Parisian challenge great opportunity for Scarlets

Scarlets take on Racing 92 on Sunday afternoon in the fifth round of the European Rugby Champions Cup looking for their first victory in this season’s campaign.

Hooker Ken Owens captains the side for the second time in this season’s Champions Cup campaign in a new look front row with loosehead prop Phil John lining up alongside the captain and international tighthead Samson Lee.

George Earle makes a return to the starting XV having recovered from a calf injury that kept him sidelined over the festive period; Maselino Paulino joins him in the second row.

Rory Pitman makes a return from a bicep injury that has kept him out since September, and makes his first appearance in the Champions Cup this season. Aaron Shingler moves to the openside with Morgan Allen named at 8.

Gareth Davies and Steven Shingler line up at halfbacks, a combination used against Northampton Saints and Glasgow Warriors in the competition this season, with Regan King also making a return to the starting XV.

With qualification out of the pool not an option for the Scarlets head coach Wayne Pivac has stated that there is no pressure on his side and it presents itself as a fantastic opportunity for the region’s players to express themselves against some of the world’s very best players.

Scarlets Head Coach Wayne Pivac said: “Racing are a class side and they’re playing very well at the moment. You’re up against some of the great players in the world. It’s a great challenge for us and that’s the way we’re approaching it.

“There’s no pressure to win or get points to qualify. Now it’s about what we want to get out of the game. It’s a great opportunity for individuals to step up on a pretty big stage. There’s a lot to play for for individuals.

“We’ll look at options of keeping ball in play and not giving them too many penalties hopefully.

“This is what players want to do is test themselves against the best.”

Scarlets team to take on Racing 92 at Stade Yves-du-Manoir on Sunday 17^thJanuary, kick off 2pm (local time):

15 Michael Collins, 14 Steffan Evans, 13 Regan King, 12 Hadleigh Parkes, 11 DTH van der Merwe, 10 Steven Shingler, 9 Gareth Davies, 1 Phil John, 2 Ken Owens ©, 3 Samson Lee, 4 George Earle, 5 Maselino Paulino, 6 Rory Pitman, 7 Aaron Shingler, 8 Morgan Allen

Replacements: Kirby Myhill, Wyn Jones, Rhodri Jones, Tom Price, Tom Phillips, Rhodri Williams, Daniel Jones, Steffan Hughes

Unavailable for selection: Will Boyde (foot), James Davies (foot), Peter Edwards (elbow), Liam Williams (foot), Scott Williams (knee), Tom Williams (shoulder), Michael Tagicakibau (hamstring), Jake Ball (knee), Harry Robinson (hamstring), Gareth Owen (shoulder), Emyr Phillips (knee), Jack Condy (shoulder), Harry Robinson (hamstring), Lewis Rawlins (shoulder), John Barclay (arm)