Preview: Scarlets vs Munster

Friday (19:05), BBC Wales & TG4

Even at this early stage of the season, the clash between Munster and the Scarlets looks like one between this year’s two top teams in the tournament. Home side Llanelli have enjoyed their best start to the season for a number of years, winning four on the bounce while still missing a number of front line players on World Cup duty. Home wins over perennial challengers Ulster and Leinster in recent weeks further underlines the quality of this young Scarlets outfit.

Munster however have been arguably more impressive so far this season, sitting one point clear of the Scarlets in first place in the league table. They too have been without a host of starters so far, but have looked impressive under the leadership of No. 8 CJ Stander.

With the World Cup now over for Wales and Ireland, a number of changes have been made to both starting line ups. The Scarlets welcome back their all Welsh front row, With Ken Owens, Jake Ball and Samson Lee all returning to the starting line up. Rhodri Williams comes in at scrum half in the only change to the back line, which also posts Canadian world cup star DTH Van Der Merwe for only the second time. Munster Coach Anthony Foley has also shuffled his deck, with former Leinster academy prospect Jordan Coughlan making his first start in the back row. The back line is much changed, with Cathal Sheridan, Tyler Bleyendaal and Denis Hurley all returning to the starting 15.

This is sure to be a close counter between two quality sides, here's a look at there last 3 meetings.

21/2/15 Scarlets 25 - 25 Munster Rugby

10/10/14 Munster Rugby 17 - 6 Scarlets

1/3/14 Scarlets 18 - 13 Munster Rugby

Prediction: Scarlets by 3.