Scarlets v Leinster: Potential Lions going head to head

RHYS Priestland will go head to head with British Lions rival Jonny Sexton this afternoon with the Scarlets looking to the Wales No. 10 to re-ignite their Heineken Cup challenge.

The two international fly-halves will be key figures in what promises to be a mouthwatering Pool 5 contest at Parc y Scarlets (1.35pm).

Despite his side being on the back foot for long periods in Clermont last weekend, Priestland enjoyed his best all-round match of the season in regional colours.

His goal-kicking was faultless, he kicked impressively out of hand and also got his backline moving, especially during the opening half hour.

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“Rhys had a very good day on the weekend, we were pleased with his return,” said head coach Simon Easterby

“I think there will be a bit of spice in terms of the match-up (with Sexton) and hopefully we can give Rhys and the backline the kind of ball which will allow them to get on the front foot.

“But I don’t reckon those players will be thinking much beyond this weekend and getting one over on each other in their regional and provincial shirts.

“They will have come up against each other on a number of occasions but the important thing is that they focus on performing for their clubs.”

There will be no Jonathan Davies outside Priestland in midfield today with the Wales centre having failed a fitness test on a groin problem, but the rest of the region’s walking wounded have overcome their concerns.

Gareth Maule will wear the No. 13 jersey in opposition to Brian O’Driscoll, while Andy Fenby replaces Morgan Stoddart on the left wing in the only other change to the starting XV.

Leinster, on a quest for a record-breaking third successive European title, are without Lions full-back Rob Kearney, but Gordon D’Arcy has recovered from injury to take his familiar place alongside O’Driscoll.

SCARLETS: Liam Williams; G. North, G. Maule, S. Williams, A. Fenby; R. Priestland, T. Knoyle; P. John, M. Rees, S. Lee, G. Earle, J. Snyman, A. Shingler, R. McCusker (capt), J. Turnbull. Reps: K. Owens, S. Hopkins, D. Manu, T. Vallejos, J. Edwards, G. Davies, A. Thomas, M. Stoddart.

LEINSTER: I. Madigan; F. McFadden, B. O’Driscoll, G. D’Arcy, I. Nacewa; J. Sexton, E. Reddan; C. Healy, S. Cronin, M. Ross, L. Cullen (capt), D. Browne, K. McLaughlin, J. Heaslip, S. Jennings. Reps: R. Strauss, H. van der Merwe, J. Hagan, D. Toner, J. Murphy, I. Boss, A. Conway. F. Carr.