For Friday’s encounter (KO 7.05pm), Scarlets Head of Rugby Nigel Davies has selected a fresh team retaining one player in the starting line-up and all eight replacements from the team that beat the Ospreys.
Davies said: “I have made this team selection based on a strong belief that this is the right team to take to Rodney Parade and get a result; there’s a potent balance of quality experience with fresh ambition from a number of emerging players who have shown great enthusiasm, talent and commitment to our shirt already this season.
“Given the physical impact of our last game coupled with a tight turnaround and the block of rugby ahead of us, it’s good that we have the depth building in our squad now where we are able to train and prepare two separate teams in this way.
“The players across our group are eager to front up and that level of hunger and competition in our squad is something we should feel very positive about.
“We don’t underestimate the size of the task ahead of us on Friday night but neither should anyone underestimate the competition for places within our squad and how close some of the calls on selection currently are.”
Davies said the Scarlets knew how important the trio of RaboDirect PRO12 games against the Ospreys, Dragons and then Glasgow back at Parc Y Scarlets next Saturday was on his team’s league position.
He said: “We are clear as a squad how important these games are for our season. We have respect for the Newport Gwent Dragons; whenever you go up to Rodney Parade you’re aware they have a very good home record, they will be physical and manage the contact area well and will be expecting to win in front of a home crowd.”
Scarlets team against Newport Gwent Dragons, Friday 30th December 2011, kick off 7.05pm at Rodney Parade: 15 Dan Newton, 14 Viliame Iongi, 13 Adam Warren, 12 Gareth Maule (capt), 11 Andy Fenby, 10 Stephen Jones , 9 Rhodri Williams, 1 Phil John, 2 Ken Owens, 3 Deacon Manu, 4 Sione Timani, 5 Dominic Day, 6 Josh Turnbull, 7 Johnathan Edwards, 8 Kieran Murphy.
Replacements: Emyr Phillips, Iestyn Thomas, Peter Edwards, Lou Reed, Richie Pugh, Gareth Davies, Aled Thomas, Daniel Evans.
