Scarlets v Ospreys: Preview

Celtic League; Stradey Park; Friday September 10, 2004, Kick off 19.05


Llanelli Scarlets

Former Swansea outside half Arwel Thomas is set to make his first start in Scarlets colours, in a potentially explosive new half back partnership with Mike Phillips.

Thomas starts in place of Gareth Bowen who has failed to recover from an ankle injury he picked up in the Scarlets' bonus point 26-15 win away at Borders.

The outside half is one of six changes, two of which are positional. Barry Davies returns to full back, with Garan Evans moving across to the wing, with Aisea Havilli subsequently dropped to the bench. Mark Taylor also returns to the Scarlets' backline.

With both Dale Burn and Dwayne Peel sidelined, Llandovery scrum half Rob Walters is drafted in as cover.

Neath-Swansea Ospreys

Wales wing Shane Williams has been ruled out of Lyn Jones's squad due to a deep cut that forced him off in the Ospreys' opening victory over Munster. 21-year old three quarter Paul Mackey makes the step up from club rugby to replace Williams

Another to limp off at St.Helens last Friday Elvis Seveali'i will be out for up to a month, after the Samoan ripped a calf muscle.

Prop Duncan Jones and lock Brent Cockbain are however poised to make their return following an extended pre-season as requested by the Wales management.


Llanelli Scarlets: 15 Barry Davies; 14 Garan Evans, 13 Matthew Watkins, 12 Mark Taylor, 11 Salesi Finau; 10 Arwel Thomas, 9 Mike Phillips; 1 Iestyn Thomas 2 Matthew Rees, 3 John Thiel, 4 Vernon Cooper, 5 Chris Wyatt, 6 Simon Easterby (capt), 7 Gavin Thomas, 8 Scott Quinnell.
Replacements: 16 John Davies, 17 Craig Hawkins, 18 Adam Jones, 19 Dafydd Jones , 20 Rob Walters, 21 Tal Selley, 22 Aisea Havilli.