The Scarlets are in the hunt for Celtic league points as coach Gareth Jenkins demands they win each of their next three games and reach the quarter final stages.
“We have to win against Ebbw Vale, then Swansea at home and travel for a tough contest in Ulster,” said Jenkins.
“But it’s all about qualification and we need a result in all three to get back into contention.
“Leigh will provide a massive boost in midfield and I’ve seen enough positive things over the last few weeks to be confident things are coming together and to believe we’ll get there in the end. “
Davies comes into the Scarlets midfield in place of Matt Cardey who is rested alongside Wales fly-half Stephen Jones. Gareth Bowen is the able substitute for Jones and its all change in the front row as Iestyn Thomas is replaced by Phil John, missing the chance to start against his old club.
Martyn Madden and Marcus Thomas fill in at prop and hooker with Robin McBryde and John Davis both rested. Wales captain Scott Quinnell has an operation on his nose this week, ruling him out for a fortnight, giving way to the return of Scarlets’ player of the season last year David Hodges at No8.
Dafydd Jones joins him in the back row for Simon Easterby. Easterby has joined his scrum-half brother on international duty in Siberiawith Ireland and it’s Wales’ Dwayne Peele who substitutes for Guy.
“Chris Wyatt will definitely get some rugby off the bench and its great to see some of the players we’ve had out since the beginning of the season getting fit again,” added Jenkins.
“But Ebbw Vale are a very efficient outfit and we are going to have to be on the top of our game defensively.”
LLANELLI: Garan Evans, Mark Jones, Matthew Watkins, Leigh Davies (capt),
Salesi Finau; Gareth Bowen, Dwayne Peel; Phil John, Marcus Thomas, Martyn
Madden, Vernon Cooper, Luke Gross, Dafydd Jones, Ian Boobyer, Dave Hodges
Replacements: Iestyn Thomas, Robin McBryde, Chris Wyatt, Gareth Williams,
Mike Phillips, Stephen Jones, Matt Cardey
