Scarlets have announced their team to face the Vodacom Bulls at Parc y Scarlets on Saturday evening. The team features a mix of experienced players and emerging talent. The focus is clearly on the future as the season nears its end.
Debut for Woolley, Page on the Wing
Callum Woolley is set to make his BKT United Rugby Championship debut. Woolley has impressed with his pace and work-rate this season. Macs Page starts on the left wing, replacing Tom Rogers, who is going through return-to-play head injury protocols.
Woolley has caught the eye for Carmarthen Quins in Super Rygbi Cymru. The 20-year-old was also called up by Great Britain 7s for the Singapore and Perth legs of the World Series in January. He comes in on the right wing for Ellis Mee, who sustained an ankle injury early on against Cardiff last weekend. Blair Murray again starts at full-back.
Midfield and Half-Back Continuity
Joe Roberts gets the nod in the No 13 jersey in the centre. He partners Eddie James, who moves to inside centre.
The half-back pairing of Joe Hawkins and Dane Blacker is retained. This provides continuity and control.
Forwards See One Enforced Change
Wales international Henry Thomas comes in at tight-head prop for Archer Holz (HIA). Thomas will pack down alongside Kemsley Mathias and Ryan Elias in an all-Wales international front row.
Sam Lousi continues his partnership with Max Douglas at lock. The back row of Taine Plumtree, skipper Fletcher Anderson and Jarrod Taylor is unchanged. This brings balance, physicality and edge to the contest.
Davis Set for Milestone Appearance
Dan Davis will make his 100th Scarlets appearance if he comes off the bench. Davis made his debut in 2017.
Marnus van der Merwe, Josh Morse, Harri O’Connor and Jac Price provide the rest of the forward cover. Archie Hughes, Carwyn Leggatt-Jones and Ioan Jones cover the backline.
Davies on Discipline and Determination
Interim Director of Rugby Nigel Davies said that last weekend’s result hurt. He added that the response this week has shown honesty, energy and a real determination to move forward together.
Davies stated that the group is very clear that their discipline hasn’t been where it needs to be. He takes responsibility for ensuring they get that right because it’s impacting performance and results. According to Davies, it’s not about individuals but about their system, decision-making and how they operate under pressure.
Davies added that the players care deeply about it and they will respond together. He expects them to be smart, controlled and connected in how they play. The Bulls bring a big, physical challenge, but Davies believes these are the games you want to be involved in.
Davies believes that the Scarlets have shown before that they can compete with the Bulls. He feels the team has the ability within this group to do that again. He added that there’s a nice balance to the side, with some exciting young players getting their chance and experience against a challenging Bulls side, blended with enough experience.