SCARLETS: Anscombe set for delayed debut as Dragons friendly heads to Llandovery

Gareth Anscombe is set to make his first Scarlets appearance on Friday night, named at fly-half for the pre-season friendly against Dragons RFC at Llandovery’s Church Bank (7pm).

The 42-cap Wales fly-half had been named to start at Exeter but was pulled shortly before kick-off. The region has confirmed the late change in last weekend’s 36-15 win at Sandy Park was down to a registration issue rather than an injury.

The 35-year-old returned to Wales this summer after a season with Top 14 side Bayonne, his club career having taken in Cardiff, Gloucester and the Ospreys.

He arrives to provide experienced competition for Sam Costelow at fly-half, after the region’s difficulties in the position last season when Costelow was out injured.

Hughes captains at his old school’s ground

The fixture carries a story of its own: former Llandovery College student Archie Hughes captains the side from scrum-half, partnering Anscombe in a game supporting the College’s fundraising campaign.

The O’Connor brothers, Sam and Harri, both also Old Llandoverians, pack down either side of hooker George Roberts, a standout in the Exeter win, in an all-changed front row.

Gabe Cahsay gets another opportunity in the second row alongside Jac Price, with Tristan Davies, Dan Davis and No. 8 Osian Williams making up the back row.

In the backline, Gabe McDonald is joined by Jac Davies in midfield, while Iori Badham, Ioan Jones and Isaac Murray-Macgregor form an attacking back three.

The bench carries the experience, including Corey Domachowski, Harvey Cuckson and Ioan Nicholas, along with Wales U20s lock Will Evans.

‘The same standards and the same expectations’

“We saw some really encouraging things against Exeter,” said director of rugby Nigel Davies. “There was ambition in the way we played, we competed physically and there were periods where you could clearly see the identity we’re trying to develop.

“There were also areas where we need to be better and that’s exactly what this period is about. Friday gives us another opportunity to build on the good things, address those areas and continue embedding the processes we’ve put in place throughout pre-season.

“One of the big objectives for us is developing genuine depth and competition throughout the squad. We don’t want our performance to be dependent on a small group of players.

“That’s the challenge on Friday. Different combinations and different opportunities, but the same standards and the same expectations.”

‘Llandovery College has been an important part of that story’

Davies said the venue gave the fixture added significance. “It’s also important that we recognise where we’re playing and what Llandovery College has contributed to rugby in this region and across Wales.

“For decades it has helped develop outstanding rugby players, including players who have gone on to perform at the very highest level of the game. Professional clubs don’t develop players on their own.

“Llandovery College has been an important part of that story for generations, so we’re delighted to bring a Scarlets fixture to Church Bank and support the College’s fundraising campaign, and our thanks goes to Llandovery RFC for helping facilitate this.”

Scarlets U18s face the Dragons in their Academy Championship match as a 4pm curtain raiser, with entry to both games £10 for adults, under-16s and concessions free, pay on the gate, and all proceeds going to the College’s fundraising campaign.

The Dragons game is the first of two remaining warm-ups, with Saracens visiting Parc y Scarlets next Friday before the United Rugby Championship opener at home to Cardiff on Saturday 26 September.

Scarlets XV to face Dragons RFC

15 Isaac Murray-Macgregor; 14 Ioan Jones, 13 Jac Davies, 12 Gabe McDonald, 11 Iori Badham; 10 Gareth Anscombe, 9 Archie Hughes (capt); 1 Sam O’Connor, 2 George Roberts, 3 Harri O’Connor, 4 Gabe Cahsay, 5 Jac Price, 6 Tristan Davies, 7 Dan Davis, 8 Osian Williams.

Replacements: Isaac Young, Josh Morse, Corey Domachowski, Gabe Hawley, Will Evans, Harvey Cuckson, Dom Kossuth, Tiaan Sparrow, Joe Denman, George Macdonald, Madoc Evans, Ioan Nicholas, Gryff Watkins, Jayden Brown, Callum Woolley.