By David Blair

Three teams remain unbeaten after two intriguing rounds of the RaboDirect Pro 12. But it is the Llanelli Scarlets who have caught the eye most in the opening weekends. And with Munster and Ulster going head-to-head at Ravenhill on Friday evening the Scarlets look set to extend their advantage at the head of the table providing they can see off Connacht in round three.

It would be unwise to underestimate their opposition in Galway but a Scarlets victory seems the likeliest result given their impressive start to the campaign. The Welsh region has scored nine tries in their opening two fixtures including six for the backs in a dismantling of Leinster first up.

Simon Easterby couldn’t have wished for a better beginning as he embarks on his maiden voyage as a head coach. His lack of experience in the role hasn’t showed one iota with some key individuals leading an early charge up the table. Aaron Shingler and Andrew Fenby have both hit the ground running. Fenby has three scores on the board already, whilst Liam Williams and, his namesake, Scott have impressed.

In Lions year, however, it is the form of George North which has drawn the most attention. North also has three tries to his name, but also a significant hand in assisting for Shingler against Glasgow last weekend. Quite literally a massive threat to any opponent, 17st and 6’4’’, on this kind of form it’s hard to look past him for a wing birth despite tough competition for places. Warren Gatland will know his worth more than most, but for me North has one foot on the plane.

Since scoring twice on his debut versus South Africa in 2010, still only 20, North has collected 24 caps for Wales, played a starring role in the World Cup last autumn before helping secure a Welsh Grand Slam in the spring. Now success with the Scarlets is a priority, for they have underperformed in recent years.

George North with two scores on debut:


Expect Llanelli to be pushing for a playoff spot in 2013 with a Heineken Cup run also a strong possibility. It has been a promising start but mindful of last year when back-to-back Heineken losses to Munster followed by a home defeat against Northampton Saints completely derailed their season, the Scarlets will strive to keep their campaign on track through the winter.

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