Scarlets v Connacht: Teams
The Scarlets are set for a crucial RaboDirect Pro12 clash with Connacht as five players return from RBS Six Nations duty.
Last Updated: 01/03/12 2:50pm
The Scarlets are set for a crucial RaboDirect Pro12 clash with Connacht as five players return from RBS Six Nations duty.
After a bonus point win last week, which kept the Scarlets top four dreams alive, they are heading for their seventh home win in a row this Friday.
Stephen Jones starts at outside half, with Liam Williams, Rhodri Jones, Lou Reed and Aaron Shingler all back in their regional jerseys.
Wales U20's captain Kirby Myhill is also back and will be on the bench at the Parc y Scarlets.
Scarlets head of rugby Nigel Davies said: "This is another massive game for us- we need a good win and they're a tough team to face so we take nothing for granted.
"It's a challenging time for international players coming back to us and then leaving again- into one environment and then into another and the intensity of international rugby means it can be difficult just to slot back in.
"But the boys have trained well with us and we've had more time with them and they know how crucial this game is for us and our season's ambitions."
Connacht have won their last two games against Scarlets and have adjusted their team ahead of Friday's game.
Debut
Brett Wilkinson and Mike McCarthy are unavailable due to international involvement and Peter Borlase will make his first ever start for the side at tighthead prop.
Academy back-rower Dave Heffernan will gain his first cap after displaying impressive performances for Buccaneers RFC throughout the season.
Eoin Griffin and Dave McSharry reintroduce their centre partnership while Miah Nikora replaces the injured Niall O'Connor.
Academy manager Nigel Carolan is upbeat about the inclusion of young players, saying: "It's great to see the guys getting the reward for their hard work and dedication.
"Eric (Elwood) has always said that if players are good enough and patient enough they'll get their chances, so it's great to see these opportunities open up for them."
Scarlets: 15 Dan Newton, 14 Liam Williams, 13 Gareth Maule (c), 12 Adam Warren, 11 Andy Fenby, 10 Stephen Jones, 9 Liam Davies, 8 Kieran Murphy. 7 Johnathan Edwards, 6 Josh Turnbull, 5 Aaron Shingler, 4 Lou Reed, 3 Deacon Manu, 2 Emyr Phillips, 1 Rhodri Jones.
Replacements: 16 Kirby Myhill, 17 Phil John, 18 Peter Edwards, 19 Dominic Day, 20 Mat Gilbert, 21 Gareth Davies, 22 Nick Reynolds, 23 Liam Williams.
Connacht: 15 Gavin Duffy (c), 14 Fetu'u Vainikolo, 13 Eoin Griffin, 12 Dave McSharry, 11 Tiernan O'Halloran, 10 Miah Nikora, 9 Frank Murphy, 8 George Naoupu, 7 Ray Ofisa, 6 Dave Heffernan, 5 Mick Kearney, 4 Michael Swift, 3 Peter Borlase, 2 Adrian Flavin, 1 Ronan Loughney.
Replacements: 16 Ethienne Reynecke, 17 Denis Buckley, 18 Stewart Maguire, 19 John Muldoon, 20 Eoghan Grace, 21 Dave Moore, 22 Matthew Jarvis, 23 Kyle Tonetti.
