The Welsh region may be unbeaten in Celtic competition this season, but the visit of Connacht has presented the Scarlets coaching team with an interesting challenge – how to prepare for a side you know little or nothing about.
In the two previous Celtic seasons, Llanelli and Connacht have been drawn in different pools, and have not met in the knockout stages, making this weekend’s clash a step into the unknown for both sides.
Jenkins has managed to get a short highlights tape of the Cardiff verses Connacht last month but feels he still doesn’t know enough about the relatively anonymous Irishmen.
”The fact that they are a totally unknown to us is a challenge in itself,” he said.
”There isn’t a great deal of information around about them at the present time. They haven’t been that televised so I think that makes a big difference, because what television does is provide you with video information.
”What we do know is that their record away from home is very impressive and they have won two matches on the road recently, and when they have played against Welsh sides before they have proved very competitive.
”But their players aren’t household names. They are an unknown challenge.”
Llanelli go into the match showing three changes from the sided that beat Celtic Warriors 27-22 last Friday to go top of the Celtic League.
Phil John makes his first regional start of the season after sitting out a six-week ban following an incident with Duncan Jones last season. He comes in for David Maddocks.
With Scott Quinnell resting his neck injury for a further week Jenkins employs the same back-row that played against the Warriors.
Behind the scrum Dale Burn starts at scrum-half with Salesi Finau in the starting line-up for the first time since he was stretchered off in the opening Celtic League game of the season, taking over from Richard Rees.
Scarlets: Barry Davies; Tal Selley, Matthew Watkins, Leigh Davies (capt), Salesi Finau; Gareth Bowen, Dale Burn; Phil John, Aled Gravelle, John Davies, Bryn Griffiths, Adam Jones, Vernon Cooper, Ian Boobyer, Emyr Lewis.
Replacements: David Maddocks, Rhys Williams, Gavin Quinnell, Gareth Williams, Mike Phillips, Ceiron Thomas, Richard Rees.
Connacht: tbc
