Scarlets head coach Simon Easterby wants to see his squad come to the fore over the next few weeks – starting in the RaboDirect PRO12 on Saturday against Ulster.

With seven of the Scarlets squad away on international duty, there are six changes to the starting line-up from last weekend's draw against Zebre.

Gareth Owen returns at full-back, with Gareth Maule and Adam Warren joining up in the centres in place of Jon Davies and Scott Williams.

Jordan Williams returns to the wing, Kirby Myhill gets a start at hooker and Samson Lee returns to tighthead prop after a two-week suspension.

Phil John will make his 270th appearance for the club and captain’s the Welsh outfit at Parc y Scarlets, where the hosts have won just once since April: 26-10 over Treviso on September 14.

The Welshmen have been defeated in their last three clashes with Irish provinces but Easterby is confident that his squad can cope with the pressure.

“The next few weeks hands important opportunities to many of our wider squad players who are energised and eager to prove themselves – particularly in front of a home crowd,” said Easterby.
“It's good for us to have such a big game this weekend at home on the back of a disappointing performance out in Italy last weekend and the players will be looking to settle the record books.”

Ulster also have a number of players away on international duty, but Rob Herring believes the added responsibility will drive some of his team-mates to victory against the Scarlets.

Herring replaces Rory Best at hooker, and is one of eight changes made by head coach Mark Anscombe.

Jared Payne starts at full-back, Michael Allen is selected on the left wing while Darren Cave and Chris Farrell are paired in midfield.

Paul Marshall starts at scrum-half, Nick Williams returns at No.8, while there is a whole new second-row from the game against Cardiff last time out, with Lewis Stevenson and Neil McComb starting.

Ulster have won their last six fixtures in all competitions since Glasgow beat them 13-12 at Ravenhill Stadium on September 13.

Their only loss in their last six matches with Welsh regions was 8-15 to the Dragons at Rodney Parade in the opening round of the RaboDirect PRO12 this season.

But Herring is relishing the challenge of maintaining his side’s excellent run of form.

“There is a bit of responsibility on us,” Herring told the Belfast Telegraph. “As a team we want to keep the ball rolling. That's the most important thing; get the players together and try to play good rugby.

“You can't win things at this stage of the season, but keeping the momentum going up to the break would be good.

“It will be a better break if we go into it having won the last seven matches and knowing that we're in a good position.

“That would be a good morale boost for the team, it would lift everyone's spirit.”At Parc y Scarlets, 6.30pm.

Live on S4C/BBC NI

Referee: Alain Rolland (IRFU, 60th competition game)

Assistant Referees: Gwyn Morris, Andrew Davies (both WRU)
Citing Commissioner: Aurwel Morgan (WRU)
TMO: Tim Hayes (WRU)