Carwyn Leggatt-Jones to make first Scarlets URC start

Scarlets have handed talented 18-year-old fly-half Carwyn Leggatt-Jones a first URC start as they look to build on last weekend’s stunning last-gasp win over Ulster when they take on Benetton in Treviso on Friday night.

With nine players unavailable on Wales Six Nations duty, Llandovery College student Leggatt-Jones is one of 12 changes to the starting XV who will take the field at the Stadio Monigo.

A new-look back three sees Jac Davies, who enjoyed an impressive Champions Cup campaign, return to the No. 15 jersey and Macs Page and Tomi Lewis take their places on the wing.

In midfield, Joe Roberts is back from injury to partner Johnny Williams, who will wear the captain’s armband.

Leggatt-Jones, whose two previous URC appearances came off the bench against Glasgow and Dragons, is handed the No. 10 shirt and is partnered at half-back by the vastly-experienced Gareth Davies, 17 years his senior.

Up front, Alec Hepburn gets the nod at loose-head prop, Marnus van der Merwe comes in at hooker, while Archer Holz retains the tight-head spot.

Jac Price will make his first URC start of the season alongside Sam Lousi in the second row.

In the back row, Max Douglas has overcome the bicep injury he suffered against Northampton and starts at blindside, Jarrod Taylor wears the No. 7 shirt, while Fletcher Anderson - an ever-present since his arrival in November - starts again at No. 8.

Among the replacements, Jake Ball has come through his return-to-play protocols and will make his 100th URC appearance if he comes off the bench.

On-loan Billy McBryde, who made his last Scarlets appearance nine years ago, provides experienced fly-half cover, while Academy wing Iori Badham is in line for only his second league outing.

Ioan Nicholas is unavailable for the round 11 clash because of personal reasons.

Scarlets Interim Director of Rugby Nigel Davies said: “We have looked at these URC games, Ulster and Benetton, as a two-game series and it’s important we back up last weekend’s win - we’ve done the first bit, now our focus is on another massive game.

“Benetton have recruited well, are coached well and play a good brand of rugby. Like us, they have players missing but will still be very strong. We have selected a side with a lot of talented young players who I am excited to see step up to the challenge on Friday night.”

Scarlets team to face Benetton Rugby on Friday, January 30 (19:45; S4C & Premier Sports)

15 Jac Davies; 14 Macs Page, 13 Joe Roberts, 12 Johnny Williams (capt), 11 Tomi Lewis; 10 Carwyn Leggatt-Jones, 9 Gareth Davies; 1 Alec Hepburn, 2 Marnus van der Merwe, 3 Archer Holz, 4 Jac Price, 5 Sam Lousi, 6 Max Douglas, 7 Jarrod Taylor, 8 Fletcher Anderson.

Reps: 16 Harry Thomas, 17 Josh Morse, 18 Henry Thomas, 19 Jake Ball, 20 Dan Davis, 21 Dane Blacker, 22 Billy McBryde, 23 Iori Badham

Unavailable because of injury

Will Evans, Elis Price, Ioan Jones, Isaac Young

Unavailable because of international duty

Sam Costelow, Blair Murray, Tom Rogers, Ellis Mee, Joe Hawkins, Eddie James, Ryan Elias, Taine Plumtree, Josh Macleod