Scarlets v Aironi: Teams
Scrum-half Tavis Knoyle has been rewarded for an impressive showing off the bench with a place in the Scarlets side to tackle Aironi.
Last Updated: 16/09/10 11:44am
Wales scrum-half Tavis Knoyle has been rewarded for an impressive showing off the bench with a place in the Scarlets side to tackle Aironi.
Knoyle caught the eye after replacing Martin Roberts against Connacht - with the Scarlets scoring two late tries to topple the Irishmen.
Second row Dominic Day, prop Deacon Manu and Australian international David Lyons also come into the Scarlets line-up - with coach Nigel Davies admitting there had been some tough decisions over selection.
"It's clear from the selection battles we've got, that it's a very competitive environment here at the moment, which is crucial to us going forward," said Davies.
"We haven't been in that position for some time and it gives us more options. The players know that they have to be up to standard every game and play for the shirt and that with this level of competition, no place is guaranteed.
Aironi, who are seeking their first win since joining the Magners League, have made three changes for the trip to Llanelli.
Injury to Dylan Des Fountain means Gabriel Pizarro comes into the midfield to partner Gilberto Pavan, while South African winger Danwel Demas will make his first appearances.
In the pack Alberto De Marchi switches to tighthead with Salvatore Perugini moving to loosehead.
Scarlets: 15 Andy Fenby, 14 George North, 13 Regan King, 12 Jon Davies, 11 Sean Lamont, 10 Stephen Jones, 9 Tavis Knoyle, 8 David Lyons, 7 Johnathan Edwards, 6 Rob McCusker, 5 Dominic Day, 4 Lou Reed, 3 Deacon Manu, 2 Matthew Rees (c), 1 Iestyn Thomas.
Replacements: 16 Ken Owens, 17 Phil John, 18 Rhys Thomas, 19 Jonny Fa'amatuainu, 20 Josh Turnbull, 21 Martin Roberts, 22 Gareth Maule, 23 Rhys Priestland.
Aironi: 15 Julien Laharrague; 14 Danwel Demas, 13 Gilberto Pavan, 12 Gabriel Pizarro, 11 Giulio Rubini; 10 Ludovic Mercier, 9 Tito Tebaldi; 1 Salvatore Perugini, 2 Fabio Ongaro, 3 Alberto De Marchi; 4 Carlo Del Fava, 5 Quintin Geldenhuys (cap); 6 Jaco Erasmus, 7 Gareth Krause, 8 Nick Williams.
Replacements: 16 Luca Redolfini, 17 Luigi Ferraro, 18 Andrea De Marchi, 19 Joshua Furno, 20 Andrea Benatti, 21 Pablo Canavosio, 22 Giovanbattista Venditti, 23 Riccardo Bocchino.
