Scarlets 22 announced for Munster clash

The starting XV shows three changes from last weekend's line-up at Glasgow - Simon Easterby returns at flanker, Rhys Thomas comes back at prop and there's a competitive debut for centre Gareth Maule. The aggressive strong runner has impressed since joining the squad for pre-season training.

Head coach Nigel Davies is eagerly anticipating Saturday's challenge as his side bid to continue their Parc y Scarlets winning start after opening day victory over Leinster.

He told a Parc y Scarlets press conference: "As a group we've trained well this week and are up for Saturday.

"The big challenge against Munster will be their physicality - they're honest and basic in their game plan and they bring huge intensity to the contact area.

"We want to play with quick ball and I think we're starting to show people what we can do when we create that, but Munster will want to stop us having that ball so that's going to be one hell of an area this weekend."

Gareth Maule signed for the Scarlets from Newport Gwent Dragons this summer. Born in Pontypool on December 4, 1987, strong running Maule attended New College School, Cardiff, and St Albans RC High School.

Tall and aggressive, he has won Welsh honours at U16, U18, U19 and U20 levels and is tipped to have a massive future in the game. A product of the academy system, he is studying for a leisure management degree at Uwic and has appeared with the Ebbw Vale, Newport and Cross Keys clubs along with the Dragons U20s.
He stands 6ft 3ins and tips he scales at 14st 13lbs. He made his Dragons debut against Glasgow in August 2006.

Munster are due in Llanelli on Saturday (September 19) for a 6.30pm kick-off. They have named an unchanged extended squad after victory over the Cardiff Blues at Limerick's Thomond Park on Friday night. Coach Tony McGahan is due to name his starting XV today (Thursday).

Scarlets: 15 Daniel Evans, 14 Sean Lamont, 13 Gareth Maule, 12 Jonathan Davies, 11 Mark Jones (c), 10 Rhys Priestland, 9 Martin Roberts, 1 Iestyn Thomas, 2 Ken Owens, 3 Rhys Thomas, 4 Lou Reed, 5 Dominic Day, 6 Simon Easterby, 7 Dafydd Jones, 8 David Lyons. Reps - 16 Phil John