Any kind of win for the Scarlets against the Lions in Johannesburg could push them up four places in the BKT United Rugby Championship and knock Cardiff Rugby out of the play-off places.
The goal for Dwayne Peel’s side is to break back into the top eight – a win will take them to sixth – to give themselves the best chance in their final game next weekend to stay in a quarter final position.
“It is a big challenge ahead, and it’s a massive game on Sunday in Johannesburg. We’re in a good spot and looking forward to getting stuck into it,” said Peel.
“We’ve spoken about competing as a squad this season and we are in the play-offs with two rounds to go. But it is about not just staying there, we want to push up the league, not just survive.
“Our destiny is in our hands, and we will approach it that way. We hadn’t beaten Leinster since 2018 and now we have something else to chase.
“We haven’t won in South Africa since the four main franchises were introduced. So, to reach the play-offs we’re going to have to create another bit of history.”
Peel has made only one change to the side that started in the win over table-topping Leinster. South African hooker Marnus van der Merwe swaps places with Ryan Elias in the front row as he comes in off the bench.
Kemsley Mathias has recovered from his calf issue to take his place among the replacements. Dan Davis also comes into the match-day 23 as a replacement.
Sam Costelow continues at outside half after recovering from injury and will be boosted by the news he has signed a new contract this week. The 24-year-old, who has won 18 Welsh caps, joins Macs Page, Joe Roberts, Tomi Lewis, Eddie James, Taine Plumtree and Kemsley Mathias is signing new deals.
In addition, Wales international Joe Hawkins is joining from Exeter Chiefs this summer and former Wales second row Jake Ball is returning for a second spell next season.