Head coach Dwayne Peel has reshuffled his Scarlets side for Saturday’s Investec Champions Cup round two tie against defending champions Union Bordeaux Bègles at the Stade Chaban-Delmas (17:30 UK time; Premier Sports).
Following last weekend’s narrow home loss to Bristol Bears, there are eight personnel changes – some enforced due to injury – to the starting line-up.
In the back three, Jac Davies remains at full-back; on the right wing, Tomi Lewis replaces Tom Rogers – who picked up a groin strain in training this week – while Ellis Mee continues on the left wing.
In midfield, Wales international Joe Roberts comes in to partner Eddie James with Johnny Williams sitting this game out because of a calf issue. There is a new half-back partnership of Joe Hawkins and Dane Blacker.
The front row changes en bloc with the all-international trio of Alec Hepburn, Marnus van der Merwe and Henry Thomas (pictured) stepping up. Thomas, who made a big impact off the bench against the Bears, replaces the injured Archer Holz, who left the field against Bristol with a neck injury.
At lock, Max Douglas moves up from the back row to partner Jake Ball so skipper Josh Macleod switches to blindside and Dan Davis comes in at openside. Fletcher Anderson continues at No. 8.
Among the replacements, there is a return from injury of scrum-half Archie Hughes.
Scarlets head coach Dwayne Peel said: “There were a couple of key moments last weekend which we didn’t nail, which on reflection was disappointing. It shows Champions Cup rugby is cut-throat, but effort-wise it was definitely a step in the right direction.
“What Bordeaux have is massive depth in their squad. They have a game of power, pace, skill and have world-class players.
“European juggernaut is a term that is passed around from time to time and that is what they are at the moment. It is a massive challenge for us, but that is why this tournament is so special, you get to play against these teams to see where you are.
“What’s important is that you don’t delve too much into the footage of Bordeaux, you have to use a match like this as an opportunity to take your game over there and try and upset them as much as you can. That is what I am asking of our boys.
“Bordeaux is a brilliant place to play rugby. It will be a great atmosphere, a big crowd with lots of Scarlets fans over there as well. I am looking forward to a fantastic occasion.”
Scarlets team to face Union Bordeaux Bègles on Saturday, December 13 (17:30; Premier Sports)
15 Jac Davies; 14 Tomi Lewis, 13 Joe Roberts, 12 Eddie James, 11 Ellis Mee; 10 Joe Hawkins, 9 Dane Blacker; 1 Alec Hepburn, 2 Marnus van der Merwe, 3 Henry Thomas, 4 Max Douglas, 5 Jake Ball, 6 Josh Macleod (capt), 7 Dan Davis, 8 Fletcher Anderson.
Reps: 16 Ryan Elias, 17 Kemsley Mathias, 18 Harri O’Connor, 19 Sam Lousi, 20 Jarrod Taylor, 21 Archie Hughes, 22 Sam Costelow, 23 Macs Page.
Unavailable because of injury/illness
Tom Rogers, Archer Holz, Johnny Williams, Taine Plumtree, Blair Murray, Ioan Nicholas, Tristan Davies, Ioan Jones, Will Evans, Dom Kossuth.