Scarlets weakened but Munster still need to be cautious

MAGNERS LEAGUE: MUNSTER ARE top of the Magners League after six games. Not that many would notice as keeping tabs on "domestic" activities is only for the top one per cent of hardcore fans; everyone, of course, in Munster is a hardcore fan.

The Scarlets are nine points adrift with a game in hand but realistically, this fixture is about other matters, namely, the first professional match at the Scarlets' new 15,000 all-seater stadium, ending a 129-year residence at Stradey Park (thank God, it was like a poor man's Tolka Park).

In reality, this is a tune-up before the return to European action next weekend; Munster renew acquaintances with Clermont Auvergne in the Massif Central, while the Scarlets will attempt to salvage their season at Ravenhill.

That Wales are out against the Wallabies tomorrow hardly helps their cause, with speedster Mark Jones, outhalf Stephen Jones and hooker Matthew Rees notable absentees, while an injury crisis has robbed them of openside Gavin Thomas and winger Dafydd James.

Morgan Stoddart was released by Warren Gatland to return at fullback and young outhalf Rhys Priestland displayed against Leinster last season he has enough quality to make an impact if the foreign contingent can gain parity up front.

Captain Simon Easterby is joined by former All Black tighthead Kees Meeuws, Australian number eight David Lyons and with Regan King at centre there remains enough about the hosts for Munster to thread with caution.

This concern is enhanced by the absence of international forwards Paul O'Connell, John Hayes, Jerry Flannery and David Wallace, all either injured or rested, while Alan Quinlan remains suspended. Rua Tipoki is also nursing a knee injury until January so Keith Earls gets an opportunity in his best position, outside centre.

Despite so many big names missing, nine of the starting line-up almost did a number on the All Blacks and there is another six heroes in reserve.

Munster seem better equipped, with new Ireland half-back pairing Ronan O'Gara - also the acting captain - and Tomás O'Leary back in harness along with Denis Leamy, who is joined in the backrow by inform flankers Niall Ronan and Donnacha Ryan.

"Thankfully I've fully recovered and looking forward to getting back into the swing of things," said Leamy.

"It has been a good week for me with the contract terms agreed and I'm delighted with the way the IRFU dealt with that. Now the opportunity is there to get myself back into the side."

Leamy is right; it was a good week for Irish rugby, with O'Connell, Hayes and Wallace also extending their central contracts.

All in all, Munster should have too much for Llanelli, especially with guys like Paul Warwick, Ryan and Tony Buckley striving to finally nail down starting berths in this ultra-competitive squad.

SCARLETS: M Stoddart; J Davies, R King, G Evans, D Daniel/M Jacob; R Priestland, S Martens; I Thomas, K Owens, K Meeuws, D Day, V Cooper, N Thomas, S Easterby (capt), D Lyons. Replacements: M Schwalger, P John, D Manu, R McCusker, J Edwards, G Cattle, K Thomas.

MUNSTER: P Warwick; D Howlett, K Earls, L Mafi, I Dowling; R O'Gara (capt), T O'Leary; M Horan, F Sheahan, T Buckley; D O'Callaghan, M O'Driscoll; D Ryan, N Ronan, D Leamy. Replacements: D Fogarty, F Pucciariello, J Coughlan, J O'Sullivan, P Stringer, B Murphy, A Horgan.

Referee: Peter Allan (SRU) Leading point scorers: Scarlets - Stephen Jones 46; Munster - Ronan O'Gara 36.

Leading try scorers: Scarlets - Mark Jones, Morgan Stoddart 3; Munster - Keith Earls 4.

Last meeting: Scarlets 23-24 Munster, Stradey Park (May 3rd, 2008)

Odds to win league: Munster 7/4; Scarlets 9/1 (Paddy Power).

Verdict: Munster win.