Scarlets v Dragons - RaboDirect PRO12 match preview

Lewis Evans: Dragons man will make the switch to blindside flanker this week

Jonathan Davies: Rested by Scarlets for Friday's clash with the Dragons

Scarlets will be looking to move top of the RaboDirect PRO12 on Friday night with success over fellow Welsh side the Newport Gwent Dragons.

Scarlets have given Jonathan Davies a rest for this week's clash and replaced him at centre with fellow Wales back Scott Williams.

Davies is given some time off the field ahead of the Heineken Cup following significant minutes for his region in the opening weeks of the PRO12.

Therefore Williams comes in alongside Gareth Maule while other changes see George North returning on the wing after a rest last week, with Aled Thomas getting his opportunity to start at fly-half, with Rhys Priestland named on the bench.

Meanwhile, Dragons captain Lewis Evans will make the switch to blindside flanker this week, as new recruit Nic Cudd makes his debut at openside against his former team.

The Men of Gwent, who are travelling west for their away match, have no other changes from the successful team who faced Edinburgh in the RaboDirect PRO12 last week.

Scarlets: 15 L Williams, 14 G North, 13 G Maule, 12 S Williams, 11 A Fenby, 10 A Thomas, 9 T Knoyle, 8 R McCusker (capt), 7 J Turnbull, 6 A Shingler, 5 J Snyman, 4 S Timani, 3 S Lee, 2 M Rees, 1 P John. Replacements: 16 K Owens, 17 S Hopkins, 18 D Manu, 19 R Kelly, 20 K Murphy, 21 G Davies, 22 R Priestland, 23 M Stoddart.

Dragons: 15 D Evans, 14 A Hughes, 13 P Leach, 12 A Tuilagi, 11 T Prydie, 10 S Jones, 9 J Evans, 8 T Faletau, 7 N Cudd, 6 L Evans (capt), 5 A Jones, 4 I Nimmo, 3 D Way, 2 S Jones, 1 P Price. Replacements: 16 H Gustafson, 17 A Coundley, 18 N Buck, 19 J Groves, 20 T Brown, 21 L Davies, 22 A Smith, 23 W Harries.

What they said...

Scarlets forwards coach Danny Wilson

"There's plenty in this game for supporters, players and coaches alike; of course I have an understanding of how the Dragons are likely to approach this game and vice-versa they will know how I'll be preparing the Scarlets boys," said Wilson.

"We will need a big chunk of attitude on Friday night, we've been working hard this week on our game and know we have to really turn up and perform as there will be some real threats across the field from the Dragons who will be confident after their win against Edinburgh.

"It's a home game and our passionate and loyal support deserve us to deliver this time - the players were hurting after the Ospreys so I know they'll want to make amends on Friday."

Dragons full-back Dan Evans

"I didn't get the luck of a run. But that's in the past now," speaking about his time with Scarlets.

"All I'm concentrating on now is playing well for the Dragons. Hopefully we can pick up a couple of victories in our next few games and there's no better way to start than at Parc y Scarlets."

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