MAGNERS LEAGUE: Newport Gwent Dragons v Munster:MUNSTER'S REPUTATION around Rodney Parade is of a team that specialises in the delivery of constant pressure and one that is adept at absorbing it too. Newport Gwent Dragons are in no doubt about the task facing them, especially as the last time the sides met at Musgrave Park last September, the Welsh visitors were taught a sharp 50-point lesson.
Even without most of their frontline pack, Munster field a side littered with ability and international experience and one to which coach Tony McGahan has made four changes, one of them positional, since they beat Edinburgh last time out.
Kieran Lewis comes onto the wing in place of former All Black Doug Howlett in the only change to the backline. Keith Earls and Lifeimi Mafi form the attractive centre pairing with Ciarán O’Boyle on the other flank.
Anthony Horgan is named on the bench, while the one positional change up front sees Alan Quinlan return to the more familiar role of wingforward. Donnacha Ryan, who missed the game against Edinburgh because of a family bereavement, is restored to partner captain Mick O’Driscoll in the secondrow.
Subsequently Niall Ronan has to be content with a place on the bench. Denis Leamy is also named in the backrow. Up front Darragh Hurley comes in at loosehead prop in place of Federico Pucciariello.
Newport will be strengthened by Rhys Thomas, who was named in Warren Gatland’s Welsh side to face Italy.
Coach Paul Turner has also selected Jason Tovey at fullback with Japan international James Arlidge at outhalf.
The Munster bench lacks some experience but the side has lost only three games from 11 played so far. Their bonus-point collection of four has them top of the table.
Munster have won their last four matches in all competitions including away victories against the Ospreys and French club Montauban, and have also beaten Dragons in their last four meetings going back to 2007.
NEWPORT GWENT DRAGONS: J Tovey; K Morgan, R Sidey, A Smith, M Thomas; J Alidge, W Evans; N Hall, T Willis (capt), R Thomas, S Tomes, A Hall, J Bearman, R Parks, G Webb. Replacements: S Jones, G Robinson, L Evans, D Lydiate, P Dollman, G Maule, R Lewis.
MUNSTER: D Hurley; K Lewis, K Earls, L Mafi, C O'Boyle; P Warwick, P Stringer; D Hurley, D Fogarty, T Buckley; M O'Driscoll (capt), D Ryan; A Quinlan, D Leamy, N Williams. Replacements: M Essex, T Ryan, B Holland, N Ronan, D Williams, J Manning, A Horgan,
Referee: A Lewis (Ireland).
Verdict: Munster win.
