Injury-Hit Scarlets Start Season Against Ulster

The Scarlets begin this season’s Pro14 campaign on Saturday with an astonishing 14 players on the injury list.
Samson Lee, Uzair Cassiem and Leigh Halfpenny joined the growing list of casualties during last Friday’s pre-season battering at Bath.
Head Coach, Wayne Pivac confirmed that the extent of Cassiem’s injury is yet to be established, “Uzair is having a scan today, it looks like it is something to do with an Achilles, we don’t know until we get the scan.”
There is some positive news, however, with James Davies recovering well from nasty bruising and swelling around the hip area that he suffered after falling in the Bath game and he should be fit for the weekend.
Samson Lee clashed heads early on during the same fixture, but despite under-going surgery on his cheek, he is not expected to be out for long. “Samson’s had a plate put into his face and unfortunately had a couple of breaks,” confirmed Pivac. “He has had a plate inserted which is a good thing in terms of time away from the game. He is back in work today and hopefully will be available next week.”
It is a similar prognosis for Leigh Halfpenny who has a slight groin injury. “It is not uncommon coming back after a break,” added Pivac. “He was touch and go for the weekend, but the chances are he won’t be involved.”
Another addition to the Scarlets’ injury woes is Jake Ball, who has only just returned following a long lay-off after dislocating his shoulder during the Autumn Internationals. He picked up a bicep tendon injury in the Bristol game – the opposite shoulder to the one that required surgery last season. Fortunately, his injury is not long-term with Pivac confirming, “Jake may well be available next week, but probably round three.” He added, “He’s damaged a small part of the tendon attached to the bicep, it doesn’t need surgery, he is getting stronger by the day.”
Others in the list include Paul Asquith (calf), Jonathan Evans (foot), Aaron Shingler (knee) Will Boyde (shoulder), Angus O’Brien (hand fracture), Dylan Evans (shoulder), Wyn Jones (calf), Johnny McNicholl (facial fracture), Hadleigh Parkers (finger) and Lewis Rawlins (shoulder).
Both Wyn Jones and Hadleigh Parkes are close to returning to action after picking up knocks on Wales’ Summer tour. Jones is expected to be available by week four, whilst Hadleigh should be available the week previous.
“These injuries happen,” said Pivac, who remained positive about the forthcoming season, despite the list. “Some are surgeries that get done in the off-season. If you get knocked out in round robin, those guys are normally ready for round one, if you go through to the final that puts pressure on for the start of the season.”
Despite this, the squad are relishing the prospect of picking up an early away win in Belfast on Saturday, with Ulster proving to be a good challenge.
Pivac admitted that the start of the season was always going to be a slow one as players can not be expected to be playing cup final rugby during the early stages. What is important, is getting the timing right and getting stronger as the season goes along.
With recruitment being a huge strength at the Scarlets, Pivac also confirmed that this season’s new recruits have fitted into the Scarlets’ environment really well, providing competition in all positions.
Another addition to the squad was confirmed today with experienced Hooker, Marc Jones joining from Sales Sharks.
Pivac said, “Marc is a very experienced player who will challenge our International Hookers in Ken and Ryan but will also be an important asset to us during the International windows.”
Marc Jones added, “This opportunity to join the Scarlets is one that I’m particularly excited by and can’t wait to get started this week. The Scarlets have led the way in recent seasons and I’m looking forward to playing a part in the seasons to come.”
“I am really excited for the season,” concluded Pivac. “We have a hell of a challenge early on we are using our squad from round one, we are putting pressure on ourselves from round one. Everyone can get through a season with your top side out every week, that would be a dream, but it’s being able to duck and dive, dip and weave and get the job done no matter what is thrown at us.”
Scarlets play Ulster at Kingspan Stadium on Saturday, kick off is at 17.15pm.