Scarlets v Dragons, Friday 5th October

Scarlets: Liam Williams; George North, Gareth Maule, Scott Williams, Andy Fenby; Aled Thomas, Tavis Knoyle; Phil John, Matthew Rees, Samson Lee, Sione Timani, Johan Snyman, Aaron Shingler, Rob McCusker (capt), Josh Turnbull.

Replacements: Ken Owens, Shaun Hopkins, Deacon Manu, Richard Kelly, Kieran Murphy, Gareth Davies, Rhys Priestland, Morgan Stoddart.

Dragons: Dan Evans; Adam Hughes, Pat Leach, Andy Tuilagi, Tom Prydie; Steffan Jones, Jonathan Evans; Toby Faletau, Nic Cudd, Lewis Evans (capt), Adam Jones, Ian Nimmo, Dan Way, Steve Jones, Phil Price.

Replacements : Hugh Gustafson, Aaron Coundley, Nathan Buck, Jevon Groves, Tom Brown, Liam Davies (Bedwas), Ashley Smith, Will Harries.

Referee: Nigel Owens (WRU)

Assistant Referees: Ian Davies, Gwyn Morris (both WRU)

Citing Commissioner: Aurwell Morgan (WRU)

TMO: Derek Bevan (WRU) -




So what do we think? Where's your money?

I think if we play like we did against Embra we have a decent chance. Pin em in their half, out ruck them and kick the points.

We must keep their backs quiet, they have a very dangerous back three.

I think we CAN out-ruck them and if we are clinical and take the points we can win, if it gets loose and sloppy they'll get 4try bonus points at least.

I thought Snyman was too unfit to play regional rugby and was beign put through his paces and would be playing for Llanelli RFC for a 2 weeks or so.

Big risk - good to see Aled Thomas get a chance, worrying though that we've got a rookie in Shaun Hopkins on the bench.

And GREAT to see Stodds back! though surprised him and Owens are back so soon.

The more I look at the Dragons backline (and increasingly their backrow/locks) the stronger they look - the Dragons are building a nice squad, they just need a front row!

I'll stick my neck out and say a Scarlets win, but it'll be a good match.

I'd be angry if we'd picked a weakened side for this, but as it is, we shouldn't go there with any fear at all. If we play sensibly like we did in the second half against Edinburgh then we can come away with the spoils.

But the Scarlets will be favourites, and not without reason.

From what I know of the Scarlets they have athletic backrowers rather than physical rucking ones - would that be an acurate description ?

Scarlets ought to win. Even their second string has our number recently. I hope we give a good account of ourselves though and would take an LBP right now.

Chav is back on the bench next week, wish we had him now, Fenby and North are on fire. We will have to improve our first up tackling against them.

I really hope our locks and compete against the Dragons, I think our backrow will do a good job, though of course Toby will do a lot better than McCusker at 8. The half back battle will be interesting, and probably depends on who wins the breakdown battle/gets clean ball.

Christ, its Nigel 'Turk' Owens, you'll win the breakdown battle

Think Scarlets are favourites, and will win.

But its a Derby, and we say Connacht v Leinster what can happen.

Scarlets will be looking for a good performance before h-cup.

Dragons, don't know if they take Almin as seriously, will want another regional scalp.

Has North played in every game so far?

munkian wrote:Christ, its Nigel 'Turk' Owens, you'll win the breakdown battle

HA! last few times he's reffed he's seemed to favour the Ospreys and a few other physical and/or canny sides more

The difference between Dragons and Scarlets is hardly the same as Leinster and Connacht though.

I'd agree Scarlets are faves though, we just need to keep our heads, our 10 is better anyway

Kingshu wrote:Think Scarlets are favourites, and will win.

But its a Derby, and we say Connacht v Leinster what can happen.

Scarlets will be looking for a good performance before h-cup.

Dragons, don't know if they take Almin as seriously, will want another regional scalp.

