Marcus Thomas and Chris Wyatt are added to the Scarlets side which romped to a record 77-13 victory over Caerphilly on Tuesday, with hooker Aled Gravell and lock Luke Gross moving to the bench.
Club captain Leigh Davies leads a team gradually coming to terms with the absence of key players on international duty and looking to develop a winning momentum with Heineken Cup and Principality Cup quarter-final dates looming.
‘The last couple of matches have not been ideal preparation for us with a couple of blips away from home, but we had a good win against Caerphilly and it’s time for us to string some performances together,’ said Davies.
‘It’s difficult with some players coming into the starting line up to replace those who are away with Wales and elsewhere. The likes of Stephen (Jones) and myself have been working on and playing a particular system for two years, so it’s understandable if there are glitches.
‘But we are doing pretty well. It was good for me to get a game under my belt this week and although it’s heart-breaking to train with Wales during the week and then not be involved at the weekend, there is one shining light for me and that’s Llanelli Rugby club.
‘It’s great to get back into the club environment and we all know there is no reason why we can’t go all the way in Europe this season.
‘But for now the focus for everyone is on a tough game against Pontypridd, they beat us in the Welsh cup final last season and always play with pride and passion.
‘A meeting with Neath in the Principality Cup follows and then … it’s the big one against Perpignan in Europe.’
Llanelli: Barry Davies; Garan Evans, Matt Cardey, Leigh Davies (Captain), Salesi Finau; Gareth Bowen, Robert Walters; Phil John, Marcus Thomas, John Davies, Vernon Cooper, Chris Wyatt, David Hodges, Ian Boobyer, Scott Quinnell
Replacements: David Maddocks, Aled Gravell, Luke Gross, Paul Clapham, Adrian Williams, Neil Boobyer, Wayne Proctor.
