SCARLETS: Game changers Anderson and Gareth Davies rewarded with starts as Plumtree returns for Newcastle

Gareth Davies and Fletcher Anderson start for the Scarlets against Newcastle Red Bulls after turning last weekend’s game against Benetton.

They are two of seven changes for Saturday’s Challenge Cup opener at Parc y Scarlets (8pm, S4C).

Both came off the bench at half-time in the 27-26 win over Benetton, when the Scarlets came from 21-7 down.

Gareth Davies partners Costelow as a new centre pairing comes in

Davies, 36, partners Sam Costelow at half-back. Dane Blacker, who head coach Dwayne Peel backed for Wales this week, drops to the bench.

Johnny Williams and Joe Roberts form a new midfield partnership, with Joe Hawkins and Eddie James among the replacements.

Macs Page set for his 50th appearance at 21

The back three of Blair Murray, Ellis Mee and Macs Page is unchanged. Murray scored an interception try and Mee scored twice against Benetton.

Page will make his 50th Scarlets appearance at 21, the club says. He made his debut against Saracens in 2023.

John McKee’s first Scarlets start at hooker

John McKee makes his first Scarlets start at hooker, with Ryan Elias on the bench.

Harri O’Connor replaces Henry Thomas at tight-head, alongside Kemsley Mathias.

Harvey Cuckson comes in for Will Evans in the second row, partnering Alex Groves.

Anderson starts at number eight for the first time this season. Sam Lousi and captain Josh Macleod complete the back row.

Taine Plumtree back on the bench

Taine Plumtree is among the replacements. The club says he has recovered from a shoulder problem following surgery in the summer.

Tight-head prop Gabe Hawley also comes into the matchday 23.

‘A Newcastle side who possess a lot of talent’

Director of rugby Nigel Davies said the Scarlets must keep their momentum going. “Last weekend was a massive result for us, now it’s important to maintain the momentum against a Newcastle side who possess a lot of talent in their ranks and have already shown in the PREM how dangerous they can be,” he said.

“We have spoken a lot already this season about building depth within this squad and we have been able to bring in plenty of quality as we look to start the EPCR Challenge Cup strongly.”

“It’s a tough group and we are well aware of the importance of starting well in this competition. Our supporters had a huge role to play in helping us get over the line against Benetton last weekend and it will be great to see them out in force again.”

After Newcastle, the Scarlets head to South Africa to face the Stormers on 24 October and the Bulls on 31 October.

Scarlets team v Newcastle Red Bulls

Scarlets: 15 Blair Murray; 14 Ellis Mee, 13 Joe Roberts, 12 Johnny Williams, 11 Macs Page; 10 Sam Costelow, 9 Gareth Davies; 1 Kemsley Mathias, 2 John McKee, 3 Harri O’Connor, 4 Harvey Cuckson, 5 Alex Groves, 6 Sam Lousi, 7 Josh Macleod (capt), 8 Fletcher Anderson.

Replacements: 16 Ryan Elias, 17 Sam O’Connor, 18 Gabe Hawley, 19 Taine Plumtree, 20 Dan Davis, 21 Dane Blacker, 22 Joe Hawkins, 23 Eddie James.