Scarlets v Edinburgh Match Preview

Scarlets v Edinburgh Rugby, 3pm, Saturday

Welsh internationals Steff Evans and Johnny Williams make very timely returns for the Scarlets as they look to retain their spot in the play-off zone.

Dwayne Peel’s team have five backs away on Six Nations duty with Wales in Tom Rogers, Blair Murray, Eddie James, Joe Roberts and the uncapped Ellis Mee, while fly-half Sam Costelow will be out for around three months following surgery on a fractured collar bone.

So having reinforcements coming on board this week is a significant boost.

Wing Evans, who is in the all-time top six for BKT URC tries with 54, will make his first appearance for the region since suffering a ruptured Achilles injury last March, while centre Williams has overcome a toe problem, with both men starting.

There is also an opportunity for 21-year-old Jac Davies to come in for his first league start on the right wing.

Coach Peel said: “Losing five backs to Wales, as well as the injury to Sam, is a challenge, but it is great to have someone of the experience and quality of Steff back following his injury lay-off and I’m excited to see how young Jac Davies goes on his first URC start.”

Edinburgh go into Round 10 in eighth, just a point behind their sixth-placed Scarlets.

Their head coach Sean Everitt said: “This is a really important match with such a tightly contested log. Every team in this league is so competitive and we know that it’s going to be a battle in Llanelli.

“Scarlets are a team we have a huge amount of respect for and they’ve been really strong at home. However we’re starting to build a bit of momentum with three wins on the bounce and we go into the match with plenty of confidence.”