With a number of players picking up injuries in the past few weeks, there were a series of late fitness tests completed yesterday ahead of the fixture against an Edinburgh side who will be boosted by a big win over league champions Munster last weekend.
The Scarlets did the double on Edinburgh last season with an historic win away in Murrayfield in January this year for the first time in eight years. Edinburgh who have tasted victory in Italy on the road this season have not won at Parc y Scarlets since December 2009.
Making the race back from injury to the field at Parc y Scarlets are Andy Fenby on the wing and Dominic Day and Aaron Shingler in the second row.
Outside half Aled Thomas has retained his place at number 10 after a strong performance against Treviso last weekend with Dan Newton at fullback. Talented 19-year-old Rhodri Williams gets his first start at scrum half whilst Rhodri Gomer Davies returns following an illness last week.
Scarlets Defence Coach Simon Easterby said: “We’ve had a short turnaround for this game, it’s been a very focused week for us and despite the squad being stretched with injuries and bumps, the players have responded well in training and it’s been a positive week.
“We know that we’ve got to improve our position in the league, but there’s been no dent in confidence here, its been more about getting the best out of our performance and if we get that right the results will come.
Scarlets: 15 Dan Newton, 14 Lee Williams, 13 Rhodri Gomer Davies, 12 Gareth Maule (capt), 11 Andy Fenby, 10 Aled Thomas, 9 Rhodri Williams, 1 Phil John, 2 Emyr Phillips, 3 Rhys Thomas, 4 Aaron Shingler 5 Damian Welch, 6 Rob McCusker, 7 Richie Pugh, 8 Ben Morgan.
Replacements: 16 Kirby Myhill, 17 Peter Edwards, 18 Rhodri Jones, 19 Dominic Day, 20 Johnathan Edwards, 21 Ruki Tipuna, 22 Adam Warren, 23 Liam Williams
