CAPTAIN Andrew Coombs returns from illness to lead Newport Gwent Dragons from the second row against the Scarlets in Llanelli tomorrow evening (kick-off 7.05pm).

The 29-year-old Wales lock was forced out of the XV that took on the Ospreys at the Millennium Stadium a fortnight ago by tonsillitis.

Pat Leach was also a late Judgement Day withdrawal because of a virus and he returns to midfield for the RaboDirect Pro12 encounter out west.

Director of rugby Lyn Jones makes two other changes with starts given to a pair of ex-Scarlets in openside Nic Cudd, so impressive as a replacement when Netani Talei was forced off after suffering an ankle injury against the Ospreys, and tighthead Bruce Douglas.

Rob McCusker returns from injury at number eight for the Scarlets with Josh Turnbull returning to blindside flanker and Scotland openside John Barclay slugging it out with Cudd at the breakdown.

Steve Shingler replaces Wales full-back Liam Williams, who is banned after being sent off in the 17-13 loss to Cardiff Blues at the Millennium Stadium, while ex-England international Olly Barkley slots in at inside centre.

Scarlets: S Shingler, K Phillips, J Davies (captain), O Barkley, J Williams, R Priestland, G Davies, P John, K Owens, S Lee, J Ball, G Earle, J Turnbull, J Barclay, R McCusker. Replacements: K Myhill, R Evans, R Jones, J Snyman, A Shingler, R Williams, G Maule, F Climo.

Dragons: H Amos, T Prydie, P Leach, J Dixon, W Harries, K Burton, R Rees, P Price, R Thomas, B Douglas, A Coombs (captain), M Screech, L Evans, N Cudd, T Faletau. Replacements: S Parry, O Evans, D Bell, J Groves, D Waters, J Evans, J Tovey.

Referee: Leighton Hodges (Bridgend)