Has North played in every game so far?

All except for Treviso I think Kingshu

And I agree, anything can happen in a derby. We will be looking for a good performance and a win - doesn't mean we'll get either though.

I think the Dragons will need to be on the money in defence as the Scarlets are more dangerous than Munster. It is a shame Gavin Thomas gave up for the Dragons he would have loved this game playing against a number 6 from his old club or even D Waters.

I think the Scarlets have too much fire power but if the Dragons forwards take it to the Scarlets who knows.

I was hoping Preistland was going to start so that Jones can show he can do to enhance his Wales chances.

Scarlets by 15.

It'll be interesting to see how Snyman goes, and the options he'll give us in the lineout.

Does anyone know what's happened to Howel Stoddart? The BBC article makes a mention of him and says he's suffered a 'catastrophic injury' which sounds awful (especially after what his brother went through), but they don't say any more.

I have a feeling this could be one of the best games of the weekend, no doubting the fierce rivalry between Munster and Leinster will create a great game.

Wonderful to see Mr Stoddart on the bench, poor bloke has had a hell of a time getting back from a nasty leg break. Apparently now better and faster than ever.

Lots of players looking to prove a point to the opposite teams. Aled Thomas went one way as Dan Evans went the other. Both will be up for a great performance.

Good battle at half back too with Steffan Jones and Jon Evans out to prove a point over Knoyle and Thomas/Priestland.

Can't wait.

Smirnoffpriest wrote:It'll be interesting to see how Snyman goes, and the options he'll give us in the lineout.

Does anyone know what's happened to Howel Stoddart? The BBC article makes a mention of him and says he's suffered a 'catastrophic injury' which sounds awful (especially after what his brother went through), but they don't say any more.

From wales on line:

The gloom surrounded his brother Hywel Stoddart. The Dragons flanker suffered a serious knee injury playing for Newport RFC against Llandovery in the Principality Premiership last weekend and could be out for the rest of the season.

Well our back-row injuries continue... Good pair of teams. When you see them on paper you think 'open-rugby' but that hasn't always been the case. Although I hope it is on friday. Nice to see the Scarlets give Samson a start, but would have also liked to have seen Dan Thomas involved somewhere. And I also see you've put your best halfback parntership on the bench to come and mix things up in the 2nd half.

Whilst not wanting to sound defeatist bit if we can get a losing BP from tonights game I would be happy.

Hopefully our confidence is back a bit after a good result last week but despite letting their lead slip last week the Scarlets have looked good and at home will be favourites.

A few observations from a Welsh POV:

I imagine Shingler will have his game on now given there a No6 spot up for grabs. Also despite playing at No7 Lewis Evans has been in the set up before so he might famcy his chances and McCusker who has become a bit of the forgotten man in the back row battle.

Prydie and S Jones have good opportunities over next few weeks to push their claims to.

Great to see Stoddart back and whats the news coming out of PYS, has Priestland been dropped or rested?

I haven't a prediction for this game. Scarlets have a stronger team and bench but Dragons are not far behind.

After giving away the game in Italy last week it shows Scarlets can be vulnerable.

I think Priestland has been rested Bedford. It'll also be interesting to see how Cudd goes as well.

I agree Maes, it could go either way

We'll have to box clever if we're going to win. I was impressed with our approach last Friday but whether we can replicate that away from home is another matter.

Not long to wait now!

I'm looking forward to this, Evans with a point to prove, Jones would've wanted a RP head to head but oh well, Prydies knows he has to performe against what is the best backline in Wales if not europe.

For all the talent out wide though it'll be the packs who determine who wins, I think if the Dragons 8 work the breakdown well they stand a chance, if they are beaten at the ruck it could get messy.

I read that Gareth Owen was fit for selection this weekend. Does anyone know if he'll be getting game time with a prem club?

You'd assume so GoWales - but then I assumed Snyman would get gametime at Llanelli to ease him in, so I don't know.

