SCARLETS TEAM FOR FINAL PRE-SEASON FRIENDLY AGAINST EXETER

The Scarlets’ final pre-season fixture away against Exeter Chiefs this Saturday sees an unchanged back line that put in an impressive performance in France last week against a near full strength Clermont side.

Changes in the pack include the addition of recently returned Wales international Josh Turnbull to add a boost to the back row. Turnbull admits he is eager to get back onto the field and play rugby in Scarlets colours after not making the initial Rugby World Cup squad selection.

Back with his Scarlets colleagues at Parc y Scarlets this week Josh Turnbull said: “Obviously it was disappointing not to be selected for New Zealand, it’s something that every player wants to achieve and is the highest honour – but I know I’m still young and have plenty of time ahead of me in my rugby career.

“I worked hard and was very committed in the Welsh camp, you give it your all and it’s been great experience to be part of the pre World Cup training group and see what goes on. And there are still opportunities as no-one can predict what will happen in a World Cup so I’m just keeping my focus and looking to play my best rugby for the Scarlets.

“I feel in great shape and I’m just eager to get back on the field and play now. It’s great to be back at Parc y Scarlets – the boys have done well in the pre-season, the place is full of energy and there’s a very positive atmosphere amongst the group with a lot of promising new guys taking their chances.

“I’m just pleased get an opportunity back in the Scarlets shirt this weekend against what will be a very physical Exeter side.”

Wales U20 Prop Rhodri Jones gets his chance with Iestyn Thomas moving the bench and one further shuffle to see Aaron Shingler come into the second row.

Scarlets Head Coach Nigel Davies said: “Exeter present us with another big physical challenge as we finely tune our preparations for the start of the season against Aironi at home in a fortnight’s time.

“It was a very pleasing performance for us to come out to Clermont Auvergne, we looked competitive and be able to play most of the rugby. Their first try came from a turn-over when we were on the attack and their last try was a push-over in the last play of the game. We showed really good resistance against a team that had hammered Brive by 37 points the previous week.

“The big focus for us going into the game was being able to step it up mentally and physically. Physicality is something we needed to improve on from last season and we did in France. The boys know that the same test awaits them this weekend.

“We could’ve left more experienced players on the pitch but it wasn’t all about the result. We wanted to be competitive but what was more important was blooding some youngsters ahead of the new season.

“There were plenty of positives we played most of the rugby and without the ball we were the most effective we’ve been in a long time.

Davies added: “It’s all about ramping up to the new season. We have made a tighter selection this week and we know Exeter will have a big forward pack and ability in the backs.”

The Scarlets will face Italians Aironi in the opening week of the RaboDirect Pro12 in front of a home crowd at Parc y Scarlets on Sunday 4th September kicking off at 4pm.

Scarlets team against Exeter Chiefs Saturday 27th August kick off 1500 at Sandy Park stadium. 15 Daniel Evans, 14 Lee Williams, 13 Nick Reynolds, 12 Aled Thomas, 11 Andy Fenby, 10 Dan Newton, 9 Rhodri Williams, 1 Rhodri Jones, 2 Emyr Phillips, 3 Peter Edwards, 4 Aaron Shingler, 5 Dominic Day, 6 Josh Turnbull, 7 Johnathan Edwards (capt) 8 Ben Morgan.

Replacements: Justin James, Rhodri Gomer-Davies, Adam Warren, Lee Rees, Rhys Jones, Iestyn Thomas, Kirby Myhill, Phil John, Simon Gardiner, Lou Reed, Damian Welch, Craig Price, Richie Pugh.

Injury update: Not available for selection Rob McCusker (minor calf strain), Jordan Williams (minor shin injury), Rhys Thomas (minor shoulder injury).