Scarlets v Leinster: Teams

The Scarlets will look to leapfrog Leinster into third spot of the Magners League when the defending champions come to Parc y Scarlets on Saturday.

With teams approaching the business end of the season, the Scarlets could climb above the Dubliners in the table with a victory.

However Llanelli coach Nigel Davies knows his side face a tough test against the international-packed Leinster team.

He said "Leinster come to us with a strong 22. They have a powerful squad with quality overseas players so they'll be very competitive indeed this weekend.

"Given the space, time and opportunity, Leinster can be as good as any side - and I know they want to retain their Magners League title - so expect a tremendous effort from them at Parc y Scarlets.

"A couple of months ago the coaches and players spoke in detail as a group about ensuring that, by mid-February, we'd be competing strongly for the league title. I'm glad to say that, with five home games - including Leinster - and three away trips to come, we're still very much in the chase

"It's very important that we do well in this competition so it follows that it's important we do well in this weekend's game. At the top now, any team which puts together a run of wins can start to pull away - and that's what our squad is very focused on doing.

"We want to maintain the momentum we've had since Christmas. The boys have been working hard and they're eager to get back into action."

Threats

Leinster fly-half Felipe Contepomi believes the Scarlets pose threats across the pitch.

Leinster may be third in the table and two points off the leaders Munster - however the Welsh region are just three points behind them.

And Contepomi knows his side will have to raise their game if they are to win.

The Argentina international said "Llanelli are a fantastic team. They are in fourth position in the league and will only be missing a few players who will be involved with Wales.

"They have attacking threats in every position and we have great respect for them. Are these games you enjoy? I'm not too sure 'enjoy' is the right word because these games are never easy.

"The Scarlets are the kind of team who can score tries against you at any time. They play a fast, attacking game and I remember a game when they scored over 50 points against us.

"I'm sure that it will be a good game to watch in an incredible new stadium. Hopefully the weather allows us to play a good, attacking game."

Shane Jennings has recovered from the injury to captain the side, while Malcolm O'Kelly partners Trevor Hogan in the second row with Rocky Elsom starts at No.8.

In the backline, Gordon D'Arcy, Shane Horgan and Girvan Dempsey are all available to play.

Scarlets: 15 Morgan Stoddart, 14 Darren Daniel, 13 Regan King, 12 Jon Davies, 11 Matthew Jacobs, 10 Rhys Priestland, 9 Martin Roberts; 1 Iestyn Thomas, 2 Ken Owens, 3 Deacon Manu, 4 Lou Reed, 5 Dominic Day, 6 Vernon Cooper, 7 Simon Easterby (c), 8 David Lyons.
Replacements: 16 Phil John, 17 Mahonri Schwalger, 18 Josh Turnbull, 19 Rob McCusker, 20 Gavin Cattle, 21 Gavin Evans, 22 Ceiron Thomas.

Leinster: 15 Girvan Dempsey, 14 Shane Horgan, 13 Fergus McFadden, 12 Gordon D'Arcy, 11 Isa Nacewa, 10 Felipe Contepomi, 9 Paul O'Donohoe, 1 Cian Healy, 2 Brian Blaney, 3 Stan Wright, 4 Trevor Hogan, 5 Malcolm O'Kelly, 6 Cameron Jowitt, 7 Shane Jennings, 8 Rocky Elsom.
Replacements: 16 Bernard Jackman, 17 Ronan McCormack, 18 Devin Toner, 19 Stephen Keogh, 20 Simon Keogh, 21 Jonathan Sexton, 22 Gary Brown