SCARLETS GUNNING FOR EUROPE

This promises to be interesting encounter of two Celtic League sides who are both in a run of good form.

Our wins over the Christmas period were pretty pleasing” admits Scarlets Director of Rugby, Gareth Jenkins. “They’ve kept us in touch with the top half of the Celtic League table and that’s exactly where our ambitions are”.

“We put in a great performance against the Blues and had a huge first half against Leinster last weekend which is exactly what we needed to take us into this next block of Heineken Cup action”.

The Welsh side, who have such an illustrious Heineken Cup history, have just eight points from their four matches played.

But they are a proud side, and are enjoying a good season in the Celtic League. They won 15-13 in the Round 2 match at Stradey Park, and will expect another tight match at Murrayfield.

Despite Edinburgh propping up the Pool, their home form is good and they will certainly scare the Scarlets, and Jenkins knows this all too well.

“However, with Edinburgh themselves having found their form in recent Heineken Cup performances – the most memorable of which being their victory over the London Wasps at Murrayfield, Jenkins is only too aware of the battle awaiting his team as they board the plane for Scotland for Saturday’s fixture,” he said.

“Edinburgh have a strong side and we have the utmost respect for them, especially when playing them on their own soil. They beat us in the Celtic League in the early part of the season and although we managed to avenge that performance in our Heineken Cup opener here at Stradey back in October, at home, they will be at the top of their game, looking to make a big statement about Scottish rugby”. 

With Simon Easterby and Mark Jones ruled out through injury, Dafydd Jones skippers the side from 11, with Barry Davies retaining his position at full back and Lee Byrne out on the wing. John Davies and Gavin Thomas also return to the staring line up.

Scarlets take on Edinburgh Gunners at Murrayfield this Saturday (January 14th), kick off 5pm, before heading home for thier final Heineken Cup Pool game against Toulouse next Saturday (January 21st) at Stradey Park, kick off 1pm. 

Scarlets Team: 15. Barry Davies; 14. Lee Byrne; 13. Matthew J Watkins; 12. Regan King; 11. Dafydd James (C); 10. Mike Hercus; 9. Dwayne Peel; 1. Martyn Madden; 2. Matthew Rees; 3. John Davies; 4. Inoke Afeaki; 5. Adam Jones;  m6. Dafydd Jones; 7. Gavin Thomas;  8. Alix Popham
Replacements:
16. Dorian Williams; 17. Craig Hawkins; 18. Chris Wyatt; 19. Jonathan Mills; 20. Clive Stuart-Smith; 21. Gareth Bowen; 22. Tal Selley