Scarlets are aiming to cement their place at the summit of EPCR Challenge Cup Pool B as they welcome Toyota Cheetahs in Round 3 at the Parc y Scarlets on Friday at 21:00 (SA Time).
The Welsh region has been in impressive form so far in this season’s competition, running in 11 tries to claim maximum points from their opening two games.
A 39-7 thrashing of Aviron Bayonnais in Llanelli kicked off their campaign before they held off Toyota Cheetahs to win 45-26 in Parma.
That defeat was a setback for the South African outfit, who won 21-16 at Section Paloise in their first-ever EPCR Challenge Cup game, leaving them fifth in the standings.
Toyota Cheetahs have been out of action since Round 2, while Scarlets have won twice in three United Rugby Championship games, picking up back-to-back victories in their most recent clashes.
Prediction: Scarlets RFC with 16
Scarlets RFC has reshuffled the pack for the resumption of the EPCR Challenge Cup. Head coach Dwayne Peel has made two changes and one positional to the team that secured a 28-22 win over Cardiff at the Arms Park last weekend.
The back division that impressed in the capital remains the same with Leigh Halfpenny at full-back and Johnny McNicholl and Steff Evans on the wings.
Joe Roberts, outstanding against Cardiff, partners skipper Jonathan Davies in midfield, while Rhys Patchell and Dane Blacker continue their half-back partnership.
All the changes come up front.
Kemsley Mathias (pictured) returns to the No. 1 jersey, packing down alongside Ken Owens and Javan Sebastian in the front row. Morgan Jones comes in at lock for his first start of the campaign, while Vaea Fifita – player of the match against Cardiff – switches to blindside flanker. Dan Davis and Carwyn Tuipulotu make up the remainder of the back row.
On the bench, Wales and British & Irish Lions prop Wyn Jones returns from a knee injury, having last played against Zebre in October. Jac Price is another to come off the casualty list, as does Sam Costelow, who has recovered from the head knock he suffered against the Ospreys on Boxing Day.
Head coach Dwayne Peel said: “We have put ourselves in a strong position in the pool so there is a big opportunity for us in the competition. The next two weekends are massively important for us.”
The Toyota Cheetahs made four changes to their starting line-up.
The team will miss two quality players, Ruan Pienaar and Frans Steyn. They were withdrawn from the touring squad at the last moment due to injury.
This offers an opportunity for Rewan Kruger and Andell Loubser to take their game to the next level. Tapiwa Mafura and Branden de Kock will provide cover on the bench.
Louis van der Westhuizen and Marko Janse van Rensburg switch places with Louis in the starting line-up.
Alulutho Tshakweni returns from injury as a reserve prop. Sibabalo Qoma will wear the number 7 jersey, with Daniel Maartens on reserve.
Coach Hawies Fourie said: “The Scarlets are very well organised on the attack, keeping the ball through numerous phases, so we must be sharp on defence. We expect them to be dangerous on their home ground.”
"It will be a big challenge. Obviously, at home, they are more dangerous and since the last time, we played them.
“They are a quality team and I won’t be surprised if they end up in the top 8 of the United Rugby Championship table at the end of the season.”
Teams:
Scarlets: 15. Leigh Halfpenny, 14. Johnny McNicholl, 13. Joe Roberts, 12. Jonathan Davies (c), 11. Steff Evans, 10. Rhys Patchell, 9. Dane Blacker, 8. Carwyn Tuipulotu, 7. Dan Davis, 6. Vaea Fifita, 5. Sam Lousi, 4. Morgan Jones, 3. Javan Sebastian, 2. Ken Owens, 1. Kemsley Mathias. Replacements: 16. Shaun Evans, 17. Wyn Jones, 18. Sam Wainwright, 19. Jac Price, 20. Tomas Lezana, 21. Gareth Davies, 22. Sam Costelow, 23. Ioan Nicholas.
Toyota Cheetahs: 15. Andell Loubser, 14. Dan Kapepula, 13. David Brits, 12. Reinhardt Fortuin, 11. Munier Hartzenberg, 10. Siya Masuku, 9. Rewan Kruger, 8. Friedle Olivier, 7. Siba Qoma, 6. Jeandre Rudolph, 5. Victor Sekekete (c), 4. Rynier Bernardo, 3. Aranos Coetzee, 2. Louis van der Westhuizen, 1. Schalk Ferreira. Replacements: 16. Marko Janse van Rensburg, 17. Alulutho Tshakweni, 18. Hencus van Wyk, 19. Mzwanele Zito, 20. Daniel Maartens, 21. Branden de Kock, 22. Robert Ebersohn, 23. Tapiwa Mafura.
