Marnus van der Merwe returns to the Scarlets starting XV for Friday’s Vodacom URC clash with the Stormers at Parc y Scarlets.

The Springbok hooker is in a line-up showing two personnel changes from that named for the postponed match against Connacht last weekend.

With Jake Ball picking up a head knock in training, Tristan Davies starts in the second row alongside Max Douglas. Former Scarlet Steve Cummins has arrived as loan cover from the Dragons and is named on the bench.

The back division is unchanged, with centre Johnny Williams set to lead the side for the first time.

ALSO: Bok superstars back for Stormers

“The Stormers have been very good so far,” said Scarlets coach Dwayne Peel. “We all know how dangerous they are in terms of broken field and transition play, but they also have real strength up front and that is the challenge. It is about putting in a performance and competing, being brave with and without the ball.

“Injuries haven’t helped our preparation, we have a smaller squad this season and it does test your depth, but it also provides opportunities for younger players, who have shown that they are ready and hungry for their chance.”

SCARLETS – 15 Blair Murray, 14 Tom Rogers, 13 Joe Roberts, 12 Johnny Williams (c), 11 Ellis Mee, 10 Joe Hawkins, 9 Gareth Davies, 8 Taine Plumtree, 7 Dan Davis, 6 Jarrod Taylor, 5 Max Douglas, 4 Tristan Davies, 3 Henry Thomas, 2 Marnus van der Merwe, 1 Alec Hepburn.
Bench: 16 Kirby Myhill, 17 Sam O’Connor, 18 Archer Holz, 19 Steve Cummins, 20 Ben Williams, 21 Dane Blacker, 22 Sam Costelow, 23 Macs Page.

Photo: Dan Istitene/Getty Images