Currently sat in sixth position domestically, Simon Easterby’s men will look to secure vital points in this weekend’s battle ahead of the back to back festive derbies with the Ospreys.
Munster though have won their last seven matches in all tournaments and claimed an impressive last-ditch Heineken Cup victory in Perpignan last weekend. Rob Penney’s side have had just the one league reversal this season but ahead of tomorrow’s game, both sides have rotated.
Easterby has made nine changes, one positional, from the side which faced Clermont Auvergne at Parc y Scarlets while Penney brings in 11 new faces himself.
The Scarlets were 6-13 winners when they visited Musgrave Park last season and will be keen to repeat that victory to move closer to the top four play-off spots.
“We have had experience of playing teams back to back in our European fixtures,” said Easterby.
“In the first game against Clermont we just didn’t have enough possession, we couldn’t hold on to the ball. Our set piece wasn’t good enough and we turned over too much ball and made too many errors.
“The positive was that we competed against one of the best teams in Europe and hopefully we can take that into the Munster game.”
For the trip to Ireland, Wales international Liam Williams and centre Gareth Maule are the only remaining backs, with Williams moving from full back to the wing. Gareth Owen returns at 15 with Aled Thomas replacing Rhys Priestland at outside half and young international Rhodri Williams coming in at scrum half.
Ken Owens retains his place at hooker with Rob Evans and Jacobie Adriaanse making up the front row in place of Phil John and Samson Lee.
George Earle is replaced at second row by Richard Kelly with the back row of Josh Turnbull, John Barclay and Rob McCusker remaining unchanged from last weekend’s campaign. Club captain McCusker will be at the helm as the much-changed side face their last challenge ahead of the Boxing Day derby.
Munster’s rotation sees Gerhard van den Heever make his home debut while Duncan Casey will start his first competitive game for the Irish province.
