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Priestland fit to face champions

Priestland fit to face champions

The Scarlets travel to the home of reigning Guinness PRO12 champions Leinster on Saturday looking to avenge their last minute draw to Ulster in round one.

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The West Walians are looking to clinch victory for the first time in 13 games against the four-time champions.
But Wayne Pivac’s men will find it tough at the RDS – a stadium where their only success has came from their first visit back in 2007.

Wales fly-half Rhys Priestland has boosted the cause after he was passed fit having recovered from the back spasm that forced him off in the 32-32 draw.

Liam Williams has also been cleared to play after he was sent-off in the dying moments for two counts of foul play. But wing Michael Tagicakiabau will not be available after he injured his knee in his competitive debut at Parc Y Scarlets. 

Leinster face losing their opening two PRO12 matches for the first time since the league’s inception in 2003 after their last-ditch defeat to Glasgow on the opening weekend.

But they will be strengthened with Ireland captain Jamie Heaslip set to get his first match action this season and Devin Toner is also ready to start. And Scarlets head coach Wayne Pivac is fearful of a Leinster backlash after their 22-20 defeat.

He said: “I would have preferred a Leinster win – any champion side doesn’t like losing and they will be hurting and will want to come out at home and put it right. They’re going to be very tough. It’s a great way to start the season because they will expose any weaknesses in our game.

“To be successful down the track we have to make sure that we’re on top of our game both in defence and in attack. Rather than have a slightly easier run-in and then get exposed later on, I think it’s a good time to have these games.”

Leinster: Rob Kearney; Zane Kirchner, Brendan Macken, Ian Madigan, Darragh Fanning; Jimmy Gopperth, Isaac Boss; Jack McGrath, Sean Cronin, Mike Ross, Devin Toner, Mike McCarthy, Dominic Ryan, Shane Jennings, Jamie Heaslip (Captain)
Replacements: Bryan Byrne, Cian Healy, Tadhg Furlong, Ben Marshall, Kevin McLaughlin, Eoin Reddan, Steve Crosbie, Mick McGrath

Scarlets: Liam Williams; Harry Robinson, Gareth Owen, Scott Williams, Jordan Williams; Rhys Priestland, Rhodri Williams; Phil John, Ken Owens (Captain), Rhodri Jones, Jake Ball, Johan Snyman, Aaron Shingler, John Barclay, Rory Pitman

Replacements: Emyr Phillips, Rob Evans, Peter Edwards, Richard Kelly, Rob McCusker, Aled Davies, Steven Shingler, Adam Warren

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Priestland fit to face champions
Priestland fit to face champions
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Priestland fit to face champions
Priestland fit to face champions
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Priestland fit to face champions
Priestland fit to face champions
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Priestland fit to face champions