Springbok hooker Marnus van der Merwe returns to the Scarlets starting XV for Friday’s BKT United Rugby Championship round three clash with DHL Stormers at Parc y Scarlets (19:45; S4C & Premier Sports).
Capped by South Africa in the summer, Marnus is named in a Scarlets side showing two personnel changes from the line-up named for the postponed match against Connacht last weekend.
With Jake Ball picking up a head knock in training, the lock is going through the return-to-play protocols so Tristan Davies starts in the second row alongside Max Douglas. Former Scarlet Steve Cummins has arrived as loan cover from the Dragons and is named on the bench.
The back division is unchanged with centre Johnny Williams set to lead the side for the first time.
Blair Murray, Ellis Mee and Tom Rogers make up an all-international back three, with Williams linking up with Joe Roberts in midfield. Joe Hawkins and Gareth Davies are the half-back pairing. Sam Costelow has been passed fit and is named among the replacements.
Up front, Marnus packs down in between Alec Hepburn and Henry Thomas. Tristan Davies and Max Dougles combine in the second row. Jarrod Taylor, Dan Davis and Taine Plumtree make up the back row.
Archer Holz, who made his comeback from illness for Carmarthen Quins last week, returns to the match-day 23 as tight-head cover, while back-rower Ben Williams is set for his first appearance of the URC campaign. Osian Williams, who was due to make his URC debut against Connacht, misses out because of an ankle injury picked up in training this week.
Scarlets head coach Dwayne Peel said: “Stormers have been very good so far. We all know how dangerous they are in terms of broken field and transition play, but they also have real strength up front and that is the challenge. It is about putting in a performance and competing, being brave with and without the ball. Injuries haven’t helped our preparation, we have a smaller squad this season and it does test your depth, but it also provides opportunities for younger players, who have shown that they are ready and hungry for their chance.”
Scarlets team to face DHL Stormers at Parc y Scarlets on Friday, October 10 (7.45pm)
15 Blair Murray; 14 Tom Rogers, 13 Joe Roberts, 12 Johnny Williams (capt), 11 Ellis Mee; 10 Joe Hawkins, 9 Gareth Davies; 1 Alec Hepburn, 2 Marnus van der Merwe, 3 Henry Thomas, 4 Tristan Davies, 5 Max Douglas, 6 Jarrod Taylor, 7 Dan Davis, 8 Taine Plumtree.
Reps: 16 Kirby Myhill, 17 Sam O’Connor, 18 Archer Holz, 19 Steve Cummins, 20 Ben Williams, 21 Dane Blacker, 22 Sam Costelow, 23 Macs Page.
Unavailable because of injury/illness
Jake Ball, Josh Macleod, Sam Lousi, Kemsley Mathias, Ryan Elias, Eddie James, Jac Price, Osian Williams, Will Evans, Dom Kossuth.
