Dallaglio prepared for challenge of the fired-up Scarlets

It now falls to Wasps, who have failed to beat the Scarlets in the principality in two previous Heineken Cup clashes, to deal with what has become an even tougher challenge in the hardest group in the competition.

Lawrence Dallaglio, captain of the Cup holders, admitted: "We are acutely aware of the emotions surrounding this game because Ray Gravell was a wonderful man and I was lucky enough to get to know him well. He was hugely respected and clearly Stradey Park just two days after the funeral will be a very emotional place.

"The players and supporters are always very passionate and it is a very tough place to play."

With Llanelli having been heavily beaten by Clermont Auvergne in their opening Cup match last weekend, this is a game they have to win, while Wasps need to pick up something from one of their matches in Munster, Llanelli or in France - a fact Dallaglio well knows.

He said: "If we want to get out of this group then besides winning our home games we have to get something from one of the away matches.

"In our previous two visits to Stradey Park we haven't played to our true ability and we need to do that on Saturday."

For Dallaglio, the match will be yet another hugely personal challenge with Alix Popham, the combative Wales No8, relishing the chance to take on one of the game's icons.

The Wasps captain never shirks this kind of battle and it will set the tone for what should be a hugely exciting match between two clubs who like to move the ball through the hands.

"Alix is a really good player and I have a lot of respect for him," said Dallaglio. "He really likes the physical side of the game but also has good hands and is a clever footballer.

"We swapped jerseys after Wasps beat Llanelli in the Anglo-Welsh Cup in 2006 and I know that he, and they, will be hugely motivated having come away from France empty handed last weekend.

"However, if we can get anything out of this game then it will put us in a good position."

Wasps have named the same team that registered a morale-boosting 24-23 win over Munster, the 2006 champions, and it will take a similarly hard nosed performance to deny the Scarlets.

When Wasps head coach Shaun Edwards crosses into Wales, he would do well to record his route - as it could well be the first of many trips across the Severn Bridge.

New Wales coach Warren Gatland wants his former colleague to look after the Welsh forwards and I understand Wasps are willing to release Edwards on a part-time basis as his work with Wales will be limited to just defence sessions, which will not require his attendance all week in the build-up to internationals.

While Wasps will field the same starting XV at Llanelli, there is a significant change on the bench where England's Josh Lewsey signals his return from the hamstring injury that kept him out of the World Cup Final against South Africa. Lewsey's leg is now fully recovered but he will be eased into the season with a cameo role tomorrow.