New Wales hopes start for Scarlets

Davies is named at outside centre to form a midfield partnership with Rob Higgitt, McCusker begins as right flanker with experienced internationals Dafydd Jones and David Lyons completing he backrow.

Davies, aged 21, and McCusker, 23, have both been named in this summer's Wales squad which will tour North America. Jones will also be going along with Scarlets teammates Mark Jones and young backrow Josh Turnbull.

Wing Jones misses the Arms Park Magners League clash with a knee injury. Back from injury in his place is wing Darren Daniel. Scarlets Lions Matthew Rees and Stephen Jones start on the bench against the Blues and Simon Easterby returns as a replacement following surgery. Easterby's captaincy role is taken for the night by No 8 Lyons.

Scarlets head coach Nigel Davies said: "I'm very pleased for the Scarlets who have been named in the new Wales squad, particularly for the first-timers Josh, Rob and Jon.

"This season we've talked a lot about the development of our younger players and them having to stand up for us and it's been great that they've responded so well.

"Between them all they've played a lot of games and as a result they've made it into the national squad."

For McCusker there was more reason to celebrate this week as he signed a two-year extension to his Scarlets contract. Jon Davies signed an extension in March.

Davies said: "Rob has been around our set-up for a few years and this season has shown new maturity, has developed a genuine edge to his game, has contributed well to the group and now understands the game really well. He's somebody with a very bright future."

An Arms Park win is important to the Scarlets as they fight to secure automatic Heineken Cup qualification for next season. Their only game after this is on Saturday at home to Ulster.
Davies said: "We go to Cardiff with a strategy and with a strong, competitive 22. We should show a real hunger and desire because we've got everything to play for. "

Scarlets v Cardiff (a), Magners League, Arms Park, May 13, 7.35pm
15 Daniel Evans, 14 Darren Daniel, 13 Rob Higgitt, 12 Jon Davies, 11 Lee Williams, 10 Rhys Priestland, 9 Gavin Cattle, 1 Phil John, 2 Ken Owens, 3 Deacon Manu, 4 Lou Reed, 5 Dominic Day, 6 Dafydd Jones, 7 Rob McCusker, 8 David Lyons (c). Reps - 16 Iestyn Thomas, 17 Matthew Rees, 18 Aaron Shingler, 19 Simon Easterby, 20 Martin Roberts, 21 Stephen Jones, 22 Ceiron Thomas.