The Scarlets remain a serious proposition even without their internationals but Munster appear to have a line-up capable of getting the job done in front of a Cork crowd tomorrow evening.
Felix Jones continues his rehabilitation at fullback, with Denis Hurley’s selection on the bench making the decision to pick him at 15 for Ireland A against Fiji increasingly strange.
Luke O’Dea is on the left wing with Casey Laulala and James Downey continuing their centre partnership in Keith Earls’ absence.
Munster are six points adrift of the second-placed Scarlets in the table so the returning Niall Ronan at openside and Paddy Butler at number eight will need to make an immediate impact.
Other notable selections see Mike Sherry at hooker and Ian Nagle getting an opportunity to showcase his lineout ability from the secondrow.
MUNSTER: F Jones; D Howlett (capt), C Laulala, J Downey, L O’Dea; I Keatley, D Williams; W du Preez, M Sherry, S Archer; I Nagle, B Holland; Dave O’Callaghan, N Ronan, P Butler. Replacements: D Varley, M Horan, BJ Botha, D Foley, CJ Stander, P Stringer, JJ Hanrahan, D Hurley.
SCARLETS: M Stoddart; N Reynolds, G Maule, G Owen, A Fenby; A Thomas, G Davies; P John, E Phillips, J Adriaanse; J Ball, R Kelly; G Earle, J Edwards (capt), C Price. Replacements: K Myhill, S Hopkins, S Lee, J Snyman, D Thomas, R Williams, D Newton, A Warren. Referee: L Cardona (France). Verdict: Munster to win.
