The Scarlets have named a strong side for their final Champions Cup pool match as they welcome back fans to Llanelli for the first time since October.
Having endured a nightmarish European campaign with forfeits, postponements and general uncertainty, the visit of Bristol Bears to Parc y Scarlets on Saturday (kick-off: 5.30pm) offers the west Walians a chance to end the pool stages on a high.
Dwayne Peel has made four changes to the side that took to the field in Bordeaux last week, with Wales Six Nations squad members Johnny McNicholl and Liam Williams swapping positions in the back-three.
With McNicholl having impressed during the autumn in Wales' 15 jersey, that could be notable ahead of their Six Nations opener in Dublin on February 5.
Completing the back-three is Ryan Conbeer, who steps in for Steff Evans on the left wing. In midfield, captain Jonathan Davies and Scott Williams continue their centre partnership.
At half-back, Rhys Patchell and Dane Blacker link up in a new nine-ten pairing, with Wales squad member Gareth Davies unavailable having been ill at the start of the week.
Peel retains the same front five that started in France, with Wales internationals Wyn Jones, Ryan Elias and Samson Lee supported by Sam Lousi and Morgan Jones.
After Tomas Lezana picked up an injury in France, Shaun Evans comes in for his European debut on the openside - joining the experienced duo of Aaron Shingler and Sione Kalamafoni in the back-row.
Scotland Six Nations call-up Javan Sebastian comes in as a front-row replacement, with Josh Helps set to make his first appearance of the season after recovering from an Achilles injury.
Carwyn Tuipulotu is also included among the replacements after making his Champions Cup bow off the bench last Sunday.
Kieran Hardy, Sam Costelow and Ioan Nicholas provide the backline cover.
Scarlets head coach Dwayne Peel said: “Having the fans back is massive for us. I am sure they have missed it as much as we have missed them here. It is a local derby in terms of an Anglo-Welsh clash. It will be great to have a good atmosphere here and I know the boys are relishing that as well.
“Bristol have a style they want to play and we are that type of team as well who want to play with ambition and we have some creativity. It will be an exciting game I am sure and one we are looking forward to.”
As for Bristol, there's plenty of Welsh interest in their starting XV.
Dan Thomas starts on the openside, while Wales squad member Callum Sheedy starts at outside-half.
Interestingly, Ioan Lloyd, who missed out on selection for the Six Nations, starts at inside centre - having previously turned out at fly-half, wing and full-back before now.
Scarlets: Johnny McNicholl; Liam Williams, Jonathan Davies (capt), Scott Williams, Ryan Conbeer; Rhys Patchell, Dane Blacker; Wyn Jones, Ryan Elias, Samson Lee, Sam Lousi, Morgan Jones, Aaron Shingler, Shaun Evans, Sione Kalamafoni.
Replacements: Marc Jones, Phil Price, Javan Sebastian, Josh Helps, Carwyn Tuipulotu, Kieran Hardy, Sam Costelow, Ioan Nicholas.
Bristol Bears : Charles Piutau; Luke Morahan, Semi Radradra, Ioan Lloyd, Henry Purdy; Callum Sheedy, Harry Randall; Jake Woolmore, Bryan Byrne, Kyle Sinckler, Ed Holmes, Joe Joyce (capt), Chris Vui, Dan Thomas, Fitz Harding.
Replacements: Harry Thacker, Yann Thomas, John Afoa, John Hawkins, Steven Luatua, Andy Uren, Piers O’Conor, Siva Naulago.
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