Wales centre Jonathan Davies returns to captain the Scarlets in their Boxing Day derby against the Ospreys as both sides resist making wholesale changes to winning teams (5.15pm kick-off).
Both west Walian outfits claimed impressive victories in Europe last week, with the Ospreys toppling French champions Montpellier in their backyard and the Scarlets defeating Toyota Cheetahs out in Italy. With both having struggled in the United Rugby Championship to date this term, the two sides will be hoping their European exploits can provide a springboard to domestic success, starting with the derby at the Swansea.com Stadium on Monday, December 26.
Toby Booth retains faith in the vast majority of the side which provided Welsh rugby with one of its finest victories, with the backline remaining unchanged as Owen Williams prepares to face his old side in his first league appearance for the Ospreys.
READ MORE: The Wales rugby player of 2022 candidates and who deserves your vote
The second-row partnership of Rhys Davies and Adam Beard is also untouched, although Alun Wyn Jones replaces Huw Sutton on the bench. The front-row is totally new, though, with Wales internationals Nicky Smith, Scott Baldwin and Tomas Francis called upon to start after providing impetus off the bench in France last weekend. The other change to the pack sees Jac Morgan switch places with Ethan Root, with the former moving up from the bench to take the latter's place on the blindside.
As for the Scarlets, the return of skipper Davies is the sole change to the side which won in Parma last weekend. Johnny McNicholl, Steff Evans and Ryan Conbeer continue in the back-three after running riot last week, while Ioan Nicholas gets another run at outside centre.
Dwayne Peel names an unchanged pack, with Sam Lousi notching up his 50th appearance for the Scarlets. There's just one change on the bench, with Scott Williams coming into the matchday squad.
Speaking about the derby, Ospreys head coach Booth said: “The ambition and emotion of this game will be what drives us. Derbies can often lead to that being misplaced in overexuberance and getting yourself on the wrong side of the penalty count, so you still need an air of calm. The players know that and will be taking it in their stride for this one.”
Scarlets head coach Peel said: “After wins for both sides last weekend, this game is nicely set up and both sides need to win as well. Both of us have been in games and come out on the wrong side of results when they have been tough battles. We had a good tussle at the start of the season which ended in a draw and I am sure it will be a big battle again. Emotion is important, it is not just another game, it is a big derby and I want the boys to treat it that way. This is always a big occasion and the emotion is part of it."
Ospreys: Max Nagy; Alex Cuthbert, Michael Collins, Keiran Williams, Luke Morgan; Owen Williams, Rhys Webb; Nicky Smith, Scott Baldwin, Tomas Francis, Rhys Davies, Adam Beard, Jac Morgan, Justin Tipuric (capt), Morgan Morris.
Replacements: Sam Parry, Gareth Thomas, Tom Botha, Alun Wyn Jones, Ethan Roots, Reuben Morgan Williams, Jack Walsh, Joe Hawkins
Scarlets team: Johnny McNicholl; Steff Evans, Ioan Nicholas, Jonathan Davies (capt), Ryan Conbeer; Sam Costelow, Dane Blacker; Kemsley Mathias, Ryan Elias, WillGriff John, Vaea Fifita, Sam Lousi, Aaron Shingler, Josh Macleod (capt), Sione Kalamafoni.
Replacements: Ken Owens, Steff Thomas, Javan Sebastian, Tom Price, Tomás Lezana, Kieran Hardy, Rhys Patchell, Scott Williams.
READ MORE:
- Rob Howley and double Grand Slam winner both in frame to join Warren Gatland's Wales coaching team
- Scarlets boss warns 'one or more' regions won't survive as he goes public in attack on Welsh rugby 'madhouse'
- The Rhys Webb interview: Warren can turn Wales around and I have unfinished business
- Six uncapped players emerge on Warren Gatland's Wales radar at just right time
Eddie Butler's son reveals family's loss, pride and the new grandson he never got to meet
