The Scarlets have suffered an injury blow with the news that talented scrum-half Kieran Hardy has been ruled out until April.
They hand Jonathan Evans his first start of the season when they face Munster in Saturday's Guinness PRO14 encounter (5pm) at Thomond Park.
A hamstring injury sustained against Southern Kings last time out has placed Hardy off limits. With Gareth Davies away with Wales it means the Scarlets’ depth at No. 9 is tested.
That said, Evans isn't short of experience, with the former Dragon one of five changes for the assignment in Ireland.
Steff Hughes returns as captain, taking over in midfield from Kieron Fonotia, who has suffered a recurrence of a calf problem and is also set for time on the sidelines.
Sam Lousi and Lewis Rawlins make up a new-look lock pairing, while Aaron Shingler has recovered from illness to take his place in the back row alongside Josh Macleod and Uzair Cassiem.
It’s been a frustrating time for Shingler , part of Wales' Six Nations squad but unable to break into the side. The mobile and athletic forward, who adds an extra dimension to the Scarlets line-out, will be looking for a big performance to remind Wayne Pivac of his qualities.
Scarlets sit third in the Conference B standings, three points behind Munster.
Backs coach Dai Flanagan said: “It is going to be tough. It is a home game for Munster and they are pretty decent at home, with a record that speaks for itself.
“We know what we need to do and it's important we execute the plan we are putting in place.
“Thomond Park is one of the toughest places to play, but it is also one of the most inspiring places to play; the crowd are excellent and you also have the history that comes with the ground. I am sure our boys will be up for it."
Munster : M. Haley, C. Nash, C. Farrell, D. Goggin, D. Sweetnam; JJ Hanrahan, C. Casey; J. Cronin, K. O’Byrne, S. Archer, F. Wycherley, B. Holland (capt), A. Botha, C. Cloete, J. O’Sullivan.
Replacements: D. Barron, J. Loughman, J. Ryan, G. Coombes, J. Hodnett, N. McCarthy, R. Scannell, T. O’Donnell.
Scarlets: A. O’Brien; C. Baldwin, P. Asquith, S. Hughes (capt), S. Evans; D. Jones, J. Evans; P. Price, T. Davies, W. Kruger, Lewis Rawlins, S. Lousi, A. Shingler. J. Macleod, U. Cassiem.
Replacements: I. Phillips, D. Evans, J. Sebastian, T. Ratuva, S. Cummins, D. Davis, D. Blacker, R. Conbeer.
