Young hooker Ken Owens gets an early birthday present by being selected at hooker for his first competitive start for the region while old stager John Davies returns to the fold at tighthead prop.
Lock Adam Jones will make his 100th appearance for the region while captain Simon Easterby returns to the fray after knee surgery and Alix Popham replaces Nathan Thomas at No8.
In the backs Clive Stuart-Smith gets a rare start at scrum half alongside Stephen Jones while Gavin Evans and Darren Daniel also get starts.
A delighted Owens is excited at the prospect of playing at Murrayfield. The nearest he has got in the past was when he played on the side pitch for Wales U19s two years ago.
“Getting selected is like having an early birthday present as I turn 20 tomorrow,” said Owens. “I’m a bit nervous to be honest. I’ve been on the bench quite a lot this season and this will be a massive experience for me.”
He did however admit having the presence of Davies alongside him will make things easier.
“I played with John pre-season and we’ve played together in the semi-pros with Llanelli so we’ve got a good understanding between us. He is vastly experienced and I’m sure he’ll look after me,” added Owens.
Scarlets (to face Edinburgh)
15 Garan Evans
14 Dafydd James
13 Matthew Watkins
12 Gavin Evans
11 Darren Daniel
10 Stephen Jones
9 Clive Stuart-Smith;
1 Deacon Manu
2 Ken Owens
3 John Davies
4 Adam Jones
5 Scott MacLeod
6 Simon Easterby (capt)
7 James Bater
8 Alix Popham
Subs: 16 Craig Dunlea, 17 Aled Gravelle, 18 Lou Reed, 19 Gavin Thomas 20 Liam Davies, 21 Ceiron Thomas 22 Morgan Stoddart
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