Scarlets internationals return to boost region's campaign

Three victories from four huge clashes during the recent Six Nations campaign has seen the Scarlets keep a strong footing in the top half of the RaboDirect PRO12 table securing a sixth position on 36 points, only ten points adrift of the coveted top four spot.

The Scarlets matchday 23 will include a sprinkling of international stars this weekend as they make a welcome return to the region from international duty with British & Irish Lions centre Jonathan Davies leading the side in Rob McCusker's absence, who's ruled out through injury, and will partner former England international Olly Barkley in the centre for the second time.

Scarlets have won two of the last three visits to Glasgow and will be keen to put right last weekend's disappointing 26-13 defeat to Ulster.

Wales' Man of the Match against Scotland Liam Williams returns at fullback with Welsh front row duo Ken Owens and Samson Lee packing down in the scrum. Jordan Williams moves to the wing replacing the injured Frazier Climo whilst Tongan international Sione Timani replaces injured captain McCusker.

Scarlets Head Coach Simon Easterby said: "The guys have come back to us from Wales with a spring in their step and we still have something to play for. It's positive to hear the boys were looking forward after the game [Wales v Scotland] to come back, hopefully their return can be a good boost to what has been a relatively good period for us."

On the return of the Scarlets internationals into the starting line-up this weekend Easterby said: "They've all to a man been keen to continue playing, it's a good boost and it adds to the competitiveness of the squad. The boys played well for us here whilst the 6 Nations went on."

RaboDirect PRO12's current top try scorer for 2013-14 scrum half Gareth Davies retains his place in the starting line-up for the Scarlets against Glasgow Warriors on Saturday evening and Head Coach Easterby says that the Newcastle Emlyn born talent has played consistently well for the region.

With ten tries on the scoresheet already this season by Davies, including one in last weekend's defeat to Ulster, Easterby said: "Gareth has some serious gas at the moment and is a serious threat. He's a real positive for us. Gareth is probably disappointed he hasn't had opportunities with the national side but that's been a positive for us and he's reacted really well. He's focused on getting his game right for us."

Glasgow are currently in fifth position in the RaboDirect PRO12 table with 43 points whilst Scarlets are seven points adrift in sixth place. The Warriors 8-6 victory at home to Connacht in their most recent match at Scotstoun on 9th February ended a four game losing run in all competitions at the venue.

Simon Easterby went on to say: "We have to win every game now to get into the top four. I believe that we have what it takes to reach the play-offs with the potential that we have here. It's all still in our hands and we will look to control what we can."

"Glasgow are the best defensive team in the league and they're hard to break down. We will have to be patient on Saturday evening and be prepared to mix up our game."

Scarlets team to take on Glasgow at Scotstoun, Saturday 22nd March, kick-off 6.30pm;

15 Liam Williams, 14 Kristian Phillips, 13 Jonathan Davies ©, 12 Olly Barkley, 11 Jordan Williams, 10 Aled Thomas, 9 Gareth Davies, 1 Phil John, 2 Ken Owens, 3 Samson Lee, 4 George Earle, 5 Johan Snyman, 6 Josh Turnbull, 7 John Barclay, 8 Sione Timani

Replacements: Emyr Phillips, Rob Evans, Rhodri Jones, Jake Ball, Richard Kelly, Rhodri Williams, Adam Warren, Gareth Maule