Dragons are back on home soil this Saturday in the first Welsh regional derby of the season at Rodney Parade (kick-off 5.15pm). Ahead of the big game, we take a closer look at our visitors and all the match details...
Kick off:
Saturday 21st December, 5.15pm, Rodney Parade, Newport
Tickets:
Match tickets remain on sale with limited availability in certain areas. Gates open at 3.45pm on Friday evening – the Wales stars are back on Parade for both teams so make sure you come and join us! Call 01633 674990 or click HERE to buy online.
Form:
In a competitive Conference B, Scarlets have started the PRO14 season in good form under Brad Mooar beating Benetton, Cheetahs, Zebre, Connacht and Glasgow so far in this year’s competition and sit in fourth spot four points off Munster in first.
The Dragons in fifth in Conference A, sit above Ospreys and Zebre and are looking to continue their good form in the European Challenge Cup as the PRO14 returns.
Three To Watch:
LEIGH HALFPENNY
Wales international Leigh Halfpenny is one of the leading goal-kickers in world rugby, clocking up 89 Test appearances and 782 points.
Halfpenny started his rugby career in the Ospreys set-up before being snapped up by Cardiff Blues where he graduated to international honours.
Halfpenny starred on the British & Lions tour of Australia in 2013, where he named player of the series.
He joined Toulon in 2014, winning a Champions Cup with the French giants, before returning to Welsh with the Scarlets ahead of the 2017-18 campaign.
JAKE BALL
Destructive and combative second row Jake Ball signed for the Scarlets in 2012 from the Western Force.
Born in England, Ball qualifies for Wales through his father, who was born in Pwllheli. He won his first Wales cap against Ireland in 2014 and has gone on to become a mainstay for both club and country.
A talented cricketer, he was previously a fast bowler for Western Australia Under-19 side before his focus turned totally to rugby.
JOHNNY MCNICHOLL
One of the most exciting attacking talents in Welsh rugby with McNicholl having made a try-scoring debut for Wayne Pivac’s Wales side against the Barbarians at the end of November.
McNicholl starred for New Zealand provincial side Canterbury and for the Crusaders in Super Rugby before joining the Scarlets in 2016.
Was a potent attacking force in the region's title triumph and crossed for a hat-trick of tries in the PRO14 final defeat to Leinster in Dublin the following year.
Nominated for the PRO14 player of the season in 2018/19 after a stunning campaign that saw him finish as one the competition's top try-scorers.
