The Parc y Scarlets outfit have won three of their last four PRO12 fixtures and their last three encounters with Connacht, including a 24-11 win on their last trip to the Sportsground in September 2012.
Connacht’s solo victory in the RaboDirect PRO12 this season came in the opening game at home to Zebre, 25-16. Welsh opponents have won on five of their last seven visits to Galway.
Having handed opportunities to a number of new Scarlets in the past fortnight in their LV=Cup fixtures, a group of senior players return to action in this vital league game refreshed from a break in match day action.
In form prop Phil John captains the side in the absence of injured skipper Rob McCusker.
Easterby said: “Losing additional players to international duty does impact our league challenge but we have to deal with that and seeing the number of young players we have called up with Wales, as well as our more senior players, is a positive for the future.
“It’s also testament to the work Danny Wilson has been doing with the pack and the amount of exposure to top level rugby some of our young forwards have had so far.
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“Connacht have produced some good rugby this season despite their position in the table and gave Leinster a real scare at the RDS. They also ran Saracens close in the Heineken so we know we cannot afford to be in the slightest bit off our guard.
“They are a good outfit and have an advantage as they don’t lose so many players from their side to international duty. That allows them to keep their continuity and we know that there can always be tricky conditions in Galway and I am sure Dan Parks will be mastering the conditions on Saturday evening.”
