Ryan Elias to captain Scarlets in Boxing Day derby

Hooker Ryan Elias will skipper the Scarlets for the West Wales derby against the Ospreys on Boxing Day (17:30; S4C & Premier Sports).

Elias takes over the armband from Josh Macleod who is going through head injury return-to-play protocols following a knock against Cardiff.

Head coach Dwayne Peel has made four personnel changes from the win at the Arms Park.

With Blair Murray ruled out with an ankle injury, Ellis Mee switches to full-back and Joe Roberts comes in on the left wing. Tom Rogers continues on the right.

The rest of the back division is unchanged with Eddie James and Johnny Williams in midfield and Joe Hawkins and Gareth Davies at half-back.

Up front, Kemsley Mathias misses out because of a groin issue so Alec Hepburn starts at loose-head alongside Elias and the fit-again Archer Holz.

Jake Ball and Sam Lousi are again named in the second row engine room, while Taine Plumtree has overcome a rib injury and comes in for Macleod at openside.

On the bench, loose-head prop Josh Morse is set for his URC debut, as well as fly-half Elis Price, who was an unused replacement against Cardiff.

Head coach Dwayne Peel said: “This has always been a physical encounter and I am expecting nothing different. I am sure they will be pumped coming down here.

“With the two teams being so close, just across the bridge, this fixture is great for rivalry, great for the community and from a rugby spectacle we’ve had some really good games over the years. It looks like there’s going to be a big crowd and the weather is set fair for this week. It should be a great occasion.”

Scarlets team to face Ospreys on Friday, December 26 (17:30; S4C & Premier Sports)

15 Ellis Mee; 14 Tom Rogers, 13 Eddie James, 12 Johnny Williams, 11 Joe Roberts; 10 Joe Hawkins, 9 Gareth Davies; 1 Alec Hepburn, 2 Ryan Elias (capt), 3 Archer Holz, 4 Sam Lousi, 5 Jake Ball, 6 Max Douglas, 7 Taine Plumtree, 8 Fletcher Anderson.

Reps: 16 Marnus van der Merwe, 17 Josh Morse, 18 Henry Thomas, 19 Tristan Davies, 20 Jarrod Taylor, 21 Archie Hughes, 22 Elis Price, 23 Macs Page.

Unavailable because of injury/illness

Josh Macleod, Blair Murray, Kemsley Mathias, Sam Costelow, Harvey Cuckson, Ioan Jones, Isaac Young.