Defiant WRU chief drops hint as Eben Etzebeth summoned to face justice
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Scarlets boosted by return of internationals for Sharks clash
Rogers, Mathias, Ball and Lousi back in the XV
Tom Rogers, Kemsley Mathias, Jake Ball and Sam Lousi all come back from injury and go straight into the starting line‑up following last weekend’s defeat to the Lions in Johannesburg.
Rogers resumes on the wing, with Blair Murray switching to full‑back. Joe Roberts partners skipper Johnny Williams in midfield, while Dane Blacker starts at scrum‑half in place of Archie Hughes. Sam Costelow continues at fly‑half.
In the pack, Mathias makes his first appearance of the season at loose‑head, joining hooker Marnus van der Merwe and tight‑head Archer Holz in the front row. Ball returns from head injury protocols to partner Harvey Cuckson in the second row, while Lousi is named at blindside flanker alongside openside Dan Davis and No. 8 Taine Plumtree.
Peel: “We have to be bold”
Head coach Dwayne Peel said the squad must continue to play with ambition despite a difficult start to the campaign.
“Obviously, we have been disappointed with results so far, but we can’t go into our shells in terms of how we want to play. We have to keep being bold and encourage the boys to go out and play,” he said.
“The Sharks are a dangerous team — you only have to look at their line‑up, 13 current Springboks, some of the best players in the world. The challenge for us is we need to be a collective, the boys have to fight for each other. What an opportunity and what a challenge for our guys.”
Scarlets team to face Hollywoodbets Sharks
Saturday, October 25 – Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban (15:00 UK time; Premier Sports)
Starting XV: 15 Blair Murray; 14 Tom Rogers, 13 Joe Roberts, 12 Johnny Williams (capt), 11 Ellis Mee; 10 Sam Costelow, 9 Dane Blacker; 1 Kemsley Mathias, 2 Marnus van der Merwe, 3 Archer Holz, 4 Jake Ball, 5 Harvey Cuckson, 6 Sam Lousi, 7 Dan Davis, 8 Taine Plumtree.
Replacements: 16 Kirby Myhill, 17 Alec Hepburn, 18 Henry Thomas, 19 Alex Groves, 20 Jarrod Taylor, 21 Archie Hughes, 22 Joe Hawkins, 23 Ioan Nicholas.
Unavailable (injury/illness): Max Douglas, Josh Macleod, Ryan Elias, Eddie James, Jac Price, Osian Williams, Will Evans, Dom Kossuth.
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Scarlets land shock signing of Crusaders No. 8 Fletcher Anderson to bolster injury-hit pack
The 22‑year‑old, who stands at 6ft 2in and 107kg, featured three times in the Crusaders’ title‑winning campaign and has been a standout for Tasman Makos in New Zealand’s NPC. His performances saw him sweep the club’s end‑of‑season awards — named Man of the Year, Player of the Year and Defender of the Year.
Rising Kiwi prospect
Anderson has built a reputation as a powerful ball‑carrier with a relentless work‑rate and abrasive defensive game. RugbyPass recently tipped him among the most promising under‑23 players in New Zealand rugby.
A former New Zealand Schools international, he captained his college first XV in 2020 before progressing through the Crusaders Academy and U20s, making his senior debut last year.
Peel: “A hugely talented forward”
Scarlets head coach Dwayne Peel said:
“Fletcher is a hugely talented young New Zealand forward who has had an outstanding season for Tasman in the NPC and has already represented the Crusaders in Super Rugby. He is a powerful, abrasive carrier with a strong work‑rate in defence. We are excited about what he can offer us and look forward to welcoming him to Llanelli ahead of a massive block of fixtures for us in the URC and Champions Cup.”
Competition for places
Scarlets have endured a difficult start to the season, with injuries up front exposing their lack of depth. Anderson will now compete with the likes of Taine Plumtree, Josh Macleod, Jarrod Taylor, Ben Williams, Tristan Davies, Dan Davies, Dom Kossuth and Osian Williams for a place in the back row.
Anderson: “Excited to get to Llanelli”
Anderson said:
“I would like to thank Dwayne for the opportunity to join the Scarlets. I’ve heard very good things from other players in the squad about the direction the team is heading and I’m really excited to get to Llanelli and meet everyone. Last season was a step in the right direction making the play‑offs and I’m looking forward to hopefully playing a part in helping the team push on further this season.”
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