Season defining clash for Scarlets this Sunday

Whilst the majority of Wales will have their eyes firmly fixed on Murrayfield this Sunday Scarlets will be facing one of the most important clashes of the Guinness PRO12 campaign at Parc y Scarlets.

The Scarlets welcome Connacht to Parc y Scarlets in a crucial must win clash in order to keep the top six race alive.

The region’s big hitters make a return to the side after a period of rest and recuperation over the LV= Cup campaign with international hooker Ken Owens making a return to lead his side.

In the backline Jordan Williams, who has been named in the LV= Cup Breakthrough Player shortlist, will start at fullback whilst namesake Liam is on Wales duty.

Speedster Harry Robinson joins Michael Tagicakibau on the wings with former Auckland Rugby captain Hadleigh Parkes lining up alongside fellow Kiwi Regan King in the centre for the first time. The halfback combination of Steven Shingler and Aled Davies will be looking to get their backline firing.

An experienced front row of Phil John, Ken Owens and Peter Edwards will form a solid platform for second row pairing Lewis Rawlins and Johan Snyman with Aaron Shingler, James Davies and John Barclay adding experience at the backrow.

Wales under 20s hooker Ryan Elias and Wales scrum half Gareth Davies have been released by their respective teams for the huge Guinness PRO12 clash.

Scarlets Head Coach Wayne Pivac said: “Connacht is a team sitting in the top six which is where we want to be. Pat [Lam] has got some players in who’ve made a difference to the side and the local guys have all stepped up. They’re a definite threat to the top 4 and top 6 scenario.

“We were disappointed when we went out there and lost 14-8 – it was a game we could have and should have won. We look forward to this game in what is a must win game for us.”

Scarlets team to take on Connacht, Sunday 15th February kick-off 12.45pm, at Parc y Scarlets;

15 Jordan Williams, 14 Harry Robinson, 13 Regan King, 12 Hadleigh Parkes, 11 Michael Tagicakibau, 10 Steven Shingler, 9 Aled Davies, 1 Phil John, 2 Ken Owens [c], 3 Peter Edwards, 4 Lewis Rawlins, 5 Johan Snyman, 6 Aaron Shingler, 7 James Davies, 8 John Barclay

Replacements: Ryan Elias, Ben Leung, Jacobie Adriaanse, George Earle, Rob McCusker, Gareth Davies, Adam Warren, Kristian Phillips

Players unavailable for selection;

International duty – Liam Williams, Rhys Priestland, Scott Williams, Samson lee, Jake Ball, Rob Evans (all Wales), Craig Price (Wales 7s)

Injured – Connor Lloyd (knee), Josh Lewis (knee), Richard Kelly (arm), Will Boyde (ankle), Emyr Phillips (shoulder), Wyn Jones (ankle), Rhodri Jones (shoulder), Kirby Myhill (pec), Steff Evans (hamstring), Steffan Hughes (knee), Rory Pitman (hamstring)