Scarlets reshuffle squad for Bordeaux clash

Scarlets head coach Dwayne Peel has named a reshuffled starting side for Saturday’s Investec Champions Cup Round Two fixture against defending champions Union Bordeaux Bègles at Stade Chaban-Delmas.

Following last weekend’s narrow home loss to Bristol Bears, Peel has made eight changes to the starting XV, with a combination of tactical decisions and enforced injury absences shaping the selection.

In the back three, Jac Davies continues at full-back. Tomi Lewis comes in on the right wing in place of Tom Rogers, who has been ruled out after suffering a groin strain in training, while Ellis Mee retains his spot on the left wing.

In midfield, Wales international Joe Roberts returns to the starting line-up alongside Eddie James. Johnny Williams is unavailable due to a calf injury. The half-back pairing also changes, with Joe Hawkins linking up with Dane Blacker.

The front row is completely changed, with Alec Hepburn, Marnus van der Merwe and Henry Thomas all starting. Thomas is promoted from the bench after an influential appearance against Bristol, replacing Archer Holz, who sustained a neck injury in that match.

In the second row, Max Douglas shifts from the back row to partner Jake Ball. This move sees captain Josh Macleod switch to blindside flanker, with Dan Davis starting at openside. Fletcher Anderson continues at number eight.

Among the replacements, scrum-half Archie Hughes returns from injury to bolster the matchday squad.

Scarlets XV: 15 Jac Davies; 14 Tomi Lewis, 13 Joe Roberts, 12 Eddie James, 11 Ellis Mee; 10 Joe Hawkins, 9 Dane Blacker; 1 Alec Hepburn, 2 Marnus van der Merwe, 3 Henry Thomas, 4 Max Douglas, 5 Jake Ball, 6 Josh Macleod (capt), 7 Dan Davis, 8 Fletcher Anderson.

Reserves: 16 Ryan Elias, 17 Kemsley Mathias, 18 Harri O’Connor, 19 Sam Lousi, 20 Jarrod Taylor, 21 Archie Hughes, 22 Sam Costelow, 23 Macs Page.