Exeter v Scarlets preview

Published: Friday, 14. December, 2012 in category Exeter
North: Returns for Scarlets

The Scarlets believe they can be successful in the away outing, with plans to avenge their 22-16 loss at Parc Y Scarlets.

It is another critical clash for the Chiefs, who follow this weekend with a trip to unbeaten Pool Five leaders Clermont Auvergne before hosting defending champions Leinster.

The Chiefs, desperate to progress in the competition, make a few changes to their starting XV. Into the fold are Aly Muldowney, James Hanks and Dean Mumm. Ian Whitten, Jack Nowell and Phil Dollman are also given the nod.

Also featuring will be England international Tom Johnson, who is set to make his 150th appearance for the club.

Scarlets will need to find the form that had seen them win five straight in competitive matches to re-establish any hopes of progressing.

The Scarlets welcome back Welsh international George North, centre Jonathan Davies captains his side once more and Ken Owens starts at hooker. South African signing George Earle moves to the back row for the injured Aaron Shingler.

Exeter: 15 Phil Dollman, 14 Jack Nowell, 13 Sireli Naqelevuki, 12 Ian Whitten, 11 Gonzalo Camacho, 10 Gareth Steenson, 9 Haydn Thomas, 8 Tom Johnson, 7 James Scaysbrook (capt), 6 Dean Mumm, 5 James Hanks, 4 Aly Muldowney, 3 Hoani Tui, 2 Simon Alcott, 1 Brett Sturgess.

Replacements: 16 Neil Clark, 17 Ben Moon, 18 Carl Rimmer, 19 Damian Welch, 20 Ben White, 21 Kevin Barrett, 22 Ignacio Mieres, 23 Luke Arscott.

Scarlets: 15 Liam Williams, 14 George North, 13 Jonathan Davies (capt), 12 Scott Williams, 11 Gareth Maule, 10 Aled Thomas, 9 Aled Davies, 8 Kieran Murphy, 7 Johnathan Edwards, 6 George Earle, 5 Richard Kelly, 4 Sione Timani, 3 Samson Lee, 2 Ken Owens, 1 Shaun Hopkins.

Replacements: 16 Matthew Rees, 17 Rhodri Jones, 18 Deacon Manu, 19 Johan Synman, 20 Tomás Vallejos, 21 Tavis Knoyle, 22 Dan Newton, 23 Kristian Phillips.