Scarlets Name Team to Face Newcastle Red Bulls
Scarlets Make Seven Changes for EPCR Challenge Cup Opener Against Newcastle Red Bulls
Kick-off is set for 20:00, with live coverage broadcast on S4C. The Welsh region enters the fixture looking to build on a dramatic late victory over Benetton secured last weekend.
Director of rugby Nigel Davies pointed to the importance of squad rotation and maintaining momentum. Last weekend was a massive result for us, now it’s important to maintain the momentum against a Newcastle side who possess a lot of talent in their ranks and have already shown in the PREM how dangerous they can be,
Nigel Davies said. The Scarlets coach highlighted the challenge of a tough pool and the necessity of starting the European campaign strongly.
Gareth Davies Joins Sam Costelow in Half-Back Pairing
Following a strong second-half display against Benetton, Gareth Davies steps into the starting line-up to partner Sam Costelow at half-back. Outside them, Johnny Williams and Joe Roberts form a fresh, all-international midfield pairing. The back three of Blair Murray, Ellis Mee, and Macs Page retain their spots after delivering a devastating form at the Parc last weekend. Page reaches a personal milestone by making his 50th Scarlets appearance at just 21 years of age, continuing a trajectory that began with his senior debut against Saracens in 2023.
John McKee Earns First Competitive Start at Hooker
Up front, John McKee earns his first competitive Scarlets start at hooker. He is joined in the front row by Kemsley Mathias and Harri O’Connor, who steps in to replace Henry Thomas. In the second row, Harvey Cuckson comes into the starting XV for Will Evans. Fletcher Anderson, who made a significant impact off the bench last week, starts at No. 8 for his first start of the season in the back row alongside Sam Lousi and captain Josh Macleod.
The replacements bench adds considerable international depth, featuring Taine Plumtree following his recovery from summer shoulder surgery. Ryan Elias, Joe Hawkins, and Eddie James provide additional back and forward options alongside tight-head prop Gabe Hawley.
Newcastle Red Bulls Travel to Parc y Scarlets
The visitors arrive in West Wales for their first-ever match at Parc y Scarlets under head coach Dan McFarland. Newcastle makes several changes following a 34-28 defeat away to Exeter Chiefs last weekend, where Christian Wade came within a single try of the league’s all-time scoring record. I don’t see the change in competition as a bad thing, and the Challenge Cup is really important for us,
McFarland told newcastleredbulls.com. Former Saracens wing Jackson and Argentina prop Moreno are both in line to make their competitive debuts for the club.
Dan McFarland also noted: Being part of a team game where you can also celebrate the individual achievements is one of the great things about rugby, and we saw that last week with Wadey getting to 100 tries and Jake making his debut,
adding: It’s testament to his finishing ability that he has been able to score 100 tries even despite having that time away, and he is certainly doing the business for us.
Furthermore, discussing the Scarlets, McFarland remarked: I worked with him at Ulster, and his teams will be all about playing with spark, looking to counter-attack and moving the ball.
Scarlets remain without the services of Archer Holz, Corey Domachowski, Harry Thomas, Isaac Young, and Elis Price due to injury or illness.