It definately gives us lots of options in the backline. When Wales squad is together then we'll still have a backline of

Knoyle/Davies (depending on if Knoyle is called up)
Aled Thomas/J Williams
Fenby
Warren/G Owens
Maule
Stoddart
Jordan Williams (if Liam is called up which I expect)

North is back. Booo

munkian wrote:North is back. Booo

But u've got Tuilagi!

He's quite a handful at the moment but North is streets ahead of him.

I see you have Williams come in for Foxy, thats a darn good substitution !

The Scarlets players and coaching staff will be wearing pink ribbons to show their support for the campaign to find April Jones.

http://www.scarlets.co.uk/news/5228.php

it's times like this where rugby really just doesn't seem to be very important any more , but I am glad the Scarlets are doing this.

To make a comment on the rugby, i think it's going to be a close one, especially if we get the heavy rain that is forecast. Think Scarlets should just have enough to win though (as long as they avoid the moments of stupidity they showed against Treviso).

I think we deserve to give the Turks a bloody nose, its been a long time

munkian wrote: I think we deserve to give the Turks a bloody nose, its been a long time

Way too long. Dragons by 60 (or the parasites as we have been affectionately called on Scarletfever so I gather).

Nice touch by the Scarlets for wearing the ribbon though.

munkian wrote: I think we deserve to give the Turks a bloody nose, its been a long time

Thats not very nice!

Nah Rev, think it's just on Gwlad you lot are called that

It will be close like I said, actually think the teams are quite evenly matched.

Dreamer do you know how long Earle is out for? Apparently, according to the BBC, he pulled out this week - and Snyman was meant to be playing for Llanelli, but has been brought in.

On paper, with those teams and bench options, Scarlets should win. Unfortunately the game is being played on grass, not paper. Should be close. I think I'll put off stopping biting my nails until next week.

All I've heard is that he's got a back strain, so am guessing he is being rested as a precaution? Don't think it's anything too serious anyways.

That's good - and good to know that we'll have Owens, Stoddart and Snyman to select for the HEC games as well. Besides prop we've got strength and depth everywhere.

I would have like to see Dan Thomas get some gametime before the HEC/AIs though.

We've been called parasites by fans on the Scarlets boars quite recently actually

I don't think it'll be too close, in all honesty. I worry that Scarlets might have the same sort of joy that Munster and Leinster had against us. Never feel confident when the Dragons hit the road.

I think Scarlets by 15 or so, as much as it pains me to back against my team

I don't think it'll be more than say an 8 point margin for a win I don't think Rev, it very rarely is between the two sides (I think?)

munkian wrote:We've been called parasites by fans on the Scarlets boars quite recently actually

Don't worry, I'm sure it's meant in an affectionate way...

I'd say more in a hypocritical kind of way

Why are we being called parasites? If we were the Newport Gwent Crabs then fair enough, but I don't understand it!

Don't mention Newport Gwent Crabs, painfull memories

munkian wrote:Don't mention Newport Gwent Crabs, painfull memories

Sounds like a rugby tour gone wrong

Apparently Nigel Owens is recovering from an ankle injury, so may not be as sprightly around the pitch tonight.

Nigel Owens ‏@Nigelrefowens
Ankle is ok been treated & iced.So gwd to go tomo nite. Refin Scarlets v Dragons. 1st game in the RaboPro12 this season.Lookin forward to it

Just noticed this (unless they've updated the page) after someone on Twitter pointed it out, but the BBC website have 9 men listed in the Scarlets pack, and McCusker is in twice - http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/19805012 Maybe they are just underlining that McCusker is playing as a 6, but is also in as an 8 ...

Still won't help you #powderpuffpack

Not with the parasites nibbling away at our forwards #GavThomas #Cudd

God I'm shoiting it, to say I was a Dragons 'fan' would imply I enjoy it