News

Preview: Stade Français v Scarlets

October 17 2008

The Scarlets have made two changes to their starting XV for Saturday's crucial Heineken Cup Pool Four game against Stade Français at Jean Bouin.

Having lost to Harlequins at home last weekend the Scarlets know they must get a result in Paris, else face another early exit for Europe's premier tournament.

There is on change behind the scrum, where young Martin Roberts gets his chance at scrum-half, whilst in the pack Scott MacLeoad and Dominic Day form a new-look second-row pairing.

Scarlets coach Nigel Davies knows it is going to be a tall order, but believes his side have the ability to get the right result.

"Stade are a very competitive team and it's a difficult place to go but both those points are hugely motivating for our team," Davies said.

"The mindset is that we've got to go there to try to get a result.

"We've got to be confident in our own ability and confident that - as individuals and a team - we can compete against a Stade side full of world class players.

"We know that it will be backs against the wall stuff but we go there with a real fighting mentality and I'm comfortable that I'm putting out a very good team and that as a group we'll be fired up for this encounter."

Meanwhile, the Parisians have made minimal changes to their team, with Stéphane Glas' insertion into the centre for the injured Guillaume Bousses the only change to the starting XV.

On the bench, there is a run-out for young back-rower Robins Tchale Watchou for injured Juan Manuel Leguizamon.

Form: In just the second round of action the Scarlets find themselves in a do-or-die situation, knowing a win is vital for their qualification ambitions. Having gone down to Harlequins last week, after leading 19-3 at one stage, they must win in France. Stade Français on the other hand kicked off with a win away to Ulster and know a win here will stand them in good stead for the coming rounds.

Prediction: The Parisians are too strong all over the park, although the Scarlets will run in a couple of tries. Stade by fourteen.

The Teams:

Stade Français: 15 Lionel Beauxis, 14 Julien Arias, 13 Stéphane Glas, 12 Brian Liebenberg, 11 Julien Saubade, 10 Juan Martin Hernández, 9 Noel Oelschig, 8 Sergio Parisse, 7 Pierre Rabadan, 6 Mauro Bergamasco, 5 Simon Taylor, 4 Arnaud Marchois, 3 David Attoub, 2 Dimitri Szarzewski, 1 Rodrigo Roncero.

Replacements: 16 Mathieu Blin, 17 Sylvain Marconnet, 18 Pierre Vigouroux, 19 Robins Tchale Watchou, 20 Terry Bouhraoua, 21 Mathieu Bastareaud, 22 Djibril Camara.

Scarlets: 15 Morgan Stoddart, 14 Darren Daniel, 13 Regan King, 12 Gavin Evans, 11 Mark Jones, 10 Stephen Jones, 9 Martin Roberts, 8 David Lyons, 7 Gavin Thomas, 6 Simon Easterby (c), 5 Scott MacLeod, 4 Dominic Day, 3 Kees Meeuws, 2 Matthew Rees, 1 Iestyn Thomas.

Replacements: 16 Ken Owens, 17 Phil John, 18 Dafydd Jones, 19 Jon Edwards, 20 Sililo Martens, 21 Ceiron Thomas, 22 Rob Higgitt.

Date: Saturday 18 October, 2008

Kick-off: 14:35

Venue: Jean Bouin

Referee: Peter Allan (Scotland)

Touch judges: Rob Dickson (Scotland) Ronnie Dumma (Scotland)