Scarlets' Comeback: Captain Josh Macleod Returns as Stormers Face Tough URC Clash

Team News: Macleod’s Comeback Boosts Scarlets

Scarlets captain Josh Macleod makes a timely return from a hamstring injury to lead his side against the Stormers in a pivotal United Rugby Championship (URC) clash. The 28-year-old flanker, capped twice by Wales, missed the last two matches but will spearhead a revamped lineup at Parc y Scarlets this Saturday.

Key Changes for Scarlets

Head coach Dwayne Peel has made six changes to the squad that faced Ulster, including recalls for Wales internationals:

• Ellis Mee (wing)
• Eddie James (center)
• Taine Plumtree (back row)
• Kemsley Mathias (prop)
• Henry Thomas (prop)

The back three features Ioan Nicholas and Macs Page, while the midfield pairs James with Joe Roberts. Ioan Lloyd and Gareth Davies retain their half-back roles.

Forward Pack Revamp

• Marnus van der Merwe returns at hooker, flanked by props Alec Hepburn and Sam Wainwright.
• The second row combines Alex Craig and Sam Lousi.
• A new-look back row sees Macleod joined by Vaea Fifita and Taine Plumtree.

Coach Peel’s Perspective

"Our home form has been outstanding this season—six straight wins—and we’ll need that energy against a near-full-strength Stormers side," said Peel. "Their Springboks’ return makes this a must-watch fixture."

Stormers’ Challenge

The Cape Town-based side, 12th in the URC, ended a four-game losing streak with a narrow win over the Bulls. Director of rugby John Dobson acknowledged the Scarlets’ threat:

"We need an 80-minute performance to leave Llanelli with points."

Match Details

• Venue: Parc y Scarlets, Llanelli
• Date: Saturday, 22 March
• Kickoff: 15:00 GMT
• Coverage: Live on S4C, BBC iPlayer, BBC Radio Wales, and BBC Sport app.

Squads

Scarlets Starting XV:
Ioan Nicholas; Macs Page, Joe Roberts, Eddie James, Ellis Mee; Ioan Lloyd, Gareth Davies; Alec Hepburn, Marnus van der Merwe, Sam Wainwright, Alex Craig, Sam Lousi, Vaea Fifita, Josh Macleod (capt), Taine Plumtree.
Replacements: Ryan Elias, Kemsley Mathias, Henry Thomas, Jarrod Taylor, Dan Davis, Archie Hughes, Charlie Titcombe, Tomi Lewis.

Stormers Starting XV:
Warrick Gelant; Ben Loader, Wandisile Simelane, Dan du Plessis, Leolin Zas; Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Herschel Jantjies; Ali Vermaak, Joseph Dweba, Frans Malherbe, Salmaan Moerat (capt), Ruben van Heerden, Deon Fourie, Marcel Theunissen, Evan Roos.
Replacements: André-Hugo Venter, Brok Harris, Sazi Sandi, Gary Porter, Willie Engelbrecht, Dewaldt Duvenage, Jurie Matthee, Damian Willemse.

Officials:
Referee: Eoghan Cross (IRFU) | ARs: Mike English, Tom Spurrier (WRU) | TMO: Olly Hodges (IRFU)