 Jones' groin problem took longer than expected to heal |
Llanelli Scarlets totally outclassed The Army in their final pre-season friendly in Chepstow on Saturday. The miss-match marked the return to action of flanker Dafydd Jones, who has been out with a groin problem the 11-9 win over England on 5 February.
Scarlets, who gave new fly-half Mike Hercus his debut in a strong-looking crossed for 16 tries.
Gareth Jenkins' begin their season next Friday with a home game against Edinburgh Gunners at Stradey Park.
On Wednesday, the Scarlets were encouraged by a hard-fought 43-17 win over a semi-pro Regional Select XV at Church Bank, Llandovery. Scarlets coach Nigel Davies paid tribute to the performance of inexperienced hooker Craig Hawkins, 26.
The position has come into sharp focus at Stradey Park, following injuries to Matthew Rees and Robin McBryde.
That leaves Hawkins as the only back-up to Aled Gravelle.