Scott Williams makes his first appearance of the United Rugby Championship season on Saturday (7.35pm), with his region the Scarlets in desperate need of inspiration from the Wales international.
Dwayne Peel’s side face Zebre in Llanelli as they look to post their first win of the season.
A draw and three defeats have left the Scarlets in 15th position in the table, with only their visitors this weekend below them.
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They will hope the return of ex-Wales captain Williams after the centre’s recovery from a knee injury breathes fresh life into matters out west.
His form last season was outstanding, albeit it didn’t propel him back into the Wales team. At one point, pundits were queuing up to sing his praises, with Williams classed as the best No. 12 in the country.
He is not the only experienced international resuming as a starter for the Scarlets.
Ken Owens and Wyn Jones also coming back into the run-one side for the first time this season, with Harri O’Connor joining them in a fresh front row.
With Vaea Fifita suspended after his red card last weekend and Blade Thomson working his way through concussion protocols, there is a reshuffle in the back five of the pack.
Jac Price partners namesake Tom in the second row and Sam Lousi switches to blindside flanker. Josh Macleod returns at openside after sitting out last weekend’s match following a blow to the head against Benetton, while Sione Kalamafoni continues at No. 8.
Scarlets head coach Dwayne Peel said: “We can’t hide from the fact we are disappointed where we are sitting in the table and disappointed that we have had opportunities in games and haven’t finished them off. We are working hard on all parts of our game, on and off the field, and are determined to put things right.”
Being denied the services of 16 players who are off limits because of injury this weekend will not help the west Walians, but they still start with nine internationals. All will know the importance of seeing them to victory.
Scarlets: Leigh Halfpenny; Johnny McNicholl, Jonathan Davies (capt), Scott Williams; Ryan Conbeer; Sam Costelow, Kieran Hardy; Wyn Jones, Ken Owens, Harri O’Connor, Jac Price, Tom Price, Sam Lousi, Josh Macleod, Sione Kalamafoni.
Replacements: Ryan Elias, Steff Thomas, Javan Sebastian, Morgan Jones, Shaun Evans, Dane Blacker, Rhys Patchell, Steff Evans.
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