Last season: 13th

Dwayne Peel must find a way to get these perennial slow starters out of the blocks quicker.

Last season Scarlets won just two of their first 11 games - only a marginal improvement from one win in 10 at the start of the previous campaign.

The departures of long-term stalwarts Ken Owens, Jonathan Davies, Scott Williams and Samson Lee were expected, though losing Lions prop Wyn Jones could be a blow.

Peel has focused on bolstering the pack with Springbok hooker Marnus van der Merwe, props Henry Thomas and Alec Hepburn and Australian lock Max Douglas.

That, in turn, could help breath life into the second lowest scoring attack in the league who still managed to do the double over Cardiff, who they face twice in the first four weeks.

Coach's comments: Dwayne Peel

"We have a fresh group this season and we've already spoken of how important it is to get a good start because we have been guilty over the last couple of seasons of not picking up points in that first block of games.

"We have plenty of quality attacking players who can break the line.

"But there were times last season when we weren't as good at securing possession, so our recruitment has been around making sure the contact area and set piece is right."

Key Man: Sam Lousi

For all the new names, retaining all-action Tongan forward Sam Lousi, along with back-row Vaea Fifita, could prove the best move.

Lousi has been among their most consistent players regularly among their leading players for offloads, tackles and lineouts.

Opening fixtures: Benetton (A), Cardiff (H), Connacht (H), Cardiff (A)