Easterby set for bench role with Scarlets

Feb 15 2008 South Wales Echo

LLANELLI Scarlets captain Simon Easterby has been released by Ireland and will sit on the replacements bench for the Magners League visit of Glasgow tonight.

But there is no place in the 22 for any of the Scarlets’ Wales squad members including the discarded Alix Popham.

Samoan hooker Mahonri Schwalger starts his first game for the Scarlets, while second-row Lou Reed returns to the Scarlets side after completing a loan spell at Rotherham.

Glasgow Warriors have rested four of their Scotland internationals for the match at Stradey Park.

John Barclay, Kelly Brown, Andy Henderson and Dan Parks will be absent, allowing them to rest between matches in the Six Nations.

Hooker Fergus Thomson and centre Graeme Morrison will feature in the Glasgow starting line-up and Calum Forrester also comes into the team at open-side flanker.

Llanelli Scarlets: M Stoddart; D James, R King, G Evans, M Watkins; R Priestland, G Cattle; I Thomas, M Schwalger, D Manu, V Cooper, L Reed, D Jones, J Bater (capt), N Thomas. Reps: P John, D George, D Day, S Easterby, L Davies, C Thomas, D Daniel.