Pro12: Scarlets v Zebre (Sat) TEAMS ANNOUNCED

RABODIRECT PRO12: SCARLETS v ZEBRE
Venue: Parc y ScarletsDate: Saturday, 3 NovemberKick-off: 18:30 GMT
Coverage: Live on Y Clwb Rygbi on S4C; live score updates on BBC website; highlights on Scrum V, Sunday on BBC Two Wales from 17:25 GMT

Scarlets - 15 Morgan Stoddart, 14 Kristian Phillips, 13 Gareth Maule, 12 Gareth Owen, 11 Andy Fenby, 10 Aled Thomas, 9 Gareth Davies, 1 Phil John, 2 Kirby Myhill, 3 Deacon Manu, 4 George Earle, 5 Johan Snyman, 6 Tomás Vallejos,
7 Johnathan Edwards (capt), 8 Kieran Murphy
Replacements: 16 Craig Hawkins, 17 Shaun Hopkins, 18 Peter Edwards, 19 Sione Timani, 20 Craig Price, 21 Aled Davies, 22 Owen Williams, 23 Nick Reynolds

Zebre - 15. Trevisan 14. Odiete 13 Pratichetti 12 Halanghau 11 Pace 10 Buso 9 Tebaldi 8 Van Schalkwyk 7 Cristiano 6 Ferrarini 5 Cazzola 4 Sole 3 Redolfini 2 Manici 1 Aguero
Subs
De Marchi, Leibson, Fazzari, Caffini, Belardo, Chiesa, Sarto, Benettin .

The Scarlets host Italian side Zebre on their first visit to Parc y Scarlets for Saturday night's RaboDirect PRO12 which the league approaching its half-way stage.
The Scarlets come into the game on the back of a five point bonus win in Murrayfield last weekend against Edinburgh and sit in second on 25 points - one point short of unbeaten Ulster who have a game in hand.
The Scarlets have only lost two games in their campaign to date and with four tries under their belt last weekend are keen to keep their hold on their top two place before they break for LV=Cup action next week.

Five Italian teams have visited Parc y Scarlets and all have lost with only Treviso attaining a losing bonus point during a 16-22 defeat on 27 March 2011.

Zebre have yet to record a victory in the RaboDirect PRO12 but after holding out Munster to a draw by half-time last week, the Scarlets will not taking anything for granted at their home ground on Saturday night (kick off 6.30pm).

With 12 of the Scarlets squad now on duty with Wales ahead of the autumn internationals, the home game is a chance for the West Wales region to hand starting-place opportunities to a number of their younger developing players and wider squad members.

Former Ospreys duo Kristian Phillips and Gareth Owen get starts in the side to face Zebre with Owen partnering up with Gareth Maule in the centre. Phillips replaces the absent George North on the right wing with Andy Fenby, who has notched up five tries in six appearances this season returning to the field after a fortnight out with injury. Morgan Stoddart moves to full-back.

In the pack, hooker Kirby Myhill returns from a injury with South African second row pairing George Earle and Joe Snyman back to the field after a week's absence and Argentinean international Tomás Vallejosmoves to the back row alongside Johnathan Edwards who takes over as Scarlets skipper with Rob McCusker on international duty and Kieran Murphy comes in at number eight.

Scarlets Attack Coach Mark Jones said: "We spoke after our disappointment in Europe about maintaining our momentum in the league and the boys fronted up well, there were a lot of pleasing things in the game and overall to come away from Murrayfield with five points is a good day in the office.

"However, with the points we had on the board and try count against Edinburgh last weekend, we had liked a lot less pressure in the last six minutes of that game; it was way too uncomfortable based on what we had scored and our ill-disciplined and penalty count allowed them to stay in the hunt."

Jones said that despite being the Welsh region with the most players now away on international duty, he believed that the depth in the squad would show itself in the next run of games both in the league and LV=Cup competition.

He said: "As we saw last season, we have plenty of talent and ambitious players here to bolster us during the period and do well when our internationals are away. We are very fortunate that the group here very often drive things even harder as a result. It's great to work with these guys as they put everything into their performances and training and see it as their opportunity to come into the team and make an impact.

"It's now their fight for a spot in the next European rounds and hopefully that will give the coaching team a headache or two."

