As the only Welsh region still able to reach the next stages in Europe’s top club competition, the Scarlets say they are looking forward to the big occasion.
Despite a defeat by double European Champions Leicester Tigers at the Parc y Scarlets last Saturday, a spirited Scarlets team that secured a 43-34 win against Perpignan at home in the European competition earlier this season say they’ll go and play with Scarlets heart and soul.
“We are still in the fight, we have a difficult place to go and get a result but there is so much at stake you don’t need much more motivation,” said Scarlets Head Coach, Nigel Davies.
“For us, to still be in with an opportunity for the Heineken Cup next stages or Amlin on the last weekend is a significant step forward for this squad from where we have been and it shows the progress we’ve made in the last 18 months.”
The Scarlets field the majority of the same side which put in huge commitment against the Tigers with only one change to the starting line-up with Samoan international Jonny Fa’amatuainu coming into the second row instead of Vernon Cooper for Sunday’s contest.
The Scarlets will rely on the experience and leadership of Wales and British and Irish Lions duo Stephen Jones at outside half and Matthew Rees at hooker at the formidable Bull Ring with power and experience in the pack from Australian former international David Lyons at No8 and prop Iestyn Thomas as well as energy.
Scarlets: Rhys Priestland, Morgan Stoddart, Gareth Maule, Jonathan Davies, Sean Lamont, Stephen Jones, Tavis Knoyle; Iestyn Thomas, Matthew Rees (capt), Simon Gardiner, Lou Reed, Jonny Fa’amatuaniu, Rob McCusker, Josh Turnbull, David Lyons.
