Winger Dafydd James has pulled out after straining an ankle in training today. His place has been taken by Nathan Brew who will make his first start for the Scarlets. Brew’s place on the bench has been taken by Mark Jones. Winger James was one of four changes to the Scarlets line-up following the remarkable 52-23 victory over Leinster in Dublin last weekend.
Prop Iestyn Thomas and No.8 Nathan Thomas also return to the fray, replacing Phil John and Dafydd Jones respectively while young hooker Ken Owens comes in for James Hayter. Davies keeps faith with the young half back partnership of Liam Davies and Rhys Priestland. Priestland impressed with 22 points in the Scarlets’ crushing 52-23 win over Leinster in Dublin last week.
“I’ve enjoyed the season so far, it’s been great to have a run of three games,” Priestland told BBC Sport Wales. “It’s great to have people like Gavin Evans and Regan King outside you, two international centres make it easier, they talk to you and help you through.”
Scarlets Director of Rugby Phil Davies has given his international teammates Stephen Jones, Dwayne Peel, Mark Jones, Matthew Rees and Alix Popham, together with Ireland’s Simon Easterby, a few more days to recharge their batteries after only returning to training on Wednesday.
Lock Scott MacLeod has been another week to rest following Scotland’s quarter-final defeat at the hands of Argentina on Sunday. Davies is likely to give the majority of his internationals a run out against Bristol in the EDF Energy Cup on October 28th and against Leeds five days later.
Scarlets: Morgan Stoddart, Nathan Brew, Regan King, Gavin Evans, Matthew Watkins, Rhys Priestland Liam Davies; Iestyn Thomas, Ken Owens, Deacon Manu, Vernon Cooper, Adam Eustace, James Bater (Capt), Johnathan Edwards, Nathan Thomas
Replacements: Bruce Douglas, James Hayter, Lou Reed, Dafydd Jones, Gavin Cattle, Ceiron Thomas, Mark Jones
Ulster: Bryn Cunningham, Mark Bartholomeusz, Tommy Bowe, Seamus Mallon, Simon Danielli, Paddy Wallace, Isaac Boss (capt), Bryan Young, Nigel Brady, Tom Court, Justin Harrison, Carlo del Fava, Matt McCullough, Neil McMillan, Stephen Ferris
Replacements: Rory Best, Justin Fitzpatrick, Tim Barker, Roger Wilson, Paul Marshall, Niall O’Connor, Mark McCrea
Referee: Malcolm Changleng (SRU)