Jones added that after a close finish in Edinburgh, there was no complacency in the Parc y Scarlets camp this week. He said: "Zebre can bring a very competitive game and can be very aggressive - they are a big tackling side and it showed against Munster that they can stay in games.

"We're associated with plenty of width in our game and will keep our attack versatile, but we have to create the space to play in and exploit those areas - so there's plenty we have to bring to our game on Saturday evening. We look forward to seeing a number of new combinations on the field in the starting line up and boys who are handed opportunities in a key game for us in our league ambitions."

Referee: Dudley Phillips (IRFU)

Assistant referees: Greg Morgan, Alan Jenkins (both WRU)

Citing commissioner: Richard Gwynn (WRU)

TMO: Tony Rowlands (WRU)

It is slightly worrying that we had something like 14 players out injured last week too.

Fingers crossed we will be able to go for something along the lines of:

Owen, Stoddart, Warren, Maule, Fenby, Thomas, Davies;
John, Myhill (Is he fit?), Manu, Earle, Snyman, Vallejos, Edwards, Murphy

Bench -: A.N.Other, Hopkins, P Edwards, Kelly, D Thomas, A Davies, A.N.Other, Reynolds

It really does seem that we are starting to look exceptionally thin in some pretty key positions like flyhalf (Priestland with Wales, Jordan and Newton out injured), and Hooker (Ken and Smiler with Wales, Emyr injured), but that said atleast we have Zebre at home and the LV= to see what the options are prior to Ulster at the end of the AIs.

I'd forgotten Emyr Phillips was out (nuts!), how long is Jordan out for? As I was really hoping he'd shine during the AI's, and I knew he was out but can't remember if it was a few weeks or months.

It is looking really grim, but on the plus side we should have Adriaanse on the bench and I've heard Edwards can play LH (though I doubt well) and Manu can play there, so maybe we could have Adriaanse and Edwards on the bench.

How long is Rob Evans out for as well?

Jordan has a dislocated shoulder (I think) so probably more like months. I think that Rob is meant to be nearing fitness, but don't quote me on that.

I think it will depend on how well Adriaanse gets on in training today and tomorrow as to whether or not he gets a bench place, as he will need to learn the lineout calls etc.

Ahh damn, I probably knew that about Jordan but was denying it to myself!

Fingers crossed about Rob and shouldn't Rhodri be coming back by November time?

True about Adriaanse (but we can hope) - I suppose, no disrespect to Zebre, but if you are going to be threadbare then this game at home is probably the one you'd want to be coming up.

From Scarlet Fever apparently this is the Zebre team - but I haven't been able to verify

15. Trevisan 14. Odiete 13 Pratichetti 12 Halanghau 11 Pace 10 Buso 9 Tebaldi 8 Van Schalkwyk 7 Cristiano 6 Ferrarini 5 Cazzola 4 Sole 3 Redolfini 2 Manici 1 Aguero

Subs
De Marchi, Leibson, Fazzari, Caffini, Belardo, Chiesa, Sarto, Benettin

It definately seems like we have been fortunate to have pulled this game as the match at the start of the AIs. We should be able to be able to sneak out of this game with a win under our belts, and hopefully keep the heat on at the top of the table.

As you say, it's looking very thin.

I think it might be an idea if we all bring our togs to the game, just in case like!

Maybe the Quinell family should get kitted up just in case!

Not a bad idea, give us a bit of grunt up front. So far as the backs are concerned maybe Mrs Quinnell could bring her kit, I heard that in her day she was a better 10 than her brother.

Apparently vallejos and owen r starting,

ScarletSpiderman wrote:It is slightly worrying that we had something like 14 players out injured last week too.

Fingers crossed we will be able to go for something along the lines of:

Owen, Stoddart, Warren, Maule, Fenby, Thomas, Davies;
John, Myhill (Is he fit?), Manu, Earle, Snyman, Vallejos, Edwards, Murphy

Bench -: A.N.Other, Hopkins, P Edwards, Kelly, D Thomas, A Davies, A.N.Other, Reynolds

It really does seem that we are starting to look exceptionally thin in some pretty key positions like flyhalf (Priestland with Wales, Jordan and Newton out injured), and Hooker (Ken and Smiler with Wales, Emyr injured), but that said atleast we have Zebre at home and the LV= to see what the options are prior to Ulster at the end of the AIs.

