Top Of Table Clash Awaits

First meets second when Munster travel to Llanelli on Friday to face Scarlets in Round 5 of the Guinness PRO12 – KO 7.05pm. We look at the form of both sides to date and chat with number 8 CJ Stander ahead of this weekend’s game.

Four rounds in, Munster lie just one point ahead of Scarlets on the top of the PRO12 table. Each side has begun their 2015/16 Guinness PRO12 campaign with perfect 100% winning records – the best start Scarlets have made to any season in the tournament, whilst Munster also began with four wins in both 2010/11 and 2011/12.

Scarlets have not been defeated since Edinburgh visited Parc y Scarlets in March, with their eight successive victories to date continuing their best ever winning run in the competition. The Welshmen’s good form is also reflected in the quality of the teams that have foundered at their hands – including Leinster, Ulster and defending champions Glasgow Warriors.

Munster’s solitary defeat in their last eleven Guinness PRO12 matches came in last season’s final to Glasgow Warriors, whilst their only loss in their last ten fixtures against Welsh regions came on a trip to Ospreys last March. That said, Munster have not been victorious at Parc y Scarlets since a 17-14 win in the European Cup in December 2011.

CJ Stander, who captained Munster in last weekend's win over Glasgow Warriors, is expecting a massive challenge as both sides look to top the league table by the completion of Round 5.

"We need to improve from our previous game. The last time out we were 10 nil down before we started to play – this weekend we need to play from minute 1. I have been there (Parc y Scarlets) a few times and have only won once. It’s a really tough place to go and the game will be exceptionally physical. It’s doesn’t matter if it’s a Friday night or a Saturday afternoon, you always have to play at your very best to score points.

"They have an excellent home record, losing just one home game and drawing with us over there last year. We know that and this weekend we need to play our game, be physical from the start and play for the full 80 minutes."

Scarlets v Munster, Guinness PRO12 Round 5, Friday October 23rd at Parc y Scarlets – 7.05pm.