Scarlets’ seven game winning run in the Guinness PRO12 came to an end in Swansea just after Christmas as the Ospreys proved too strong.

However at Parc y Scarlets their only defeat this season came at the hands of Munster in the opening round of the Guinness PRO12.

On New Year’s Day they welcome the Cardiff Blues – who beat Newport Gwent Dragons on Boxing Day – as both sides look to create momentum for the second half of the campaign.

What’s at stake?

Cardiff Blues have won just twice in the last seven rounds of the Guinness PRO12: at Treviso in round 8 and at home to the Dragons on Boxing Day.

The Blues slipped to a 26-15 defeat in the corresponding fixture at BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park in October, but won at Parc y Scarlets last season and go into the Big Weekend encounter on the back of a Welsh derby victory over the Dragons.
Scarlets’ seven-game winning run is over but victory against the Blues would keep them firmly in the hunt for the top four.

Team news (Scarlets)

Scarlets head coach Wayne Pivac has rung the changes ahead of the New Year’s Day clash with his side looking to bounce back to winning ways.

Scott Williams will lead the Scarlets and will be joined in the centres by fellow international Jonathan Davies as he makes a return to fitness from a hamstring injury.

A new-look back-three sees Aled Thomas at full-back with Johnny McNicholl and Steff Evans on the wings.

Wyn Jones and Ryan Elias come in to the front row whilst Lewis Rawlins joins Jake Ball in the second row. Tadhg Beirne moves to the blindside flank in Aaron Shingler’s absence.

Team news (Cardiff Blues)

Danny Wilson has made two changes to his Cardiff Blues team.

With Tom James and Blaine Scully both unavailable for selection, Rhun Williams has made a timely return to fitness to start on the left wing. In the pack, Taufa’ao Filise steps up from the replacements bench at tight-head prop.

Talking points

Blues head coach Danny Wilson believes his side can go into the clash with confidence but he knows the in-form Scarlets will present a tough assignment.

He said: “We won both Christmas derbies last season and it would be great to do it two years on the bounce.

“Parc y Scarlets is a very tough venue and they are a very tough side to play but we have come off the back of a win and a first-half performance which will give us a bit of confidence.

“Last season we had a good away win there but historically it is a tough place to go – the Scarlets have a passionate crowd and are a proud region.”

Wayne Pivac said: “Up until [Tuesday] we were reasonably happy to be honest. The slow start seems a long, long, time ago now. We’d won seven on the trot, we’re going ok in Europe and we we’re pretty pleased.
“[Tuesday] was one of those days where under pressure we made some mistakes. I think it’s a good learning for us, we’re by no means the finished article. Players need to have a good look at that game and make sure learn from it and don’t make the same errors again.”

“It’s a big game for both teams; we can put some space on them or we can close it right up and the race for top six, let along top four. It’s an important game.”

Key Stat

Scarlets won 26-15 when the two sides met in Cardiff in round 7 and have not achieved a season’s double over the Blues since 2012/13.

Did you know?

The Blues won in Llanelli last season, something that they had not done since 2010.

Lions contenders

There are Lions contenders all over the park on Sunday for Warren Gatland to keep his eye on. In the front row Samson Lee starts at tighthead for the Scarlets and is joined in the pack by fellow Welsh international Jake Ball in the second row and Scotland flanker John Barclay.

In the Scarlets’ back line Davies – who started all three Lions Tests in 2013, is back firing and partners his international cohort Williams.

Meanwhile the Blues are again skippered by Sam Warburton – the Lions captain four years ago – while Alex Cuthbert out wide is another man to keep an eye on.

Top points scorer –

Scarlets – Rhys Patchell – 86

Cardiff Blues – Steve Shingler 74

Top try scorer

Scarlets – Jonathan Evans – 5

Cardiff Blues – Tom James – 6

Overall Guinness PRO12 head to head record:

Played 27, Scarlets won 17 Blues won 10.

At Parc y Scarlets, 3pm Live on Sky sports and S4C
Referee: Nigel Owens (WRU, 144th competition game)
Assistant Referees: Craig Evans, Jon Hardy (both WRU)
Citing Commissioner: Denis Jones (WRU)
TMO: Paul Adams (WRU)