Adam Warren has been earmarked as the Dragon the Scarlets must slay when they meet on Judgement Day this weekend.
Centre Warren has been an unsung hero for the Dragons this season, playing in all but one of their 29 matches since moving from Parc Y Scarlets last summer.
The 25-year-old will go head-to-head against Hadleigh Parkes and returning Wales centre Scott Williams, who is back for this first regional match of the season after the serious knee injury he suffered against England in the World Cup.
Like Warren, New Zealander Parkes has been a mainstay for his side this season, playing in every minute of all 20 of their Guinness Pro12 matches.
With the Scarlets desperate to get back in the top four to make the play-offs, Parkes says: “I’ve been really impressed with one of our midfielders who left here, Adam Warren.
“He’s not the biggest of guys but he tackles hard and not many people get through that midfield.
“The Dragons have a big forward pack and a strong back row. That’s one of their strongest parts. They also have a couple of good wings out wide. They are a good side and they’ve been unfortunate with a few results this year.”
The Dragons earned credit but no entry to the showpiece after losing their Challenge Cup semi-final in Montpellier last Saturday, 22-12, even though they outscored their big-spending French hosts by two tries to one.
Warren left the field with an ankle injury, but is expected to be fit for the derby double-header at the Principality Stadium where the Ospreys face the Cardiff Blues.
Parkes, arguably the Scarlets’ most consistent player this season, insists his side can still make the play-offs despite their demoralising recent home defeat to Glasgow and is keen to welcome back Williams, with Gareth Owen the player most likely to make way.
“At club and international level, Scott has proven he is a really good player. It’s good that he’s back.
“It’s another voice and it’s always good to have the international boys back. He’s got a big voice around the team.
“We are chasing the top four, now. And that’s pretty disappointing because we have had a good season. It’s put a bit of dampener on it.
“We now have to hope other results go our way in order to pick up that fourth place. Hopefully, the Ospreys can do a favour for us in that last game of the season.
“But we have tough games against the Dragons and against Munster away, so we can be in control of those controllables, but we have to hope for favours as well.
“Judgement Day is a great advert for Welsh rugby and for the Pro12. You love playing in front of crowds like that. If we can put on two good, open games then I don’t see any reason why this event can’t get bigger and bigger.”
