The Ospreys name six Wales squad tourists in their starting line-up to face the Scarlets in Saturday’s eagerly-awaited United Rugby Championship derby in Llanelli (5.15pm).
George North, Owen Watkin, Gareth Anscombe, Tom Francis, Adam Beard and Alun Wyn Jones feature in Toby Booth’s selection.
All of them figured for Wales in South Africa two months ago.
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North is named on the wing after playing in midfield for the Ospreys after returning from injury towards the end of last term, with the big man also lining up for Wales in the centre in the Test series this summer.
His selection out wide allows head coach Toby Booth to hand the No. 12 jersey to 20-year-old Joe Hawkins, who impressed as Wales U20 skipper in the U20 Summer Series.
Francis makes a prompt start to the campaign, having received the green light after the head knock he sustained in South Africa, while lock Jones also starts at the head of a season that will lead into the World Cup.
It’s a strong side, with Justin Tipuric named as skipper as he returns to competitive action after the scapula injury that sidelined him for more than a year, alongside Jac Morgan and Morgan Morris in the back row.
The Scarlets have flexed their muscles as well in selection. New signing Vaea Fifita makes his competitive bow, packing down alongside Sam Lousi, while fellow imports Blade Thomson, Tomas Lezana and Sione Kalamafoni complete a back five bristling with quality.
Youngster Steff Thomas features at loosehead prop, with Wyn Jones on the bench. Jonathan Davies leads the side from outside centre with Gareth Davies figuring at scrum-half, opposite Rhys Webb.
Scarlets head coach Dwayne Peel said: “I am sure every club will say the same, but we have worked hard in pre-season and I’m comfortable with where we are going into this game. The last time we played here in the URC, against the Stormers, we had a decent crowd, it was an exciting game and we need more of that. We have a duty to put on a show. If we can get a big crowd and support the guys, it will be fantastic.”
Ospreys coach Booth said: “We’re expecting a very difficult, hard-fought and emotional contest. We need to go down there and put our best foot forward. If we’re not at our best we’ll be coming second for sure.
“Ospreys haven’t won down there for a while so that’s also important. They’ve said they want to play entertaining rugby so we’re going to need to be very good defensively. We understand the challenge but it’s one we’re looking forward to.”
Scarlets: Johnny McNicholl; Tom Rogers, Jonathan Davies, Johnny Williams, Ryan Conbeer; Sam Costelow, Gareth Davies; Steff Thomas, Ryan Elias, Javan Sebastian, Vaea Fifita, Sam Lousi, Blade Thomson, Tomás Lezana, Sione Kalamafoni.
Replacements: Daf Hughes, Wyn Jones, Harri O’Connor, Tom Price, Josh Macleod, Kieran Hardy, Dan Jones, Corey Baldwin.
Ospreys: Michael Collins; George North, Owen Watkin, Joe Hawkins, Keelan Giles, Gareth Anscombe, Rhys Webb; Nicky Smith, Scott Baldwin, Tomas Francis, Adam Beard, Alun Wyn Jones, Jac Morgan, Justin Tipuric (capt), Morgan Morris.
Replacements : Dewi Lake, Gareth Thomas, Tom Botha, Rhys Davies, Will Griffiths, Reuben Morgan-Williams, Jack Walsh, Max Nagy.
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