Wales international Sam Wainwright will make his first Scarlets start when he lines up against the Vodacom Bulls in the United Rugby Championship encounter in Llanelli on Friday (7.35pm).
The west Walians have been bringing through the RGC 1404 product gradually since his arrival from Saracens in November, with the prop’s four previous outings for Dwayne Peel’s side all coming off the bench.
But with Javan Sebastian part of Scotland’s Six Nations squad, the newcomer is handed an opportunity in a run-on side. It will be a test for him, with the Bulls renowned for their scrummaging and fielding a powerful front row.
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The Scarlets make six changes from the side that defeated Bayonne in the EPCR Challenge Cup. Ryan Conbeer comes in on the left wing, while Ioan Nicholas takes over from the injured Jonathan Davies in the centre. Kemsley Mathias, Daf Hughes and Wainwright form a fresh front row, with Sione Kalamafoni replacing Carwyn Tuipuloto at No. 8.
Aaron Shingler takes over the armband. Leigh Halfpenny’s absence because of Wales duties means Johnny McNicholl — outstanding as a playmaker against Bayonne — moves to full-back.
Of the Bulls, head coach Peel said: “They are a top-four side, so it is a good challenge. They bring a lot of physicality, especially up front and have a set-piece that can go after you and wheels on the edge as well.”
Scarlets: Johnny McNicholl; Steff Evans, Joe Roberts, Ioan Nicholas, Ryan Conbeer; Sam Costelow, Gareth Davies; Kemsley Mathias, Daf Hughes, Sam Wainwright, Vaea Fifita, Sam Lousi, Aaron Shingler (capt), Dan Davis, Sione Kalamafoni.
Replacements: Taylor Davies, Steff Thomas, Harri O’Connor, Morgan Jones, Carwyn Tuipulotu, Dane Blacker, Dan Jones, Eddie James.
Bulls: Johan Goosen, David Kriel, Lionel Mapoe, Harold Vorster, Stravino Jacobs, 10 Chris Smith, 9 Zak Burger; Gerhard Steenekamp, Johan Grobbelaar, Mornay Smith Ruan Vermaak, Ruan Nortje (capt), Marco van Staden, Cyle Brink, Elrigh Louw.
Replacements: Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Simphiwe Matanzima, Francois Klopper, Janko Swanepoel, Nizaam Carr, Embrose Papier, Cornal Hendricks, Wandisile Simelane.
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