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Scarlets vs Southern Kings LIVE | Guinness PRO14
By RugbyPass
Follow all the action on the RugbyPass live blog from the Guinness PRO14 match between Scarlets and the Southern Kings at Parc y Scarlets.
Keep up to date with the latest score, stats and join the conversation from anywhere in the world in our Live Match Centre (click here).
South African international Werner Kruger takes over the captaincy for the Scarlets. With centre Steff Hughes sidelined because of a shoulder injury picked up during last weekend’s defeat Edinburgh, the experienced Kruger takes over the armband for the first time this season.
The Scarlets starting XV shows three changes from the 14-9 defeat to the Scots. Corey Baldwin has recovered from a rib injury to take his place on the right wing, while Paul Asquith comes into midfield to replace Hughes in the only other change behind the scrum.
Upfront, Wales international Samson Lee has been given more time to recover from a calf issue so Kruger again packs down at tighthead alongside hooker Taylor Davies and loose-head prop Phil Price.
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Fijian international lock Tevita Ratuva comes in and partners fellow Pacific islander Sam Lousi in the second row, while the back row is the same as last weekend. Aaron Shingler is the lone player released from Six Nations duty and he will slot in alongside Macleod and Uzair Cassiem.
On the bench, hooker Ifan Phillips, who has linked up with the squad on a short-term loan deal from the Ospreys, is named among the replacements; prop Dylan Evans comes in for Rob Evans, who was on the bench for Wales in Cardiff on Saturday, while back three player Tom Rogers is set for his first PRO14 appearance of the season.
Scarlets forwards coach Ioan Cunningham said: “We had a lot of territory and possession against Edinburgh and we have learned a lot from that match - how to finish close to the try line and being clinical in those areas, little details which we have put right this week and we’re looking forward to getting on the field on Sunday to make those changes.”
Looking ahead to the challenge of the Kings, Cunningham added: “We have done a lot of work looking at them and they are a tough side, they bring a lot of physicality but they also have a lot of variation in their play. Their coaches are smart with different ploys and if you give them a sniff they will take advantage. They have athletes who can cause damage if you give them time and space.”
Meanwhile, No8 Elrigh Louw will make a return to the Southern Kings after serving a one-week suspension for a dangerous tackle versus the Cheetahs earlier this month. Louw returns to the starting XV in the only personnel change to the forwards that did duty when beaten by Munster last weekend.
Bobby de Wee makes way for Louw and Ruaan Lerm, who earned his 50th cap playing at No8 in Cork, shifts to blindside flank. The experienced Howard Mnisi has been included as the starting inside centre this weekend where he will form a partnership with Sibusiso Sithole.
Erich Louw, who wore the No12 jersey a week ago, shifts to left wing as Eddie Ludick, who made his debut last weekend, moves to provide cover from the bench. The versatile Courtney Winnaar has also been handed a starting berth, this time at full-back where he replaces Andell Loubser.
Also returning from a four-week suspension is Pieter Scholtz. He will provide front row cover from the bench.
"Training conditions have been difficult – very windy, lots of rain and obviously a lot of flooding in Wales at this point in time. The guys have tried to get out as much as they can to get used to local conditions," said interim head coach Robbi Kempson.
“Hopefully, we can get our forwards to match them upfront and put one or two things we have put in place specifically for this game into play. Scarlets are an exceptionally good attacking side.
“With a guy like Brad Mooar as the head coach, you’d expect that kind of game from all his experience from the Crusaders. We’ll expect a game that’s played at a high tempo."
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Latest Comments
No he's just limited in what he can do. Like Scott Robertson. And Eddie Jones.
Sometimes it doesn't work out so you have to go looking for another national coach who supports his country and believes in what he is doing. Like NZ replacing Ian Foster. And South Africa bringing Erasmus back in to over see Neinbar.
This is the real world. Not the fantasy oh you don't need passion for your country for international rugby. Ask a kiwi, or a south african or a frenchman.
Go to commentsDont complain too much or start jumping to conclusions.
Here in NZ commentators have been blabbing that our bottom pathway competition the NPC (provincial teams only like Taranaki, Wellington etc)is not fit for purpose ie supplying players to Super rugby level then they started blabbing that our Super Rugby comp (combined provincial unions making up, Crusaders, Hurricanes, etc) wasn't good enough without the South African teams and for the style SA and the northern powers play at test level.
Here is what I reckon, Our comps are good enough for how WE want to play rugby not how Ireland, SA, England etc play. Our comps are high tempo, more rucks, mauls, running plays, kicks in play, returns, in a game than most YES alot of repetition but that builds attacking skillsets and mindsets. I don't want to see world teams all play the same they all have their own identity and style as do England (we were scared with all this kind of talk when they came here) World powerhouse for a reason, losses this year have been by the tiniest of margins and could have gone either way in alot of games. Built around forward power and blitz defence they have got a great attack Wingers are chosen for their Xfactor now not can they chase up and unders all day. Stick to your guns its not far off
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