Six Wales Internationals Return as Scarlets Host Zebre in URC Clash

Scarlets welcome six Wales internationals back as they host Zebre in a crucial URC match, aiming to capitalize on home advantage against the bottom-placed Italian side.

Scarlets Aim for Home Advantage Against Zebre

Scarlets have secured home victories against Glasgow and Ulster in the United Rugby Championship (URC) this season, along with a win at Cardiff.

They are relying on strong home support and the return of six internationals to gain an edge in their URC bottom-of-the-table match against Zebre on Friday at 19:45 GMT.

The Italian team arrives in Llanelli positioned at the bottom of the table, having not won since their initial two home victories at the start of the season.

Scarlets sit one place and four points above Zebre, having drawn once and lost twice since their last home game, a 27-22 win over Ulster in January, which was Nigel Davies' first match as interim director of rugby.

"I'm looking forward to playing at home, it's only my second game at home since I've come here," said Davies.

"I thought the crowd was great last time, so hopefully they can come out and support the boys."

Returning Players and Injury Updates

Davies will welcome back Josh Macleod, Blair Murray, Tom Rogers, Ellis Mee, Ryan Elias, and replacement Joe Hawkins from Six Nations duty.

However, Wales internationals Sam Costelow, Eddie James, and Taine Plumtree remain sidelined due to injuries.

"It's good to see them back," Davies stated.

"They're all in good spirits.

Some of them come back with some slight knocks, others a little bit tired because they played quite a lot of international rugby.

It's as well as a physical rollercoaster, it's an emotional rollercoaster so just trying to blend them back into the team is key."

Live audio and text commentary will be available on the website and app, with live coverage on S4C via BBC .

Team Formation and Tactical Notes

The back three will feature full-back Blair Murray and wings Tom Rogers and Ellis Mee, all internationals.

With Costelow unavailable, teenager Carwyn Leggatt-Jones will continue at fly-half.

In the front row, hooker Ryan Elias returns alongside tight-head Archer Holz, who is back from injury.

Captain Josh Macleod's return to the back row prompts Jarrod Taylor to shift to blind-side flanker, while Max Douglas moves into the second row.

Zebre's Recent Form and Challenge Ahead

Despite Zebre's ten consecutive URC losses, they have qualified for the last-16 of the European Challenge Cup following pool victories over Montauban, Black Lion, and Ospreys.

"They're a very capable team," Davies commented.

"They've got some real quality players within their side and if they get momentum against anyone they're capable of scoring points, so yes it's a challenge for us.

We've got to be right on our metal in terms of clarity on our game, what we want to do in certain areas, particularly when we get into that red zone."