Davies is out so rookie Hughes steps up to start for the Scarlets

ROOKIE Scrum-half Archie Hughes starts for Scarlets as they look to seal a place in the URC play-offs in the final regular season game against the Sharks in Durban this evening (6.30pm).

- 

Hughes will make only his fourth senior start for the region. The 22-year-old whose only start this season was in the European Challenge Cup at Gloucester comes in for injured Wales international Gareth Davies.

Centre Joe Roberts, who also left the field in discomfort in last week end’s stunning win at Lions, has recovered to make his 50th appearance for the Scarlets, who make one other change.

Hooker Ryan Elias rotates in for Marnus van der Merwe, who was this week named in an upcoming Springboks’ alignment camp.

South Africa lock Eben Etzebeth is fit to captain Sharks having recovered from a knock to the leg in their victory over Ospreys.

Head coach John Plumtree though makes four changes to his pack, including the return of international prop Ox Nche, though Sprinkbok legend Siya Kolisi drops out of the 23.

By the time Scarlets visit Sharks this evening, their top-eight spot may already be secured.

As it stands, after successive wins against Ospreys, Dragons, Leinster and Lions, Dwayne Peel's side know a single match point in Durban would be enough to extend their season.

“There are a lot of things that can happen before our game, but the key for us is that our destiny is in our own hands,” said Peel.