Munster have won their last seven matches in all tournaments since their 23-29 defeat to Edinburgh at Murrayfield in the European Cup on the 12th October. The Munstermen top the RaboDirect PRO12 table courtesy of suffering only one reversal so far this season: 19-29 at Treviso in round 3. Munster have won all four matches they have played against Welsh Regions this season.
The Scarlets took a 6-13 victory when they visited Musgrave Park last season and will be keen to repeat that victory on the weekend in order to move closer to the safety of the top four play-offs spots.
Head Coach Simon Easterby has made nine changes, one positional, to the team that took on ASM Clermont Auvergne at Parc y Scarlets in the European Cup campaign last weekend.
Scarlets and Wales international Liam Williams and centre Gareth Maule are the only remaining backs, with Williams moving from fullback to the wing. Gareth Owen returns to fullback 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.
Scarlets team v Munster, Saturday 21st December kick-off 7.15pm at Musgrave Park;
15 Gareth Owen, 14 Liam Williams, 13 Gareth Maule, 12 Adam Warren, 11 Kristian Phillips, 10 Aled Thomas, 9 Rhodri Williams, 1 Rob Evans, 2 Ken Owens, 3 Jacobie Adriaanse, 4 Jake Ball, 5 Richard Kelly, 6 Josh Turnbull, 7 John Barclay, 8 Rob McCusker (c)
Replacements: Emyr Phillips, Shaun Hopkins, Rhodri Jones, Johan Snyman, Dan Thomas, Gareth Davies, Rhys Priestland, Mike Poole
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