Munster v Scarlets: Teams

Winger Ian Dowling has recovered from an ankle injury and will start for Munster in Thursday's Magners League clash against Scarlets at Musgrave Park.

Munster coach Tony McGahan has made eight changes in total to the starting XV that were defeated 31-22 by Newport Gwent Dragons earlier this month.

Niall Ronan returns to the line-up after missing the Dragons match through injury, while Dave Ryan also makes a comeback after undergoing shoulder surgery.

Ronan O'Gara is unavailable due to international duty, meaning Paul Warwick steps in at fly-half and Scott Deasy takes over the number 15 jersey.

Lifeimi Mafi is absent after the accumulation of three yellow cards ensured him an enforced rest, leaving Tom Gleeson to partner Jean de Villiers in midfield.

A fresh approach up front sees Damien Varley start ahead of Denis Fogarty, while Julien Brugnaut steps in at tight-head in place of internationally engaged Tony Buckley.

Billy Holland continues his partnership with captain Mick O'Driscoll following a solid display in Newport, while Tommy O'Donnell drops to the bench alongside Alan Quinlan, with Nick Williams named at number 6.

Munster, currently fifth in the Magners League table, will be desperately seeking a win to help them secure a spot in the play-offs.

Faith

Scarlets have named an unchanged starting XV for their trip to Munster, keeping faith in the side that saw off Ulster 25-8 on March 5.

Head coach Nigel Davies makes two changes to the bench, with Damian Welch returning after undergoing ankle surgery and Matthew Rees back from international duty.

Davies has been encouraged by Scarlets' recent performances as they bid to ascend the Magners League standings.

"We have two historically tough matches to face now away in Munster and Edinburgh," said Davies.

"We are just focusing on these two games as the first stage in a very important run-in to the end of the season for us. If we can go away and get something out of these next two games, it will put in a relatively strong position moving forward.

"Munster may not have all their internationals but we know they are still very strong and they always capable of putting in those massive performances as they've shown in Europe.

"But we are looking forward to these next two games, we have a certain amount of belief and confidence that we can put in a couple of good performances."

Munster: 15 Scott Deasy, 14 Doug Howlett, 13 Tom Gleeson, 12 Jean de Villiers, 11 Ian Dowling, 10 Paul Warwick, 9 Peter Stringer, 1 Marcus Horan, 2 Damien Varley, 3 Julien Brugnaut, 4 Mick O'Driscoll (capt), 5 Billy Holland, 6 Nick Williams, 7 Niall Ronan, 8 James Coughlan.

Replacements: 16 Denis Fogarty, 17 Donnacha Ryan, 18 Alan Quinlan, 19 Tommy O'Donnell, 20 Duncan Williams, 21 Jeremy Manning, 22 Denis Hurley.

Scarlets: 15 Dan Newton, 14 Joe Ajuwa, 13 Regan King, 12 Jonathan Davies 11 Andy Fenby, 10 Rhys Priestland, 9 Tavis Knoyle, 1 Iestyn Thomas, 2 Ken Owens, 3 Deacon Manu, 4 Lou Reed, 5 Dominic Day, 6 Josh Turnbull, 7 Richie Pugh 8 David Lyons (capt).

Replacements: 16 Phil John, 17 Emyr Phillips, 18 Damian Welch 19 Rob McCusker, 20 Martin Roberts, 21 Daniel Evans, 22 Gareth Maule.