Scarlets head coach Wayne Pivac insists his side will not be taking Zebre lightly as they travel to Italy this weekend for a crucial GUINNESS PRO12 clash.

Zebre sit just four points adrift of fellow Italians Benetton Treviso at the foot of the table in the hunt for qualification for Europe’s top competition, while Pivac’s men are eighth themselves – three points off Connacht and Edinburgh as they look to secure a coveted top-six spot.

And although he admits he will have one eye on the results of the teams around them, priority number one for Pivac is getting the job done themselves.

"We're certainly focused on the win and to win at all costs,” he said.

"We're asking the guys to make sure their routines are the same both home and away. There certainly shouldn't be any lack of energy or motivation this week. There really are no excuses for us not to perform.

“The Italian teams are a different beast home and away. They pick their games; home games are ones they want to do well in. They've won a few at home this year.

“Both teams have a lot to play for – that makes them a dangerous beast. Their motivation will be no different to ours.

"Results have gone our way in previous weeks and hopefully that will continue. But the facts are we need to get this result on Saturday.”

Zebre defeated Newport Gwent Dragons 23-17 in their last home GUINNESS PRO12 fixture, while Scarlets come into the clash with just one win in four.

But Scarlets have won four of five previous meetings between the sides, with the other match ending in a 16-16 draw in Parma in October 2013.

Liam Williams returns for Scarlets, replacing Jordan Williams at No.15 in the only change to the back line from the defeat to Edinburgh last time out, while Rob McCusker comes in for George Earle with Lewis Rawlins pushing up into the second row.

Meanwhile Zebre boss Andrea Cavinato has rung the changes after a heavy defeat to Ospreys, with the return of the Italian internationals to the squad prompting eight changes to the starting line-up.

Mauro Bergamasco returns to captain the side at flanker in a new look pack; Andrea De Marchi, Quintin Geldenhuys, and Filippo Cristiano the only survivors from the humbling in Swansea.

And in the backs Matteo Pratichetti comes in to partner Gonzalo Garcia in the centres, Brendon Leonard and Luciano Orquera continue their half-back partnership in the absence of Kelly Haimona, and Michele Visentin and Hendrik Daniller start at left-wing and full-back respectively.

At Stadio Lanfranchi, 4pm local time (3pm UK & Ireland) Live on Nuvolari
Referee: Gary Conway (IRFU, 10th competition game)
Assistant Referees: Elia Rizzo, Filippo Bertelli (both FIR)
Citing Commissioner: Achille Reali (FIR)
TMO: Carlo Damasco (FIR)

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