The Dragons have already qualified for next season's Heineken European Cup but given they have not lost a Celtic League match since November of last year, Munster should come up against a motivated side not about to cough up the game.
Although Dragons have injury concerns, they have freshened up their pack with a complete change in the front row. Adam Black, Steve Jones and Rhys Thomas in for Rod Snow, James Richards and Chris Anthony.
Luke Charteris also displaces Peter Sidoli in the second row, while the powerful Michael Owen comes fresh from his Grand Slam exploits with Wales to take the number eight shirt.
Owens won't reacquaint himself with Irish number eight Anthony Foley, who along with prop John Hayes and lock Paul O'Connell will not be in Wales. O'Connell's two-week suspension keeps him out for another seven days while the two war horses Foley and Hayes are resting weary limbs after a tough international season.
Donncha O'Callaghan, Marcus Horan and Frankie Sheahan take their places in the second and front rows respectively, Trevor Hogan partnering O'Callaghan in O'Connell's absence, while Peter Stringer and Ronan O'Gara resume their international partnership in the Munster midfield.
"It is Wales v Ireland take two on Friday night," said Owens during the week. "It's great to be back training with the Dragons and I'm looking forward to helping the team achieve as a minimum a top-four place in the league."
The Dragons are chasing a top-four place in order to secure a home Celtic Cup draw, so their beefing up of the pack addresses Munster's traditional strengths and suggests the match is critical for them. In that context Munster arrive hoping not just to win but also to claim a bonus point. Currently sitting second on the table, they will want to ensure their position as the top Irish seed in next season's European Cup. Indeed if Munster do not get at least three points, they will hand the Celtic League title to Ospreys.
On the face of it, it does not look good for Alan Gaffney's side, who have won just one game in their last nine visits to the principality and that was back in October when they beat Ospreys 20-18 in the European Cup. Without O'Connell, Foley, Hayes and long-term injury Christian Cullen, it appears Munster are looking more at next week's challenge against Biarritz in San Sebastian.
NEWPORT DRAGONS: Backs From: P Montgomery, G Wyatt, K Morgan, N Brew, D Griffiths, G Chapman, H Luscombe, S Tuipulotu, J Bryant, C Sweeney, C Warlow, G Baber, J Ireland, G Cooper; A Black, S Jones, R Thomas, I Gough, L Charteris, J Ringer, J Foster (capt), M Owen. Replacements: J Richards, R Snow, C Anthony, P Sidoli, R Oakley backs to be selected from above backs.
MUNSTER: S Payne; J Kelly, M Mullins, J Holland, A Horgan; R O'Gara, P Stringer; M Horan, F Sheahan, F Roche, D O'Callaghan, T Hogan, A Quinlan, D Wallace, J Williams. Replacements: J Blaney, E McGovern, T Bowman, S Keogh, F Murphy, P Burke, P Devlin.
Head to Heads
Friday, October 17th, 2003 (Celtic League) at Rodney Parade: The Dragons 29 (J Ringer, A Black (tries), C Warlow (two cons. dp goal, four pens) Munster 6 (Jeremy Staunton (two pens).
Friday, March 12th, 2004 (Celtic League) at Thomond Park: Munster 6: M Lawlor (two pens) The Dragons 16: A Marinos (try), P Montgomery (con, three pens).
Saturday, November 13th, 2004 (Celtic League) at Musgrave Park: Munster 25: R Henderson (try), P Burke (con, six pens) The Dragons 16 (K Morgan (try), C Warlow (con, dp goal, two pens).
Referee: Rob Dickson (Sco).
Verdict: Home win.
