Scarlets have handed a debut to new signing Tom Allen as well as rewarding two emerging young backs with their first URC starts for Saturday’s BKT United Rugby Championship clash with Vodacom Bulls at Loftus Versfeld (15:00 UK time, live on Premier Sports).
A Scarlets summer signing from Super Rugby side the Hurricanes, the 22-year-old second row has just finished a provincial campaign with Hawke’s Bay in New Zealand.
Allen starts as one of six personnel changes from the thrilling high-scoring clash with DHL Stormers in Cape Town last weekend.
Following an attacking display that produced six tries and a feast of eye-catching rugby against the Stormers, Scarlets head into the final match of their South African tour determined to build on the positives and deliver another performance against one of the competition’s most formidable opponents.
In the back three, Ioan Jones again starts on the right wing, while Isaac Murray-Macgregor (pictured) comes in for his first URC start on the left wing, replacing Macs Page. Ioan Nicholas retains the full-back jersey following an impressive display in Cape Town.
In midfield, with Joe Hawkins having headed home to link up with the Wales squad, Gabe McDonald comes in for his first URC start alongside Joe Roberts, who crossed for a superb hat-trick against the Stormers.
Eighteen-year-old Carwyn Leggatt-Jones continues in the No. 10 jersey where he partners the experienced Gareth Davies at scrum-half.
Up front, Corey Domachowski (above) is named at loose-head prop for his Scarlets URC debut. He packs down alongside hooker John McKee and tight-head Harri O’Connor in the front row.
Allen partners Alex Groves at lock, while Sam Lousi switches to blindside flanker in the absence of Taine Plumtree, another of the eight Scarlets who are part of the Wales’ autumn squad – the largest group from the four Welsh professional teams.
Josh Macleod again captains the side from openside flanker, with Fletcher Anderson completing the back row.
On the bench, hooker Isaac Young comes into the matchday 23 for the injured George Roberts. Jac Davies, who flew out to South Africa this week, is also included.
Scarlets Director of Rugby Nigel Davies believes the challenge at Loftus provides another important opportunity to measure the team’s progress.
“Our performance against the Stormers has given us all plenty of encouragement. We showed what we are capable of when we play with confidence, move the ball into space and back ourselves to take opportunities,” he said.
“We know there are areas we need to improve, including being more consistent in our execution and to manage moments in games that can change momentum. That’s particularly important against a side like the Bulls, with their power, physicality and their ability put you under enormous pressure – especially at Loftus.
“We have to match that physicality, work hard for each other and be intelligent in how we manage the game, and make good decisions under pressure. We want to finish this South Africa tour knowing we have taken another step forward as a group.”
On the inclusion of Allen, Davies added: “Tom has settled into the group really well since joining us in South Africa. He’s a powerful, athletic second row who brings different qualities to our pack and he’s impressed us in training.
“It’s also really pleasing to see Isacc and Gabe earn their first URC starts. Both have worked hard since the start of pre-season and have embraced the standards we’re setting and deserve their opportunities.
“We’ve got a good mix of youth and experience in this side, and it’s important that the younger players feel confident to express themselves, supported by the experience around them.”
Scarlets team versus Vodacom Bulls (Loftus Versfeld, 15:00; UK time live on Premier Sports)
15 Ioan Nicholas; 14 Ioan Jones, 13 Joe Roberts, 12 Gabe McDonald, 11 Isaac Murray-Macgregor; 10 Carwyn Leggatt-Jones, 9 Gareth Davies; 1 Corey Domachowski, 2 John McKee, 3 Harri O’Connor, 4 Tom Allen, 5 Alex Groves, 6 Sam Lousi, 7 Josh Macleod (capt), 8 Fletcher Anderson.
Reps: 16 Isaac Young, 17 Sam O’Connor, 18 Gabe Hawley, 19 Harvey Cuckson, 20 Dan Davis, 21 Dane Blacker, 22 Gareth Anscombe, 23 Jac Davies.
Unavailable because of illness/injury
Johnny Williams, Archer Holz, Tristan Davies, Jac Price, Josh Morse, George Roberts, Jac Pritchard, Will Evans, Harry Thomas, Elis Price.