THE Scarlets are to give late fitness tests to full-back Morgan Stoddart and fly-half Rhys Priestland ahead of Saturday's Magners League kick-off in Treviso.

Stoddart has a hamstring niggle and Priestland a shoulder problem, and while head coach Nigel Davies is hopeful that both will play, he insists he won't be drafting in Wales and British Lions pivot Stephen Jones as emergency cover if they fail to make it.

Jones, new skipper Matthew Rees and Scotland wing Sean Lamont aren't expected to feature in Italy having played no part in the Scarlets' pre-season matches so far.

Full-back Dan Evans and 20-year-old Dan Newton — who has only just recovered from ankle surgery — are standing by to wear the No. 10 jersey.

"We are very hopeful that Morgan and Rhys will both play and it will be as late as possible before we name the team," said Davies, who is expected to announce his starting XV on Friday.

Available

"If Rhys doesn't make it, Dan Newton is available and Dan Evans can play there as well."

As for Jones, Davies said: "We are very clear in terms of our planning for our three senior internationals, Matthew, Steve and Sean.

"It is a very long season and it is important we get the most out of them when they do play.

"I am confident Rhys will come through. He has been playing some great rugby and deserves his opportunity to start against Treviso."

Priestland has been the outstanding individual in the Scarlets' pre-season outings.

The 23-year-old emerged from a sticky opening to last season's league campaign to establish himself as a regular in the Scarlets line-up.

His performances in the second half of the season merited a mention from national coach Warren Gatland when discussing his fly-half options and after seeing the Carmarthen youngster produce some dazzling touches in the pre-season wins over Worcester and Exeter, Davies is hoping Priestland can continue his development alongside Jones this season.

"I remember seeing Rhys play an age-grade final at the Millennium Stadium a few years ago, he wasn't in our academy then," said Davies.

"He looked a natural talent on the ball and immediately after the game I made sure we brought him into the academy.

"Over the last 12 months he has matured and become mentally tough to deal with the professional game.

"That is the big thing I have noticed with him."

Davies also revealed that 18-year-old 6ft 4in wing George North could make his Magners League debut at the Stadio Monigo after impressing in pre-season.

roblloyd@swwmedia.co.uk