Scarlets Gear Up for Test Match Challenge Against Leinster in Dublin

Scarlets Gear Up for Test Match Challenge Against Leinster in Dublin

Scarlets head coach Nigel Davies emphasizes that his team is gearing up for a Test-match level challenge as they prepare to face Leinster in Dublin. This matchup comes after Leinster suffered a heavy defeat to Glasgow last weekend, prompting them to make 12 changes to their lineup while still featuring 13 internationals in the starting side, highlighting the daunting task ahead for the Welsh region. The Scarlets face their own challenges, heading into the game without fly-half Sam Costelow, who rolled his ankle during training, and captain Josh Macleod, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury. Additionally, they are experiencing a hooker shortage due to head injury assessments on Marnus van der Merwe and Ryan Elias. This situation leads to five changes in their squad from the team that secured a 36-17 victory over Zebre. Key changes include: Joe Roberts returning at outside centre. Joe Hawkins taking on the number 10 jersey. Dane Blacker starting at scrum-half in place of Archie Hughes. Harry Thomas receiving a second United Rugby Championship (URC) start of the season at hooker. Dan Davis stepping in at openside flanker for Macleod. Davies frames the week as more than just a league fixture, likening it to an international assignment. He states, "We're basically playing an international rugby game in an international venue against pretty much an international rugby team." Despite the Scarlets having previously beaten Leinster in recent seasons, including last year in Llanelli, Davies acknowledges the magnitude of the challenge remains significant. "In terms of the fear factor, no… and we need the fear factor," he asserts, stressing the importance of approaching the game with the right mindset.

Source: BBC Sport - 2026-03-26