Wales international Johnny McNicholl has been ruled out of the Scarlets’ United Rugby Championship clash at home to Ulster on Saturday afternoon amid three injury-enforced changes.
McNicholl, a contender for the Wales full-back berth in the autumn Tests in the absence of the crocked Liam Williams, is still undergoing HIA protocols after the bang he took in a collision with Justin Tipuric during last weekend’s 23-23 draw with the Ospreys.
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Another back three Welsh international, Tom Rogers, is also sidelined, having picked up a hamstring problem in training. So versatile duo Ioan Nicholas and Corey Baldwin come into the side to face Ulster. The other change sees Josh Macleod step up to wear the No 7 jersey with Argentinian Tomás Lezana ruled out by a calf issue.
Wales and Lions centre Jonathan Davies continues as captain, while 18-year-old back-rower Luca Giannini and 20-year-old loose-head prop Sam O’Connor - younger brother of Wales tourist Harri - are poised to make their URC debuts off the bench, where they are joined by Rhys Patchell.
There is no return yet for long-term absentee Leigh Halfpenny, with fellow internationals Scott Williams, Aaron Shingler, WillGriff John and Samson Lee also featuring on a lengthy injury list.
Head coach Dwayne Peel said: “It’s another home game which is good for us to get that momentum. Ulster played really well and were very clinical against Connacht last weekend. Their drive was a real weapon, as it has been for the last couple of years. They are a top team as they showed last season. It is a big challenge ahead of us, but we are excited about it.”
Ireland hooker Rob Herring - a try scorer in the series-cliching final Test against New Zealand this summer - returns to the Ulster front row, with fellow international Kieran Treadwell packing down at lock.
Scarlets: Ioan Nicholas; Corey Baldwin, Jonathan Davies (capt), Johnny Williams, Ryan Conbeer; Sam Costelow, Gareth Davies; Steff Thomas, Ryan Elias, Javan Sebastian, Vaea Fifita, Sam Lousi, Blade Thomson, Josh Macleod, Sione Kalamafoni.
Replacements: Daf Hughes, Sam O’Connor, Harri O’Connor, Tom Price, Luca Giannini, Kieran Hardy, Dan Jones, Rhys Patchell.
Ulster: Michael Lowry; Aaron Sexton, Luke Marshall, Stuart McCloskey, Jacob Stockdale; Billy Burns, John Cooney; Andy Warwick, Rob Herring, Marty Moore, Alan O’Connor (Captain), Kieran Treadwell, Matty Rea, Marcus Rea, Nick Timoney.
Replacements: Declan Moore, Eric O’Sullivan, Tom O’Toole, Sam Carter, Sean Reffell, Dave Shanahan, Angus Curtis, Craig Gilroy.
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