Shaun Evans returns to the Scarlets front row tomorrow, looking forward to locking horns with a powerful Stormers side in Llanelli.
The 25-year-old has enjoyed a breakthrough campaign, showing the versatility to feature at hooker and his former back-row spot at openside.
It is a rarity for professional players to switch positions with such ease, but Evans has been enjoying the challenge.
“It was Wayne Pivac who transitioned me to hooker when he was at the Scarlets,” said the Felinfoel product.
“I am not the quickest, but he said that with my body shape I should make the switch to hooker.
“I sat down with my father, who played front row for Felinfoel years ago, and a couple of other coaches and thought, ‘why not?’ – let’s go for it.”
The result has been an impressive season for Evans in which he has made 14 appearances for the Scarlets, although, ironically, four of those came in the No.7 shirt midway through the campaign due to injuries and international calls.
“I started a few games at seven earlier in the season, but now I’ve settled in at hooker and I think my future lies at hooker. I’m getting more comfortable in that position every game,” he adds.
“The way the game is going, it probably suits me more now to play hooker.
“For me, the big challenge has been the set-piece. There’s a lot to learn.
“Aside from that, the way hookers play the game nowadays, they are pretty similar to back rows. The stuff around the field is pretty much the same.”
Aside from learning new tricks at scrum and line-out, the former Wales U20s Grand Slam winner has also been adding a few kilos to his 6ft, 106kg frame.
That extra power will come in handy against the Stormers, the form team in the URC who will arrive in Llanelli on the back of a seven-game winning streak that includes the notable most recent scalp of Leinster.
The Cape Town-based visitors are currently laying fourth in the table and have already made the play-offs, but will be motivated by the knowledge that a victory will give them a home draw in the knockout stages.
“They are very strong, as all the South African sides are now proving in this competition,” says Evans.
“They have a lot to play for as they’re looking for a top four finish, but then so do we. We are pushing for that Champions Cup spot and we’re desperate to make it.”
The Scarlets are currently 10th in the table, tied on 44 points with the Ospreys who are one place above by virtue of having won two more matches.
That means a bonus-point victory for the Ospreys at home to the Bulls on Friday night would clinch their position as the top Welsh team and with it, Champions Cup qualification for next season.
But anything less will leave the door open for the Scarlets to squeeze past.
“We know how much top level European competition means to the fans and it’s the same for the players,” says Evans.
“It’s something we have chased all year. The supporters love those big nights in Europe. It creates excitement all around the town.
“We have been on the wrong side of a few heavy defeats, but it’s been a learning process with new coaching staff coming in, trying to put their stamp on things.
“I think it’s starting to shape up well for next season.
“Playing at the top level in Europe means so much to everyone. I sat in the stands myself as a kid and so I know how much it means to the fans.”
S4C – 5.00pm. Clwb Rygbi: Scarlets v Stormers.
Live coverage of the URC match between the Scarlets and the Stormer from Parc y Scarlets. English commentary available.