zealander has made five changes to his starting lineup – three of them enforced.
With Samson Lee, John Barclay and Gareth Davies ruled out because of head knocks suffered against Edinburgh, Springbok Werner Kruger, Josh Macleod and Aled Davies come into the side, while Williams – rested against the Scots – replaces Hadleigh Parkes to reunite with his Wales centre partner Jonathan Davies.
The other change sees South African lock David Bulbring given his first start of the season. Last weekend’s man of the match Tadhg Beirne drops to the bench. There could also be a competitive debut for Tom Prydie, a summer signing from the Dragons, who is named among the replacements.