Scarlets head coach Simon Easterby revealed his players have needed no extra encouragement for their Boxing Day derby against Ospreys. Easterby’s side welcome Ospreys to Parc y Scarlets as the first of a double-header across the festive period and he makes 11 changes for the clash. Scott Williams and Nic Reynolds pair up in the centres, with Rhys Priestland and Gareth Davies returning at half-backs, while Rob McKusker will captain the side. Scarlets have slipped to four straight defeats in all competitions since beating Connacht 24-21 in Galway in the RaboDirect PRO12 last month. They have also defeated Ospreys just once in their last ten meetings, since 2007, but Easterby expects his players to be fired up on Thursday. “You don't have to get players up for derbies and big traditional fixtures like these,” he said. “The back-to-back nature to the derbies, with us heading back over the Loughor Bridge in little over a week's time, will add a bit of spice to things. “These games are a massive part of our season, for players and coaches alike these big games, with the huge traditions that belong to them, are what we work towards and relish being a part of.” Ospreys head into the match having won back-to-back matches over Castres in the European Cup and the Cardiff Blues in the RaboDirect PRO12. And they have a good recent record against Welsh regions, not losing in the PRO12 since they visited Dragons and were defeated 20-21 in January 2012. Head coach Steve Tandy has also made a host of changes to his side, with Ashley Beck back into the starting line-up at outside centre and Rhys Webb wearing the No.9 short. Duncan Jones and Richard Hibbard come into the front row, while Ryan Jones starts at No.8, and Tandy is hoping the spectacle brings out the best in his troops. He said: “It’s an exciting time of traditional rivalries and history, games that supporters want to see week-in week-out, against familiar old opposition. The numbers coming to these games says it all. “We’re looking forward to these two games against the Scarlets. Going back-to-back against them is something new and it gives the games an extra bit of spice, as if that’s needed in this derby. “It’s a great opportunity for fans to get out and support the cause, really showing what their region means to them.” At Parc y Scarlets, 2pm. Live on BBC WALES Referee: Leighton Hodges (WRU, 33rd competition game) Assistant Referees: Sean Bricknell, Wayne Davies (both WRU) Citing Commissioner: Russell Howell (WRU) TMO: Tim Hayes (WRU)
