Scarlets expecting physical encounter in first derby clash

Scarlets welcome the return of scrum half Gareth Davies, the region’s top try scorer so far this season, for the first Welsh derby clash at Parc y Scarlets this Sunday.

In the West v East clash, Scarlets take on Newport Gwent Dragons in the fifth round of the Guinness PRO12 on Sunday 5th October, kick-off 4pm.

Scarlets Head Coach Wayne Pivac has named a strong side for the derby clash as his side look to maintain their home winning record having not lost in the PRO12 at Parc y Scarlets in 2014.

Winger Kristian Phillips makes a return on the wing to partner Harry Robinson and Liam Williams in the back three with Michael Tagicakibau failing a late fitness test to make the matchday 23.

Scrum half Gareth Davies has been given the all-clear to return to the field of play after he was ruled out last weekend with concussion.

Number 8 Rory Pitman makes a return to the starting XV in the only change to the pack from last weekend’s clash against Edinburgh.

Earlier this week Wayne Pivac said: “We’re all looking forward to the derby. Everybody talks about the derbies – it’ll be my first one and being at home that’s fortunate. I’m expecting a very physical encounter from Dragons, they’ve emptied the tanks and taken a lot of energy into their games so far so we know they’ll be very physical.”

Scarlets team to take on Newport Gwent Dragons at Parc y Scarlets, Sunday 5th October, kick-off 4pm:

15 Liam Williams, 14 Harry Robinson, 13 Gareth Owen, 12 Scott Williams ©, 11 Kristian Phillips, 10 Rhys Priestland, 9 Gareth Davies, 1 Rob Evans, 2 Emyr Phillips, 3 Samson Lee, 4 Jake Ball, 5 Johan Snyman, 6 Aaron Shingler, 7 John Barclay, 8 Rory Pitman

Replacements: Kirby Myhill, Phil John, Rhodri Jones, George Earle, James Davies, Aled Davies, Steven Shingler, Adam Warren