RICHARD Hill is delighted Bristol Rugby will play their part when Scarlets bring the curtain down on 129 years of rugby at Stradey Park tonight.

Bristol face the Scarlets in the EDF Energy Cup (7.05pm) in the last ever game to be played at the famous ground before the Welshmen move to their new 15,000 capacity Parc Y Scarlets stadium.

Llanelli have secured historic victories over New Zealand and Australian touring sides in the past, and Hill is excited with Bristol Rugby set to help with the celebrations.

He said: "It's always a shame to see a real, old fashioned ground go. There is huge tradition and a lot of history there.

"I think Bristol are lucky to be involved but we're a suitable opponent because we share many of the same values as the Scarlets – history, tradition, culture, involvement with the community etc.

"This is a rare chance to be part of real history. It is a ground with tremendous tradition especially in the 1970s when Llanelli were very strong. They had some terrific games there.

"We are fortunate or maybe unfortunate to play the last ever game at Stradey Park. Unfortunate because it will be a game of high emotion and it will be a game Llanelli are desperate to win.

"It is tough for any side to go down there and win in Llanelli's their last ever game at the stadium.

"Fortunate, because this will be one of the occasions you will always remember. You can't get a ticket for love nor money. There will be people on the roofs and on the floodlight pylons.

"They will be everywhere whether they have paid or not paid. They will be piled in somehow. We're looking forward to being involved."

Bristol Rugby coach Hill has selected a second string side with only wing Lee Robinson retained from the starting line-up which claimed the club's opening win of the season last Friday against Toulon.

Prop Darren Crompton and Anthony Elliott, who plays at full-back not his usual wing role, make their first starts of the season after recovering from ankle and knee operations respectively.

But Bristol Rugby coach Hill expects Scarlets to take this competition seriously after suffering back-to-back defeats in the Heineken Cup.

Scarlets kicked-off their Anglo-Welsh campaign with a 26-17 win at Vicarage Road earlier this month, while Bristol lost their opener 30-17 at Northampton.

"Llanelli will be going for the EDF Energy competition. They are virtually out of the Heineken Cup," explained Hill.

"The EDF Energy Cup is probably the only competition they will do well in now.

"They will want to do well because it's their last ever game at the stadium but, more seriously, it is a chance for them to get a trophy.

"It's going to be a hard match for us. I don't think it's a no-win situation for us.

"A lot of my players will want to build on the performance against Toulon and certain individuals will want to create a good impression so they can battle their way into the first team."

Meanwhile, as the Scarlets bid farewell to Stradey Park, Wales star Stephen Jones admitted: "It is a special place."

The Scarlets fly-half said: "The ground is not like any other as far as I am concerned.

"It has such a spirit when it's packed, with supporters singing at the tops of their voices. It is a special place.

"Some of the games that stick in my mind are the big European nights.

"Playing teams like Leicester at home – an English side dominating the rugby scene and one of the best in the world – and then beating them, with the crowd in great voice and us playing our best rugby. Those games at home are the ones when I am absolutely in my element, and it does inspire you.

"The game against Bristol is going to be huge. It is an important match but equally a very special occasion, and it will be a fantastic evening for everyone to be involved in."

A Scarlets win would edge them closer towards a semi- final appearance, while Bristol Rugby will go out if they lose.