Team announcement – Scarlets v Zebre

The Scarlets say they need to keep up the intensity brought to their two Heineken Cup opening games as they head out to Parma to return to RaboDirect PRO12 action on Friday night (kick off 7.30pm local time).

The West Wales side are intent on picking up their league campaign with the same energy and spirit they’ve shown over the past fortnight to remain unbeaten in Europe so far this season.

The visiting side will take nothing for granted in their opponents on Friday night regardless of winning over Italian side Zebre home and away last season. The Scarlets won both encounters against Zebre by a margin of four match points to nil, however both sides managed to accumulate three tries apiece over the two games.

The Scarlets know that Zebre will bring plenty at home and have already won in Wales this season, having beaten Cardiff Blues at The Arms Park 30-25 in round 3.

The Scarlets only defeat in their last four matches in all competitions was 12-17 at the hands of Glasgow Warriors in the RaboDirect PRO12 on 5th October. Scarlets have won three of their last four games against Italian opponents but also have lost on two of their last four visits to Italy.

Seven Scarlets have been called-up to the Wales international set-up for the autumn series including a first selection at senior level for bright young scrum-half talent Rhodri Williams who has impressed this season and most recently in the Heineken Cup.

Born in Swansea, Rhodri Williams (20) is the son of former Swansea scrum-half Alan Williams and has been involved with the Scarlets set-up since 16, and was originally picked to join the region’s academy on the back of his U18 performances for both the Scarlets and Wales. He was a stand-out player in this year’s IRB Junior Rugby World Championship.

Other Wales places go to Ken Owens, Emyr Phillips, Rhys Priestland, Jon Davies, Scott Williams and Liam Williams.

The Scarlets have opted to move their highly successful half-back duo to the bench for this weekend’s clash after significant game time in Europe. Rhys Priestland is back to his best form managing the Scarlets game including putting 16 points on the board from his boot last weekend against Racing Metro.

Gareth Davies comes back from injury to start at nine, with Steve Shingler given the 10 jersey and ahead of an important home fixture against Ulster next weekend at Parc y Scarlets when the region’s international group will be with Wales.

It’s a first opportunity in Scarlets jersey for new addition 130kg Romanian international Prop Horatiu Pungea. The 27-year-old Pungea has been a key member of the Romanian team since making his debut in November 2012. Pungea has been added to the squad after Deacon Manu suffered a fractured arm which will sideline him for three months.

Scarlets Attack Coach Mark Jones said: “The fact that our team were frustrated in the dressing room with a draw to Racing Metro says a lot about how much we believed we could take that victory against a side with significantly more resources at their disposal and packed with international stars on the field and bench.

“As a Scarlets team, we’ve worked hard this season in training and have a group of very committed and talented players who really want to show what Scarlets rugby is all about. That ambition came together in the Heineken Cup and now we have to bring that level of intensity, hunger and consistency to our league form.

“We know that Zebre have been building as a team and are no push-overs and they have a decent try scoring record in this competition; so we know we have a lot to do over there and ensure our execution is the right level.

“This game may not have the profile around it as last weekend’s but the team knows these away games were a vital element in us achieving a top-four spot in the PRO12 last season – and that’s our target again.”

Scarlets Team V Zebre Friday 25th October, Stadio XXV Aprile kick off 7.30pm; 15 Liam Williams; 14 Nick Reynolds; 13 Jon Davies (capt); 12 Scott Williams; 11Kristian Phillips; 10 Steve Shingler; 9 Gareth Davies; 1 Phil John; 2 Emyr Phillips; 3; Jacobie Adriaanse; 4; George Earle; 5 Jo Snyman; 6 Aaron Shingler; 7 John Barclay; 8 Josh Turnbull

Replacements: Kirby Myhill, Rob Evans, Horatiu Pungea, Jake Ball, Sione Timani, Rhodri Williams, Rhys Priestland, Gareth Maule.

Players not available for selection: Ken Owens, hooker (abdominal strain), Rob McCusker, back row (calf strain), Jordan Williams, wing (shoulder strain), Deacon Manu, Prop (fractured arm).