SCARLETS head coach Nigel Davies has urged his side to use Saturday's Magners League opener in Treviso (6.05 BST) as a springboard for the season.

Last term, the Llanelli-based region opened up with a thrilling win over European champions Leinster, only to then stumble badly with defeats by Glasgow, Munster, the Blues and Ulster.

Davies acknowledges that a trip to face the fired-up Italian champions, a side determined to make an impact in their historic first game in the tournament, represents a potential banana skin.

But with matches against Connacht, fellow Italians Aironi and the Dragons to follow in September before a home derby date with defending champions the Ospreys, it also offers a major opportunity for a morale-boosting start to the campaign.

"It might not be the best time to play Treviso," said Davies. "We don't really know what to expect, but we will certainly be giving them full respect.

"We finished one off the bottom of the league last season so I am sure they will fancy their chances, but regaining respect after last year is important for us this season and we have targeted a really strong start.

"If you get a run of four or five wins it puts you in a great position."

Davies believes his squad is far better equipped this season than 12 months ago when injuries to key players plagued the squad from day one.

And that is the reason why new skipper Matthew Rees, fly-half Stephen Jones and Scotland wing Sean Lamont are likely to be rested for the clash at the Stadio Monigo.

"The squad is a lot stronger with a good mix of experience and players we have developed over the last couple of seasons and there is a real competition for places," added Davies.

"It is a long season and sides with stronger squads generally are the ones that do well.

"We have given opportunities to the likes of Rhys Priestland, Ken Owens and Emyr Phillips and that gives us confidence that we have players in those position that can perform just as well."

Full-back Morgan Stoddart (hamstring) and fly-half Priestland (shoulder) picked up slight knocks in the 24-20 win over Exeter Chiefs on Friday night, but Davies is confident both will be on the flight to Treviso on Friday.

New signing Jonny Fa'amatuainu is also set to feature in the match-day 22 after his 20-minute debut at Parc y Scarlets.

The Samoan's paperwork rubber-stamping his work visa came through on Friday afternoon, allowing him to make his first appearance in front of home fans.

Treviso, meanwhile, lost 28-6 to Sale Sharks at Edgeley Park on Saturday after being beaten 32-12 by Saracens last Wednesday.

However, their Heineken Cup victory over then French champions Perpignan last season shows they are a different prospect on home soil, and head coach Franco Smith will no doubt have his men pumped up for their start to life among the Celtic nations.

"I know Nigel Davies well and I know the Scarlets are a team who can play," the former Springbok No. 10 told the Star. "We will not be looking at last year's table, that would be stupid.

"As a side we are going to take it game by game. We are going to throw a lot into that first game against the Scarlets, obviously, but we know there will be other games as well. Our target is to win respect in this league."