Scarlets look to extend unbeaten run against London Irish

The Scarlets host London Irish at Parc y Scarlets this weekend in a return to LV=Cup action after two wins in their opening rounds in the competition against Leicester Tigers and Cardiff Blues.

The Scarlets have won all of their 21 fixtures against London Irish throughout their history of encounters with the English club – dating back their first-ever game in December 1908. The Scarlets’ record is 405 points for the West Wales region with 169 conceded during their 21 games against London Irish.

The Scarlets will be looking to retain this remarkable record and with it keep their grasp as one of top point scorers in the LV=Cup competition. The Scarlets are currently top of Pool 3 on 10 points with Harlequins close on their heels in second place on nine points.

The Scarlets field a team of youth and experience with a number of this season’s rising stars who made a big impact at the region during the World Cup handed opportunities to perform once again in the Scarlets shirt.

Centre Gareth Maule captains the Scarlets side with Aled Thomas at outside half, following Stephen Jones’ call-up to Wales to join the training camp in Poland.

There is plenty of ambition and flair in the back division with Andy Fenby returning on the wing after recovering from concussion and centre Adam Warren looking to continue his rich form as he returns to the starting line-up after a strong showing in the early part of the season. Young scrum-half Rhodri Williams starts again at nine after another impressive and energetic performance as part of the Scarlets sensational win in the Heineken Cup last weekend in Castres.

Experience in the pack will give the forwards play an edge with key players Iestyn Thomas, Dominic Day and Johnathan Edwards all retaining their starting places with options on the bench for front-row power from Deacon Manu and Phil John.

Kieran Murphy, another of the Scarlets emerging talent this season, returns from injury at no 8 – with Ben Morgan on now on England duty. Try-scorer from last weekend Mat Gilbert retains his place in the back row this time at flanker.

The Scarlets new signing for this season, scrum-half Liam Davies is called up onto the bench for his first opportunity back with this former club.

Scarlets team against London Irish Saturday 28th January 2012: 15 Dan Newton, 14 Viliame Iongi North, 13 Gareth Maule (capt), 12 Adam Warren, 11 Andy Fenby, 10 Aled Thomas, 9 Rhodri Williams, 1 Iestyn Thomas, 2 Emyr Phillips , 3 Peter Edwards, 4 Adam Powell, 5 Dominic Day, 6 Mat Gilbert, 7 Johnathan Edwards, 8 Kieran Murphy.

Replacements: 16 Kirby Myhill, 17 Phil John, 18 Deacon Manu, 19 Craig Price, 20 Dan Thomas, 21 Liam Davies, 22 Daniel Evans, 23 Nick Reynolds.

Head of Scarlets Rugby, Nigel Davies said: “We’re in a good position in all three of our competitions and that’s a positive so far in our season but we have to fight hard to make sure that continues.

“When I’m asked what games are our priority, my answer is that our next game is the priority, as we want to get in as many play-offs as we can. All our games and competitions are important to us and we are in a strong position and want to retain our momentum and qualify for the semi-final of the LV=Cup.”

Davies said that despite the squad being depleted with injury and a core of 13 key players away on international duty, it was important to recognise the strength-in-depth being created in his Scarlets set-up.

Davies said: “Something like 40% of our squad were unavailable through injury and with the core of internationals away, we are selecting from a smaller group – but that’s what developing players and investing in all your talent is all about.

“We’ve also got lot of players that have performed well in the Premiership teams, Llanelli, Llandovery and Carmarthen and so we’re giving some of these boys their opportunities ahead of next season’s squad planning too.”

Nigel Davies added that their unbeaten run against London Irish would mean he was expecting a very physical and direct performance from the visitors on Saturday evening.

He said: “It is very tight in this pool, and Harlequins are chasing us down and I fully expect this to be a tough game. London Irish will be desperate to beat us and will come as strong as they can and we know what quality they have.

“We’re in a good position because throughout this group of Scarlets players, virtually everybody that comes onto the field performs for the shirt. There’s a lot of competition now and pressure is building in the group to perform which has created a natural momentum and huge desire and commitment from everyone to make the most of their opportunities.

“There is a lot of quality and talent in the Scarlets team that will take the field on Saturday and the motivation and spirit in this group is strong. We hope that a vocal crowd will get behind the boys and support their local boys and help push us towards a semi-final place.”

Scarlets not available for selection through injury:

• Rob McCusker, back row, shoulder injury

• Sione Timani, second row,

• Damian Welch, second row, thumb injury

• Morgan Stoddart, back three, double leg fracture (out until March)

• Dale Ford, back three, double leg fracture (out season)

• Nic Cudd, back row, knee injury

• Josh Turnbull, back row, shoulder sprain

• Rhys Jones, no 10, knee injury

• Owen Williams, no 10, abdominal muscle strain

• Aled Davies, scrum-half, knee injury (out season)

• Tavis Knoyle, scrum-half, shoulder injury (operation, out until May)

• Rhys Thomas, Prop, neck strain