Next Season - Llanelli Scarlets

By Zippy
September 3 2006

A preview of the hopes for the Llanelli Scarlets in the upcoming season in the Celtic League, Anglo-Welsh Cup and Heineken Cup, for details read on.

Llanelli Scarlets
Coach: Phil Davies
Captain: Simon Easterby

In: Stephen Jones (Clermont Auvergne), Scott MacLeod (Borders), Ian Jones (development contract), Rhys Priestland (development contract), Rob McCusker (development contract), Lou Reed (development contract), Liam Davies (development contract), Lee Williams (development contract), Phil Davies (director of rugby), Morgan Stoddart (Pontypridd), Deacon Manu (Waikato and Chiefs), Nathan Thomas (Leeds), James Bater (Ospreys), Robert Jones (skills coach)

Out: Chris Wyatt (Munster), Gareth Jenkins (Wales coach), Lee Byrne (Ospreys), Tal Selley (Ospreys), Nigel Davies (Wales attack coach), Scott Quinnell (rejected coaching job), Martyn Madden (unattached), Gavin Quinnell (Worcester), Mike Hercus (Dragons), Craig Evans (Cardiff RFC), Darren Allinson (Blues)

First choice XV:

1. I Thomas 2. M Rees 3. D Manu 4. A Jones 5. S MacLeod 6. S Easterby 7. G Thomas 8. Popham 9. Peel 10. S Jones 11. M Jones 12. King 13. MJ Watkins 14. D James 15. B Davies

Zippy View:

When on form the Scarlets were probably the best Welsh team last season with impressive performances against Toulouse in the Heineken Cup and Bath in the Anglo-Welsh, however they were very inconsistent and left them with a very low league finish.

They have been the least active in the transfer market but they have made key signings, Stephen Jones will control games, Manu may be the long term replacement for John Davies and Bater, N Thomas and MacLeod will bolster the pack.

These signings will be crucial as the Llanelli pack is always crucial to Llanelli playing the rugby we all know they can, Simon Easterby always gives his all and will ensure they will go down fighting.

The backline is awesome with Lions half backs, last years find at 12 "The King" and MJ Watkins, Dafydd James, Mark Jones and Barry Davies will give opposition defences plenty to think about.

Gyppo had become part of the furniture at Stradey and Phil Davies might just be the injection of new blood that they need.

Zippy Prediction:

Again they will struggle for league consistency, they have a good chance in the cups as Llanelli sides always save their best for that. They will most likely target the Anglo-Welsh once again.