Scarlets vs Ospreys

It’s the big West Wales derby, the Llanelli Scarlets vs the Ospreys at the Parc y Scarlets Saturday at 8pm. The good news, for those that can’t get down there, is that the game is on the TV. S4C to be precise. For those of you in England who are unable to get S4C it is also shown live on the Internet – simply go to the S4C website to stream the game live.

These games are always something special, for me dating back to the old Swansea vs Llanelli bragging rights of yesteryear. Whilst the Magners League may not have a lot of the passion that the old Welsh Premiership had these derbies still mean an awful lot to the fans.

The Game

With the Heineken Cup coming up and the Autumn Internationals only a week away this game is a massive point not only in it’s own right but for putting down a marker. Players are playing for spots for the big games, and teams need to be hitting their rhythm now.

Neither team can be especially confident either. The Scarlets, despite an away loss against Treviso, have started promisingly. 3 wins on the bounce has them moving up the league – but none of their games have been against what you would call tough opposition. This game will prove a stern test for them and let them know exactly what to expect going into the Heineken Cup.

By contrast the Ospreys had a very tough encounter in Munster, one they failed badly on. They really need to get into their stride soon, but with their important players coming back in dribs and drabs they really haven’t had much chance. The good news is that Mike Phillips is back starting, Nutbrown has again been woeful from 9. Jame Hook also returns to take his spot on the bench which is great news.

Ones to Watch

As with all Scarlets vs Ospreys games tehre are some fascinating match ups and players to watch.

Mike Phillips vs Tavis Knoyle. Mike is back making his first start for teh region, and is up against the young pretender – a player many are expecting to take his place in the Welsh set up in the next couple of years. Both are abrasive, strong 9′s and it will be a fascinating contest.

George North vs Shane Williams Another young pretender vs the current master. Shane again faces a battle of little vs large and it will give us a wonderful view point of where the much touted George North is in his development.

David Lyons vs Jonathan Thomas. Lyons has consistently been one of the best players down n Llanelli, and will again look to give the Llanelli backs some ball on the front foot. Jonathan Thomas is pretty new to the 8 position, but has a lot of plaudits since his move there this season. How well will he go against one of the best 8′s in the league?