Scarletts v Connacht:IN WHAT could be a decidedly double edged sword for Connacht, the Scarlets begin the process of an emotional and fond three-match farewell to their Stradey Park citadel this evening in the last Magners League game at the venue before they move to their 15,000 capacity Parc Y Scarlets on the east side of the town.
The Scarlets (as they are henceforth officially to be known after dropping the name Llanelli during the week in a bid to represent the region to mid and north Wales) have also named a strong team featuring 10 full internationals, including nine of the starting team and four of the bench that contributed to Wednesday's 27-25 comeback win away to the Dragons.
Coach Nigel Davies wants to maintain the early momentum generated by two away wins, and doesn't see the emotional baggage of leaving Stradey as a hindrance.
"On the contrary, I actually see it as a positive. Everyone knows the history of the place and we want to see it off on a good note."
Ironically, the Irish coach who has rotated his squad the most this weekend (in keeping with his pre-season approach) is Michael Bradley, who has made six changes to his Connacht side.
In the backline Troy Nathan comes into the side at fullback, Kieran Campbell gets his first competitive start for the province at scrumhalf and Aidan Wynne starts on the left wing.
Up front, Adrian Flavin gets his first start of the season at hooker and he is partnered at tighthead by Ronan Loughney, while Michael Swift comes into the side in the second row. Captain John Muldoon reverts to number eight while Michael McCarthy moves to blindside flanker.
His hand has been slightly forced in that John Hearty (groin) and Robbie Morris (arm) have joined Tim Donnelly (shoulder), Johnny O'Connor (arm), Conor O'Loughlin (hip), Daniel Riordan (hamstring), Michael Roberts (calf) on the casualty list.
SCARLETS:M Stoddart; M Jones, R Higgitt, N Brew, D James; S Jones, M Roberts; P John, M Rees, D Manu, L Reed, V Cooper, S Easterby (capt), G Thomas, D Lyons. Replacements: K Meeuws, K Owens, D Day, S Martens, C Thomas, J Davies.
CONNACHT:T Nathan; F Carr, G Duffy, K Matthews, A Wynne; I Keatley, K Campbell; B Wilkinson, A Flavin, R Loughney; M Swift, A Farley; M McCarthy, R Ofisa, J Muldoon (capt). Replacements: S Cronin, B McGovern, A Browne, C Rigney, F Murphy, M Deane, L Bibo.
Referee:Simon McDowell (IRFU).
Recent meetings:(05-06) Llanelli 25 Connacht 17 (Racecourse Ground); Connacht 33 Llanelli 19; (06-07) Connacht 15 Llanelli 37; Llanelli 19 Connacht 10 (Stradey Park); (07-08) Llanelli 34 Connacht 11 (Stradey Park); Connacht 20 Llanelli 18.
Betting (Paddy Power):1/16 Scarlets, 25/1 Draw, 7/1 Connacht. Handicap odds (= Connacht + 16pts) 10/11 Llanelli, 25/1 Draw, 10/11 Connacht.
Forecast:Scarlets to win.
