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Scarlets unchanged for final reckoning

Scarlets unchanged for final reckoning

Scarlets head coach Wayne Pivac has named an unchanged side as his team bid for glory in their Guinness PRO12 final clash with Munster at the Aviva Stadium.

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With wing Steffan Evans free to play after his red card in the semi-final win over Leinster was rescinded, Pivac has stuck with the same men who so impressed at the RDS.

The Parc y Scarlets outfit are bidding for their first silverware since 2004 in the final and will be once again captained by John Barclay with hooker Ken Owens still out with an ankle problem.

Scarlets have already beaten Munster in Ireland this season, and that 30-21 success at Thomond Park should give Barclay and his team plenty of confidence.

Pivac said: “We know Munster are a very good side. You don’t finish top after the round robin stage for nothing. They’ve got the best defensive record in the championship.

“They’re a side we have a lot of respect for. We took some confidence out of the win at Thomond Park, but it’s going to be a different occasion altogether in the final.

“We have to make sure we go out there and play our game and enjoy the occasion. The boys know that if they get it right on the day, they can beat anyone. So we just have to get it right on the day!”

Evans’ availability is a huge boost to the Scarlets. The wing, who will tour with Wales next month, was in scintillating form against Leinster prior to being dismissed and scored a first-half try.

He joins Johnny McNicholl and Liam Williams – who will play his last game for Scarlets in the final – in the back three with Wales pair Scott Williams and Jonathan Davies in the centre.

Scrum-half Gareth Davies will mark his 150th appearance for the region at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday and partners Rhys Patchell at half back.

In the pack, Rob Evans, Ryan Elias and Samson Lee make up the front row with Tadgh Beirne – who has had a hugely impressive first season with the Scarlets – alongside Lewis Rawlins at lock.

Aaron Shingler, semi-final man of the match James Davies, and skipper Barclay are the loose forward trio.

“Rhys Patchell has come back and is playing well and the boys are coming off the bench and adding a lot as well,” said Barclay.

“The two centres have been outstanding in the last few months, especially Scott Williams after missing out on the Lions tour. I was gutted for him because I thought he would have gone.

“He is one of our best players every single week. Then the guys on the edges are doing their thing and Johnny McNicholl is playing very well. We know we’ve got to get the ball to them.

“We’ve got players who can create something out of nothing.”

Scarlets fans should visit this link to guarantee a place at the Guinness PRO12 final BUY TICKETS NOW

Further information: www.pro12rugby.com/final or www.ticketmaster.ie 

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