He's been out with an injured hand but is due to play his 1st game back on Saturday.

That's really good news, thanks 2ndtime.

I really like Myhill, and with the rest of our hookers out then I was worried...

http://www.thisissouthwales.co.uk/Scarlets-v-Zebre-Kristian-Phillips-gets-big/story-17214575-detail/story.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

Interesting, looks like Edwards is captain for the game (lets hope that helps reign in his penalty giving), and Kirstin Phillips gets his 1st start of the campaign as well.

Not sure how this is going to work, as Owens seems definately to be playing FB and means that unfortunately one of Stodds or Fenby will miss out on the wings (probably Stodds I'd imagine) - could be a big loss.

MS, KP, GM, GO, AF, AT, GD;
PJ, KMy, DM, GE, JS, TV, JE(c), KM
Bench -: CH, SH, PE, ST, CP, AD, OW, NR

Will translate shortly

M Stoddart, K Phillips, G Maule, A Fenby, A Thomas, G Davies;
P John, K Myhill, D Manu, G Earle, J Snyman, T Vallejos, J Edwards (c), K Murphy
(Bench-: C Hawkins?, S Hopkins, P Edwards, S Timani, C Price, A Davies, O Williams, N Reynolds)

I am quite happy with our front row, considering who is missing, and our backrow may possibly be the most ballenced we have feilded htis season (sadly).

All things considered we have what looks like it could be a pretty good attacking side, however there are a few question marks in defense, with Stods at fullback and Phillips on the wing.

Team announced - interesting that there's no Warren in the centre, but good that we've got the extra kicking option of Owen, surprised that Timani isn't in the team, but hopefully Owen Williams will get to show his stuff!

Ymlaen Sgarlets!

15 Morgan Stoddart
14 Kristian Phillips
13 Gareth Maule
12 Gareth Owen
11 Andy Fenby
10 Aled Thomas
9 Gareth Davies
1 Phil John
2 Kirby Myhill
3 Deacon Manu
4 George Earle
5 Johan Snyman
6 Tomás Vallejos
7 Johnathan Edwards (capt)
8 Kieran Murphy
Replacements: 16 Craig Hawkins, 17 Shaun Hopkins, 18 Peter Edwards, 19 Sione Timani, 20 Craig Price, 21 Aled Davies, 22 Owen Williams, 23 Nick Reynolds

Is it that Easterby prefers Nick Reynolds more flighty style or is there something more to do with Warren not appearing since Easters took over?

Yeah ive been wondering that, i really hope we see him soon as he playd really well last season

It's a shame they haven't given Dan Thomas a shot in this game, and start using him more - as we desperately need a good 7 to give our backrow more balance. Otherwise that's not a bad side considering the 12 internationals we're missing and god knows how many injuries (must be over 7)

It's a shame they haven't given Dan Thomas a shot in this game, and start using him more - as we desperately need a good 7 to give our backrow more balance. Otherwise that's not a bad side considering the 12 internationals we're missing and god knows how many injuries (must be over 7)

That's true. If he can transfer his JWC form to this arena then he'll be a class act. Rhodri Williams should also be in contention, on the bench at least, due to his outstanding form in the WP.
Is Vallejos a back-row? I thought he was a lock and Timani was the back-row cover. One final thought, I notice your newest SA recruit has arrived. Early days but isn't a place on the bench against Zebre the ideal match for him to get to grips with Scarlets Rugby? Few blunders here by Simon.
Who are 20 Craig Price, 21 Aled Davies, 22 Owen Williams?

