The Scarlets have welcomed back Rhys Priestland, Rob McCusker, Tavis Knoyle and Josh Turnbull from International duty ahead of their third vs fourth clash in Ireland this Friday (4th March). Jon Davies, Matthew Rees and Stephen Jones are not released for this match.
Similarly Leinster are able to select two of their big international players in Sexton and Leo Cullen. This will make the battle of the 10′s especially interesting as Sexton will be determined to push for reselection at 10 after being dropped by Ireland last week whilst Priestland should be focussed on making a case for himself despite all the Hook for 10 talk.
Nigel Davies talking ahead of the game had this to say
“You can’t go out there to play the former European champions and double Magners League winners without belief and confidence in your game – this group really bounced back well under a lot of pressure last week, which was a huge achievement. Our set piece functioned well and we controlled the game in tough conditions.
“We will have to be on the top of our game that’s for sure but I’m really comfortable with this team in terms of the mix of experience and fresh talent and having four of our Welsh players back has given a boost.”
Davies added: “It’s very tight in the league, we have six games left and there’s a great deal of focus now because of the play-offs. We’re going to play a number of the top placed teams and that means every game is a key one but we’re still in the fight and that’s a great position for us to be in after last season. It’s going to be an intense end to the season and we have a couple of great home fixtures against Munster and the Cardiff Blues to look forward to.
“We want to sign off this latest run of league games with a positive this weekend, before the break. It’s a hugely significant game for us and we’re looking forward to the encounter. They are an all-round formidable team – have a lot of belief, physicality and will look to dominate and always the contact area will be key against any Irish side.
“There will be a really good encounter at 10, it’s been good to have Rhys (Priestland) back this week – he’s looking sharp, very confident and on top of his game and I think he’s been disappointed not to have got more opportunities with Wales so far and I’m sure will be looking to impress again at regional level.
“By his own admission, George (North) was a little off on conditioning compared to his very high standards after his first game back last week, but he’s very eager and ambitious and with the likes players like him we’ll want keep this ball alive – we already know what a devastating finisher he can be.”
Scarlets Team vs Leinster
Kick-off 1935: Dan Newton, George North, Regan King, Gareth Maule, Joe Ajuwa, Rhys Priestland, Tavis Knoyle, Iestyn Thomas (capt), Rhys Lawrence, Rhys Thomas, Lou Reed, Aaron Shingler, Rob McCusker, Josh Turnbull, Ben Morgan.
Replacements: Kirby Myhill, Rhodri Jones, Simon Gardiner, Damian Welch, Johnathan Edwards, Gareth Davies, Daniel Evans, Nick Reynolds.
The Leinster Team vs the Scarlets
LEINSTER:
15: Isa Nacewa
14: Niall Morris
13: Eoin O’Malley
12: Fergus McFadden
11: Dave Kearney
10: Jonathan Sexton
9: Isaac Boss
1: Heinke van der Merwe
2: Richardt Strauss
3: Stan Wright
4: Leo Cullen CAPTAIN
5: Devin Toner
6: Kevin McLaughlin
7: Dominic Ryan
8: Rhys Ruddock
REPLACEMENTS:
16: Jason Harris-Wright
17: Jack McGrath
18: Simon Shawe
19: Nathan Hines
20: Paul Ryan
21: Paul O’Donohoe
22: Ian Madigan
23: Daniel Riordan
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