New recruits to start for Scarlets

Scarlets coach Nigel Davies will start international new recruits Sean Lamont, Richie Pugh and Rhys Thomas in this weekend's Magners League opener at home to European champions Leinster at Parc Y Scarlets on Saturday (6.30pm).

Skipper Mark Jones lines up in a strong back division featuring fellow Welsh caps Daniel Evans, Jonathan Davies and Martin Roberts.

The pack is a mix of great experience and highly promising youth, with second rows Lou Reed and Dominic Day given the job of quelling the threat of influential Leinster skipper Leo Cullen.

SCARLETS (v Leinster): 15 Daniel Evans, 14 Sean Lamont, 13 Rob Higgitt, 12 Jonathan Davies, 11 Mark Jones (capt), 10 Rhys Priestland, 9 Martin Roberts, 1 Iestyn Thomas, 2 Ken Owens, 3 Rhys Thomas, 4 Lou Reed, 5 Dominic Day, 6 Simon Easterby, 7 Richie Pugh, 8 David Lyons.

Replacements: 16 Phil John, 17 Emyr Phillips, 18 Deacon Manu, 19 Vernon Cooper, 20 Dafydd Jones, 21 Lee Williams, 22 Dan Newton.