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Dwayne Peel has made a number of changes for the trip to the defending champions, with some enforced by injuries
The Scarlets have made eight changes for their Champions Cup trip to face defending champions Union Bordeaux Begles on Saturday (5.30pm).
Dwayne Peel’s side made their return to Europe’s top flight last weekend with a narrow loss to Bristol Bears in Llanelli. But ahead of the daunting task of heading to a packed Stade Chaban-Delmas as Bordeaux go in search of a 10th consecutive victory in the competition, Peel has changed up his side – with some of those enforced by injuries.
Wales internationals Tom Rogers and Johnny Williams join Taine Plumtree and Blair Murray on the sidelines.
Tomi Lewis replaces Rogers after the wing picked up a groin strain in training this week, joining full-back Jac Davies and Ellis Mee in the back-three.
Williams, who misses out with a calf issue, is replaced by fellow international Joe Roberts, who partners Eddie James in midfield.
At half-back, there’s a new partnership of Dane Blacker and Joe Hawkins.
The front-row is all new, with the international trio of Alec Hepburn, Marnus van der Merwe and Henry Thomas starting. Behind them, Max Douglas shifts from the back-row to partner Jake Ball in the second-row.
Captain Josh Macleod moves across to the blindside, with Dan Davis starting at openside. New signing Fletcher Anderson keeps his place at No. 8.
On the bench, scrum-half Archie Hughes makes his return from injury.
“There were a couple of key moments last weekend which we didn’t nail, which on reflection was disappointing,” said Scarlets head coach Peel. “It shows Champions Cup rugby is cutthroat, but effort-wise it was definitely a step in the right direction.”
The French outfit have lost just two of their last 15 Champions Cup matches, averaging just shy of 45 points per game across that time.
“What Bordeaux have is massive depth in their squad,” added Peel. “They have a game of power, pace, skill and have world-class players.
“European juggernaut is a term that is passed around from time to time and that is what they are at the moment. It is a massive challenge for us, but that is why this tournament is so special, you get to play against these teams to see where you are.
“What’s important is that you don’t delve too much into the footage of Bordeaux, you have to use a match like this as an opportunity to take your game over there and try and upset them as much as you can. That is what I am asking of our boys.
“Bordeaux is a brilliant place to play rugby. It will be a great atmosphere, a big crowd with lots of Scarlets fans over there as well. I am looking forward to a fantastic occasion.”Scarlets: Jac Davies; Tomi Lewis, Joe Roberts, Eddie James, Ellis Mee; Joe Hawkins, Dane Blacker; Alec Hepburn, Marnus van der Merwe, Henry Thomas, Max Douglas, Jake Ball, Josh Macleod (capt), Dan Davis, Fletcher Anderson.
Replacements: Ryan Elias, Kemsley Mathias, Harri O’Connor, Sam Lousi, Jarrod Taylor, Archie Hughes, Sam Costelow, Macs Page.
Unavailable because of injury/illness: Tom Rogers, Archer Holz, Johnny Williams, Taine Plumtree, Blair Murray, Ioan Nicholas, Tristan Davies, Ioan Jones, Will Evans, Dom Kossuth.
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