The Scarlets captain is expected to return to Phil Davies’s starting line-up for the Anglo-Welsh clash at the Memorial Ground on Sunday (3.10pm kick-off).
Easterby says that despite enduring a disappointing Rugby World Cup in France with Ireland, the Irishman and his teammates won’t be feeling sorry for themselves as they resume domestic action.
“It was disappointing but we have had time to reflect on it now,” said Easterby. “They are a very good side and it’ll be a very physical, tough test. It would have been easy to come back and bury our heads in the sand but it is important to get back on the horse.
“Individually we are all in a good place now as we are back to what we know best. It is enjoyable here at the Scarlets and we want to get on the field and play some rugby.”
Easterby has watched on with interest as the Scarlets have moved smoothly into second place in the Magners League table. But he knows that the West Walians will have to be in top form as they hope to gain a crucial away victory across the Severn Bridge.
Easterby added: “Whenever we play against an English side as a Welsh side there is always a lot of passion and playing against Bristol will be no different.
“There is a lot of cross border rivalry between the two sides and the atmosphere should be great at Bristol. We have two homes games but we have to start with an away win. It is important that we play with a high intensity that they won’t have had this season.”
Llanelli Scarlets squad: Hayter, Rees, Owens, Broster, Manu, I Thomas, John, I Jones, Douglas, George, Eustace, Popham, D Jones, Day, G Thomas, Bater, N Thomas, MacLeod, Easterby, Cooper, Reed, Cattle, J Davies, C Thomas, James, Daniel, Peel, Gar Evans, Gav Evans, Brew, M Jones, Watkins, King, S Jones, D Evans, Stoddart, Priestland, L Davies
