JENKINS UP FOR POWERGEN CUP

6 October 2005, 12:38 pm

By WRU

Jenkins has named his strongest possible line up for this crucial clash, with a Stradey Park favourite returning to competitive rugby. Former Wales wing Mark Jones is named on the bench. Jones returns after a cruel two year spell that has seen him tear cruciate ligaments in both knees.

The first injury came in the World Cup but took the best part of six months to diagnose properly. After a lengthy recuperation period Mark finally made it back with an appearance for feeder club Carmarthen Quins in October 2004 only to suffer a repeat injury in the other knee.
Young full back Lee Byrne, only this week invited to train with the Wales squad, retains his place after three consecutive barnstorming performances while elsewhere the three quarter line looks explosive. Dafydd James joins Kiwi wonderkid. Regan King, in a new-look centre partnership with Matthew Watkins moving out onto the wing.Mike Hercus and Dwayne Peel team up at half-back.
The Scarlets pack is unchanged from the one that beat Leeds last week and the side is led by the on-form Simon Easterby.
Scarlets: L Byrne; M Watkins, D James, R King, T Selley; M Hercus, D Peel; I Thomas, A Gravelle, J Davies, I Afeaki, A Jones, J Mills, S Easterby (capt), A Popham
Replacements: D Williams, M Rees, H Louw, C Wyatt, C Stuart-Smith, G Bowen, M Jones.
Newcastle: tbc

Referee: Nigel Whitehouse (WRU)