Scarlets skipper Josh Macleod makes a timely return from injury to learn his side into a vital BKT United Rugby Championship clash with a Stormers side level with them on 28 points and hoping to break back into the top eight to push for a play-off place.It could be a ‘Lucky 13th’ round for either side if they can pick up the points. For the Scarlets it is one of only three home games to go in the URC, with a derby showdown with the Ospreys and current unbeaten Leinster to come after today’s South African visitors.
Head coach Dwayne Peel won’t have Wales full back Blair Murray returning to action after the Six Nations because he has a calf strain. But he will have Ellis Mee, Eddie James, Taine Plumtree, Kemsley Mathias and Henry Thomas in his matchday 23.
But it is the return of inspirational leader Macleod that Peel believes can have the biggest impact on his side as they try to beat the Stormers, the inaugural URC champions, for the first time.
“It’s good to have Josh back because I think we missed him in the last two games, just for his leadership and the form he’s shown through the season,” said Peel.
“When he plays, it’s not just his performance, but he also lifts the people around him and that’s important for us. He demands high standards of the group.
“It’s so tight in the battle to get into the top eight it looks like it’s going to go down to the wire. We’re right in the hunt and it’s still in our hands.
“This is a big game and it’s key we pick up points – home support is going to be huge. The Stormers will be ready to go and pose a huge counter-attacking threat.”
Stormers head coach John Dobson Has finally been able to recall rising young Spriognbok outsisde half star Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu after a long term injury. The former Llandovery College educated pivot starts, with Damian Willemse on the bench to come on as an impact sub in the second half.
The visiting side is studded with Springboks but will arrive having lost their last three games in all competitions.