Three of Wales’ World Cup stars start for the Scarlets in this clash of first-versus-second at Parc Y Scarlets, as league leaders Munster travel to West Wales tonight.
Samson Lee, Ken Owens and Jake Ball return for the home side as Wayne Pivac’s team look to extend their 100% record while ending Munster’s.
Wales scrum-half Gareth Davies will take his place on the bench – fresh from scoring five tries in the World Cup – while another prolific try scorer and World Cup star – DTH van der Merwe – will be looking to follow-up his debut brace against Leinster last week.
Jordan Coghlan makes a first competitive start for the visitors, who make eight changes from the side that beat the Cardiff Blues last week.
Former Blues back rower Robin Copeland comes in to the unfamiliar position of lock for Munster as Anthony Foley’s men look to consolidate their place at the top of the Pro 12.
The last time these two sides met in Llanelli, it ended in a pulsating 25-25 draw – Munster snatching the draw after clawing back a 12 point deficit in the final 13 minutes.
Scarlets coach Pivac said: “If we look back at our game against Munster here last season we played really well for 74 minutes but ended up drawing that game.
“We’d like to go one better but it’s going to be a big ask. They’re playing really well at the moment and we’re yet to put together an 80 minute performance.”
Both sides have won all four of their league matches so far, with just a bonus point putting Munster above the Scarlets at the top of the table.
Speaking about the threat of the league leaders, Pivac said: “They’ve played well in recent weeks. They’ll bring an attacking ability and they’ll ask a lot of questions of our defence.
“They’re a dangerous side and have been scoring some good tries. They deserve to be where they are. This is definitely our biggest test yet.
“Munster are in form and the fact we’ve managed to get through unbeaten makes for a juicy occasion. They’re a strong side, they have a pedigree and a history.”
Both teams are in fantastic form and it is all set up for a thrilling encounter. The Scarlets have turned Parc y Scarlets into a fortress, losing just once at home since Boxing Day 2013.
That home defeat to Edinburgh last year was actually the last time the Scarlets have lost in any competition – stretching their unbeaten run to eight.
A ninth victory on the trot and a continued 100% streak would be ideal and I am tipping the Scarlets – with the firepower of van der Merwe and Gareth Davies – to win tonight.
Teams
Scarlets: Aled Thomas; Hadleigh Parkes, Regan King, Gareth Owen, DTH van der Merwe; Steven Shingler, Rhodri Williams, Rob Evans, Ken Owens, Samson Lee, Jake Ball, Tom Price, Lewis Rawlins, John Barclay, James Davies.
Replacements: Emyr Phillips, Phil John, Peter Edwards, George Earle, Jack Condy, Gareth Davies, Dan Jones, Tom Williams.
Munster: Andrew Conway; Stephen Fitzgerald, David Johnston, Denis Hurley, Gerhard van den Heever; Tyler Bleyendaal, Cathal Sheridan; Dave Kilcoyne, Duncan Casey, BJ Botha; Robin Copeland, Mark Chisholm; Dave O’Callaghan, Jordan Coghlan, CJ Stander.
Replacements: Niall Scannell, James Cronin, John Ryan, Dave Foley, Shane Buckley, Tomás O’Leary, Ian Keatley, Ronan O’Mahony.
