THE FUSE

European Champions Cup: Bordeaux-Begles v Scarlets

Venue: Stade Chaban-Delmas, Bordeaux Date: Saturday, 13 December Kick-off: 17:30 GMT

Coverage: Live commentary on BBC Radio Wales & BBC Sounds, BBC Sport online & Radio 5 Sports Extra 3

Scarlets will face the ultimate European challenge when they travel to face reigning Champions Cup holders Bordeaux-Begles on Saturday.

Dwayne Peel takes his side to face a French powerhouse who have returned from South Africa where they started the defence of their title with an impressive 46-33 win against Bulls in Pretoria.

The hosts include star French wing-duo Louis Bielle-Biarrey and Damian Penaud and fly-half Matthieu Jalibert.

"What Bordeaux have is massive depth in their squad," said Peel.

"They have a game of power, pace, skill and have world-class players.

"European juggernaut is a term passed around from time to time and that is what they are at the moment.

"It is a massive challenge, but that is why this tournament is so special.

"You get to play against these teams to see where you are."

Scarlets have returned to Europe's premier tournament this season and opened up with a 17-16 home defeat by Bristol.

This fearsome French test will prove another level. Bordeaux-Begles will be aiming for their 10th consecutive Champions Cup win, having tasted victory in 13 of the last 15 games in Europe while scoring an average of almost 45 points a match.

"What's important is you don't delve too much into the footage of Bordeaux," said Peel.

"You have to use a match like this as an opportunity to take your game over there and try and upset them as much as you can. That is what I am asking of our boys.

"Bordeaux is a brilliant place to play rugby. It will be a great atmosphere, a big crowd with lots of Scarlets fans over there as well.

"I am looking forward to a fantastic occasion."

Peel has reshuffled his Scarlets side with eight personnel changes, some enforced due to injury, while Wales duo Blair Murray and Taine Plumtree are still unavailable.

Tomi Lewis replaces Wales wing Tom Rogers, who picked up a groin strain in training this week.

In midfield, Wales centre Joe Roberts comes in to partner Eddie James with Johnny Williams sitting this game out because of a calf issue.

There is a new half-back partnership of Joe Hawkins and Dane Blacker, with scrum-half Archie Hughes named on the bench as veteran Gareth Davies is rested.

The front row changes with the all-international trio of Alec Hepburn, Marnus van der Merwe and Henry Thomas starting.

Max Douglas switches from flanker to lock with Dan Davis coming into the back row.

Bordeaux-Begles: Mousques; Penaud, Uberti, Moefana, Bielle-Biarrey; Jalibert, Page-Relo: Poirot (capt), Barlot, Falatea, Palu, Coleman, Jacobs, Vergnes-Taillefer, Matiu.

Replacements: Everitt, Perchaud, B Tameifuna, J Gray, Gardrat, Retiere, Carbery, R Janse van Rensburg.

Scarlets: J Davies; Lewis, Roberts, James, Mee; Hawkins, Blacker; Hepburn, Van der Merwe, Thomas, Douglas, Ball, Macleod (capt), Davis, Anderson.

Replacements: Elias, Mathias, H O'Connor, Lousi, J Taylor, A Hughes, Costelow, Page.

Referee: Morne Ferreira (South Africa)

Assistants: Griffin Colby & Christopher Allison (South Africa)

TMO: Marius van der Westhuizen (South Africa).