Smirnoffpriest wrote:It's a shame they haven't given Dan Thomas a shot in this game, and start using him more - as we desperately need a good 7 to give our backrow more balance. Otherwise that's not a bad side considering the 12 internationals we're missing and god knows how many injuries (must be over 7)

I assume that Warren will end up partnered with Reynold or Owen during the LV=, and Rhodri Williams and Dan Thomas will be given some game time then too. I guess it goes to show how much strength in depth we have in the squad at the moment when you consider our options (if every one is fit).

mikey_philVIII wrote:

It's a shame they haven't given Dan Thomas a shot in this game, and start using him more - as we desperately need a good 7 to give our backrow more balance. Otherwise that's not a bad side considering the 12 internationals we're missing and god knows how many injuries (must be over 7)

That's true. If he can transfer his JWC form to this arena then he'll be a class act. Rhodri Williams should also be in contention, on the bench at least, due to his outstanding form in the WP.
Is Vallejos a back-row? I thought he was a lock and Timani was the back-row cover. One final thought, I notice your newest SA recruit has arrived. Early days but isn't a place on the bench against Zebre the ideal match for him to get to grips with Scarlets Rugby? Few blunders here by Simon.
Who are 20 Craig Price, 21 Aled Davies, 22 Owen Williams?

I'm suprised too that Rhodri isn't on the bench considering his WP form, but Aled Davies is a good SH option off the bench, and (I think) has had a bit of gametime already this season. I think Vallejos is a lock/6, I thought they'd play Timani there - but this could turn out to be a very good 4,5,6 axis.

Adriaanse was touch and go to make the squad (I was hoping he would) as he only landed in the country 2 days ago, and obviously hasn't managed to get over the jet lag and get up to speed with the lineout calls and formed a partnership with the other front row players in such a short time. I'd imagine if he'd arrived at the start of the week then he'd definately be in the team as we're very short on prop options.

Owen Williams is a very exciting back who can play in a few different positions, I think 12 is his best position, and I'm looking forward to seeing what he can do if given a chance. - Not sure about Craig Price, think he's a 7 but don't know much about him

ScarletSpiderman wrote:

Smirnoffpriest wrote:It's a shame they haven't given Dan Thomas a shot in this game, and start using him more - as we desperately need a good 7 to give our backrow more balance. Otherwise that's not a bad side considering the 12 internationals we're missing and god knows how many injuries (must be over 7)

I assume that Warren will end up partnered with Reynold or Owen during the LV=, and Rhodri Williams and Dan Thomas will be given some game time then too. I guess it goes to show how much strength in depth we have in the squad at the moment when you consider our options (if every one is fit).

Yeah that's probably what will happen, but it would be nice for D Thomas and Warren to get gametime in the league as well, considering Warrens form last season and D Thomas' form in the JWC.

I guess if they get LV= game time then they can 'play themselves into contention' for the important Ulster game when Wales are playing Aus (although we may have Scott, Liam and the 666 backrow with us for that).

"666 backrow"

Love it!

Looking forward to this match, will have to watch it later though as it apparently clashes with the local fireworks display.

I'd expect the 5 points. Come on Scarlets, chase down Ulster.

Zebre doing ok so far even with a few players missing.

Poor by scarlets - 2 sin binnings - silly

Ref is pants. Yellow card for hugging. Bit homophobic

Two missed penalties by Zebre though, missed opportunity, if they went in 9 up at HT they could start thinking about their first win. Scarlets will probably blow them away in the second half though.

Anybody else watching the ref more than the match. Just waiting for him to bin somebody for something silly. Bit pedantic for non technical things I.e being too nice or not nice enough to each other?!

Well, that was painful to watch.

Artful_Dodger wrote:Two missed penalties by Zebre though, missed opportunity, if they went in 9 up at HT they could start thinking about their first win. Scarlets will probably blow them away in the second half though.

If the ref is homophobic then hes really not going to like the scarlets 'blowing zebre away' in the 2nd half...

We can only hope priest. Equal ops for all!!!

And again...

Scarlets are dreadful in this game Davies seems to be copying Knoyle, slow motion getting the ball out.

I can't believe the yellow's in this game. Did this ref come from football?

this is tough work for a neutral. very poor game of rugby. not helped by the ref who is one of ours.. sorry.

That should have been a yellow for the knock on

I have seen worse from Clancy.

Alum: yellow only for being nasty or nice......

Zebre giving us a masterclass in time wasting!

This scrum half looks a bit more lively

Phil John is like a cart horse

Bad call ref. There was at least one knock-on.

This is bloody comedy stuff this match is, I've never quite seen anything like that try from Zebre before.

What a shambles, I suspect a knock on but poor poor play be the Scarlets again.