Murray back in boost to the Scarlets and Wales

BLAIR Murray has given Wales head coach Steve Tandy a Six Nations fitness boost after recovering from an ankle injury to start for the Scarlets in their must-win Champions Cup clash against Pau tonight (8pm).

- STEFFAN THOMAS Rugby correspondent [e-mail]

The Wales fullback suffered what appeared to be a nasty ankle injury in the victory over Cardiff in December and there were fears he would spend a lengthy period on the sidelines.

But he has returned to boost the struggling Scarlets ahead of what is a vital Champions Cup encounter.

The Scarlets have lost their opening two European fixtures, against Bristol Bears and Bordeaux, respectively.

But a victory over Top 14 flyers Pau at Parc y Scarlets would give Dwayne Peel's side a reasonable chance of reaching the knockout stages in either the Champions Cup or the second-tier Challenge Cup.

The Scarlets are also boosted by the return of influential Tongan lock Sam Lousi, who will make his 100th appearance for the Welsh club.