**Benetton play host to the Scarlets on Saturday in a game which could be decisive in the battle for Guinness PRO14 Finals Series places.** At the Stadio Monigo (kick-off 6.15pm), the Italian side will look to consolidate their position in Conference B against the 2016-17 champions. What’s at stake? This could prove to be one of the most important games in the entire Guinness PRO14 regular season as Benetton, second in Conference B, host Scarlets who are fourth. Just two points separate the sides two thirds of the way through the season. With Edinburgh and Ulster also right in the hunt behind runaway leaders Leinster, it looks like four teams bidding for two places. Team news (Benetton) Benetton are without a number of their Italian internationals but can still call on a number of players released by Conor O’Shea. Ian McKinley will captain the side from fly-half, while Federico Ruzza starts in the second row, having impressed off the bench for the Azzurri. In Ratuva Tavuyara and Monty Ioane, Kieran Crowley can also call on two of the most dangerous wide threats in the competition. Team news (Scarlets) Josh Macleod will captain the Scarlets, who have Rhys Patchell and Steff Evans back from international duty, with the latter starting on the wing. Kieran Hardy and Dan Jones form the half-back pairing, while Johnny McNicholl starts at full-back, with Leigh Halfpenny not quite ready in the end to feature. Talking points: Scarlets head coach Wayne Pivac: “They’re an improved side. Last year, in the same window, they beat us at their place. “They’ve got a side now that, with a added few players, is adding a bit of spark, a couple of good wingers on the outside giving them a bit of power out there. “Also, pace; their fitness levels have improved. They’re playing a lot more rugby, using the ball a lot more and with that, they’re going to pose a big threat!”** ** Key battle Monty Ioane v Steff Evans They won’t be up against one another but the two left-wingers are going to be crucial to their sides’ hopes in Treviso. Ioane has established himself as one of the most dangerous wide threats in the entire competition. He goes up against Evans, whose quick feet have been a big part of the Scarlets’ success over the last two seasons. Key fact: The Scarlets have won just once on the road so far this season, away to the Isuzu Southern Kings back in October. Did you know? Benetton’s win over the Scarlets last February was their only win over the Welsh side since 2013. Benetton Rugby: Luca Sperandio; Ratuva Tavuyara, Tommaso Iannone, Marco Zanon, Monty Ioane; Ian McKinley ©, Dewaldt Duvenage; Nicola Quaglio, Tomas Baravalle, Marco Riccioni; Irné Herbst, Federico Ruzza; Marco Lazzaroni, Giovanni Pettinelli, Toa Halafihi Replacements: Engjel Makelara, Derrick Appiah, Tiziano Pasquali, Marco Fuser, Robert Barbieri, Alberto Sgarbi, Edoardo Gori, Antonio Rizzi Scarlets: Johnny McNicholl, Ioan Nicholas, Kieron Fonotia, Paul Asquith, Steff Evans, Dan Jones, Kieran Hardy; Phil Price, Marc Jones, Werner Kruger, Josh Helps, Tom Price, Josh Macleod ©, Dan Davis, Uzair Cassiem Replacements: Dafydd Hughes, Dylan Evans, Simon Gardiner, Lewis Rawlins, Will Boyde, Jon Evans, Rhys Patchell, Steff Hughes TV: At Stadio Monigo, Treviso, 6.15pm. Live on DAZN, S4C, Premier Sports 1, eir Sport 2 Referee: Frank Murphy (IRFU) AR1: Gianluca Gnecchi (FIR) AR2: Mark Patton (IRFU) TMO: Olly Hodges (IRFU)
