Fletcher Anderson and Gareth Davies return as two of seven changes to the Scarlets’ starting XV for Saturday’s EPCR Challenge Cup opener against Newcastle Red Bulls at Parc y Scarlets (20:00; S4C).
Looking to build on last weekend’s dramatic late victory over Benetton, Scarlets have named a strong side to launch their campaign as they look to lay down an early marker in a competitive pool.
Following an impressive second-half display last weekend, Davies partners Sam Costelow at half-back, while there is a fresh all-international midfield pairing of Johnny Williams and Joe Roberts.
The back three of Blair Murray, Ellis Mee and Macs Page, who were in devastating form at the Parc last Saturday, are selected once again.
Page will make his 50th Scarlets appearance at just 21 years of age. Having made his debut against Saracens in 2023, the talented back continues to establish himself as an important part of the Scarlets set-up.
Up front there are two changes in the front row. John McKee gets his first competitive Scarlets start at hooker alongside Kemsley Mathias and Harri O’Connor, who replaces Henry Thomas.
In the second row, Harvey Cuckson comes in for Will Evans, while Anderson – another who made his mark off the bench last weekend – starts at No. 8 for the first time this season.
There is plenty of international firepower among the replacements in the form of Taine Plumtree – who has recovered from his shoulder issue following surgery in the summer – while Ryan Elias, Joe Hawkins and Eddie James provide further options.
Tight-head prop Gabe Hawley comes into the match-day 23 as Scarlets prepare for a demanding European encounter.
Director of Rugby Nigel Davies said: “Last weekend was a massive result for us, now it’s important to maintain the momentum against a Newcastle side who possess a lot of talent in their ranks and have already shown in the PREM how dangerous they can be.
“We have spoken a lot already this season about building depth within this squad and we have been able to bring in plenty of quality as we look to start the EPCR Challenge Cup strongly.
“It’s a tough group and we are well aware of the importance of starting well in this competition. Our supporters had a huge role to play in helping us get over the line against Benetton last weekend and it will be great to see them out in force again.”
Scarlets team versus Newcastle Red Bulls (Parc y Scarlets, 20:00; S4C)
15 Blair Murray; 14 Ellis Mee, 13 Joe Roberts, 12 Johnny Williams, 11 Macs Page; 10 Sam Costelow, 9 Gareth Davies; 1 Kemsley Mathias, 2 John McKee, 3 Harri O’Connor, 4 Harvey Cuckson, 5 Alex Groves, 6 Sam Lousi, 7 Josh Macleod (capt), 8 Fletcher Anderson.
Reps: 16 Ryan Elias, 17 Sam O’Connor, 18 Gabe Hawley, 19 Taine Plumtree, 20 Dan Davis, 21 Dane Blacker, 22 Joe Hawkins, 23 Eddie James.
Unavailable because of illness/injury
Archer Holz, Corey Domachowski, Harry Thomas, Isaac Young, Elis Price.