Fitness boost for Scarlets ahead of double header derby clash

Scarlets have won their last eight encounters with Cardiff Blues in all tournaments since April 2010 and will be looking for a ninth straight victory this weekend in the first encounter of the end of season derby double between the two sides.

Four of the region's key players, John Barclay, Samson Lee, Phil John and RaboDirect PRO12 top try scorer Gareth Davies, have been named in the region's starting XV having missed last weekend's clash against Zebre at Parc y Scarlets.

Gareth Maule makes a return to the starting line-up alongside Wales and British & Irish Lions centre and Scarlets captain Jonathan Davies. Ken Owens also makes a return to the front row and is replaced on the bench by Kirby Myhill with Emyr Phillips absent with a shoulder injury. Scarlets back row forward Josh Turnbull, who will be joining Cardiff Blues next season, moves to number eight with Sione Timani moving to the replacements bench.

With the announcement last week from European Professional Club Rugby confirming the structure of European competition next season, the Easter Sunday double header takes on even more significance.

Scarlets are still in the run-in for the second place in next season's competition based on meritocracy but Cardiff Blues are not out of the equation yet and so a victory for the West Wales region on Sunday is vital. Scarlets have been victorious on both previous visits to Millennium Stadium, beating Bath in the Anglo-Welsh semi-final in 2006 and overcoming the Dragons in last season's "Judgement Day" double header.

Head Coach Simon Easterby said: "We have three derby games coming up and they're all key for us - particularly as we have not won a Welsh derby this season.

"There's more at stake than just league points. We have plenty to play for in our remaining games but we're not looking past the Blues on Sunday.

"I think with everyone that's fit and available it's a good trial for international players, matching up against each other - places up for grabs like to think that the players are playing for their regions first and foremost though."

Scarlets team to take on Cardiff Blues at the Millennium Stadium on Sunday, 20th April kick-off 2pm;

15 Liam Williams, 14 Kristian Phillips, 13 Jonathan Davies ©, 12 Gareth Maule, 11 Jordan Williams, 10 Rhys Priestland, 9 Gareth Davies, 1 Phil John, 2 Ken Owens, 3 Samson Lee, 4 Jake Ball, 5 George Earle, 6 Aaron Shingler, 7 John Barclay, 8 Josh Turnbull

Replacements; Kirby Myhill, Rob Evans, Rhodri Jones, Johan Snyman, Sione Timani, Rhodri Williams, Steven Shingler, Frazier Climo