Two teams with contrasting starts to the new season clash at Parc y Scarlets on Friday night as defending champions Scarlets go up against Connacht. What’s at stake? Scarlets have won three of their first four games, picking up where they left off last season and look every bit as good as they did in that march to the title. But Connacht, who they dethroned as champions, have not enjoyed a super September, losing narrowly 17-15 to Cardiff Blues last weekend. Team news (Scarlets): Following last weekend’s bonus-point win against Edinburgh, Scarlets have made five changes to their side. Gareth Davies, Samson Lee and John Barclay are all out through injury, while centre Hadleigh Parkes is rested. Scott Williams returns to the first team, along with scrum-half Aled Davies. Team news (Connacht): Hooker Tom McCartney is set to captain a Connacht side that has rung the changes for the trip to West Wales. Tiernan O’Halloran returns from injury to start on the wing, while Darragh Leader keeps his place at full-back. Tom Farrell partners Bundee Aki in the centres, while Caolin Blade makes his second start of the season at half-back alongside Jack Carty. Key battle: Steff Evans v Tiernan O’Halloran Connacht will hope Tiernan O’Halloran can provide a spark in attack, but it’s without the ball where they will need him at his best. Opposite wing Steff Evans lit up the Guinness PRO14 last season, with his pace ripping defences apart. The 23-year-old is a key part of Scarlets’ gameplan, but in O’Halloran he comes up against a steady defensive rock. How O’Halloran, more traditionally used at full-back, fares out wide will be crucial to the final result. Key stat: Scarlets have won their last 12 matches at Parc y Scarlets in the league since Munster beat them there on the opening round last season. Did you know? Scarlets have lost only one Guinness PRO14 encounter since early March: 27-20 to Ulster in Belfast in round 3 this season Scarlets: L Halfpenny, J Mcnicholl, J Davies, S Williams, S Evans, R Patchell, A Davies, R Evans, K Owens, W Kruger, J Ball, D Bulbring, A Shingler, W Boyde, J Macleod Replacements: E Phillips, D Evans, S Gardiner, T Beirne, L Rawlins, J Evans, P Asquith, T Prydie Connacht: D Leader, T O’Halloran, B Aki, T Farrell, C Kelleher, J Carty, C Blade, D Buckley, T McCartney, C Carey, U Dillane, Q Roux, J Heenan, J Butler, E McKeon Replacements: S Delahunt, D Coulson, F Bealham, G Thornbury, E Masterson, K Marmion, S Crosbie, E Griffin. TV: BBC Wales (7.35pm KO) Match officials – Referee: Nigel Owens (WRU) AR1: Ben Whitehouse (WRU), AR2: John Hardy (WRU) TMO: Sean Brickell (WRU) Guinness PRO14 Final 2018 Ticket Information: Fans can save up to 20% on selected tickets, and prices start at just €30 for adults and €5 for children, and be booked via www.ticketmaster.ie
