Scarlets team announcement V Perpignan

Scarlets ready for big French test at Heineken Cup opening game at Parc y Scarlets

The Scarlets are gearing up for their big European rugby opening game at Parc y Scarlets tomorrow (Saturday 9^th October kick-off 3.30pm) knowing that visiting French side Perpignan will give them their biggest physical test yet.

But on the back of a strong performance last week that took a full strength Ospreys side to the wire, the Scarlets say they are ready for the challenge with plenty of confidence building in their side after a positive start to the season.

The Scarlets make six changes to the starting line-up from last weekend; with the return of popular back three talent Morgan Stoddart who returns from a minor hamstring injury. Rhys Priestland, who started the season so strongly for the Scarlets in the number 10 shirt, moves to full-back with Martin Roberts getting the start at scrum-half.

The Scarlets will have plenty of muscle and experience in their pack with props Rhys Thomas and Iestyn Thomas and British Lions hooker and Scarlets Captain Matthew Rees. Vernon Cooper comes into the second row and a reshuffled back-row will offer energy, hunger and power with the likes of Josh Turnbull, Rob McCusker and David Lyons.

Scarlets starting XV against Perpignan, Heineken Cup, Saturday 9th October 3.30pm, Parc y Scarlets: Rhys Priestland, Morgan Stoddart, Regan King, Gareth Maule, Sean Lamont, Stephen Jones, Martin Roberts, Iestyn Thomas, Matthew Rees (capt), Rhys Thomas, Lou Reed, Vernon Cooper, Josh Turnbull, Rob McCusker, David Lyons.

Replacements: Ken Owens, Phil John, Deacon Manu, Jonny Fa’amatuainu, Johnathan Edwards, Tavis Knoyle, Scott Williams, Daniel Evans.

The Scarlets players and coaching staff have this week paid tribute to a passionate and noisy near capacity crowd last week at Parc y Scarlets (13,707); which was the highest home attendance amongst the Welsh regions so far this season and a record derby attendance for the Scarlets outside of Christmas.

Scarlets and Scotland international wing, Sean Lamont said:  “It’s going to be a classic French test – they come with a big pack and will be strong on set piece. They have quality in the backs and we have to make sure we’re not giving them any easy ball.

“But we are confident, our ultimate aim is that we want to win all our pool games and there is no reason why we can’t on our day beat anyone in our Pool. Yes, it’s a tough one but if we’re playing our game and playing well, we are capable – this team is really growing in confidence, we are attacking better, our defense is sharper this year and it’s good we’ve got more depth now – we are building a good team here.

“We’re very focused on building a winning mentality at home and this will be a real test for us on Saturday if the French come here on fire.”

“The crowd last week were fantastic, it makes a massive difference to the team to have a full stadium with a passionate crowd – it’s the sort of support you love to see and really lifts you when you’re on the field.”

Head Coach Nigel Davies said his team was ready and up for the challenge.

“We have built some momentum going into Europe, we had a big test last week and the boys put in a big performance, but we know that Perpignan are right up there and we’ve spent a lot of time looking at them. They’ve beaten Clermont and Toulouse, but Europe is all about pitting yourself against the best and that’s what we are going to be doing on Saturday. That’s where we want to be and we’re ready for the challenge,” said Davies.

“This team is showing a lot of spirit, intensity and passion this season.   They are working really hard. We want to make our home a very tough place to come and the team with the crowd behind them – are desperate to make that happen and turn things around from last season.

“I was really pleased with some of the individual performances last week including Josh Turnbull who really is the sort of player you want in a squad – he’d die for the cause, he’s got loads of energy and is really stepping up to the mark physically as is Rob McCusker. Both are great examples of the value of investing in and developing our talent from within our rugby region.  Because of the exposure they’ve been given, these guys are ready and able to compete now against world-class players.

“The crowd were magnificent on Saturday, they really helped the team and made it a special event and were a factor in us raising our game.  This should be an equally big occasion again at Parc y Scarlets, given the quality of the opposition and we know we’ll have to be on the top of our game to win but will be putting everything into it.”

Scarlets backs Jon Davies and George North are ruled out through injury.

The Scarlets are in pool five for the 16^th Heineken Cup contest along with Leicester Tigers, Benetton Treviso and Perpignan.