Scarlets will head to Dexcom Stadium Saturday where they take on a Connacht, who opened their United Rugby Championship campaign with a 26-15 victory against Benetton.
However, for the Parc y Scarlets side they were put aside 34-21 by Munster and will head to Galway after dealing with a significant number of injuries.
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Josh Macleod who played in both of Wales’ two-Test matches in Japan this summer and recently announced as the Scartlets’ captain is out due to suffering a pectoral muscle injury in training.
Outside half Sam Costelow is out due to head injury assessment protocols whilst both Sam Lousi (back muscle injury) and Kemsley Mathias (oblique strain) could be out for sometime.
Welsh internationals Ryan Elias and Eddie James continue to recover from surgeries and Jac Price remains unavailable in the second row. Hooker Marnus van der Merwe is also still unavailable due to international duty with South Africa but should be back for this month’s two-game trip to South Africa against the Lions and Sharks.
“This first block is going to be a real test of our depth, but that’s the nature of it,” began Peel.
“We are carrying a small squad, but there are opportunities for guys to step in and play and I look forward to seeing some of the young guys go.
“Losing Sam and Kemsley, it has a big effect because they’re two good players for us.”
Wales international centre Johnny Williams will captain the side, following the injury to Macleod. Joe Hawkins moves to flyhalf in place of Costelow and alongside Taine Plumtree is a new look back row with Jarrod Taylor and Dan Davis also starting.
For the hosts for Saturday afternoons meeting head coach, Stuart Lancaster makes nine changes to his starting XV that got off to the perfect start against Benetton.
“Connacht have been in good form, in pre-season and last weekend against Benetton, they have Stuart Lancaster in charge and look a good unit,” continued Peel.
“Last week against Munster was one of the biggest collision games we have had in a number of years, but we finished the game strongly and we can take confidence in that.
“We know there are areas where we need to improve, particularly converting chances in the opposition 22. For us, it is about going out there and having a go at Connacht on their own patch.”
