Guinness PRO12 leaders Munster are looking for an eighth-straight Guinness PRO12 win as they host Newport Gwent Dragons who are without a win in any of their last 18 league away games.

What’s at stake?

Munster have lost two of their last four fixtures in Cork, both to Welsh opposition, but will be looking to continue their fine form after their win over Edinburgh last time out and cement their place at the top of the pile.

After kicking off 2017 with an important victory over Benetton Treviso, the Dragons will be hoping they can defy their away form and climb up the table with a win against an intimidating Munster side under the lights.

Team news (Munster)

Munster have made five changes from the side that beat Edinburgh, as four players have been made available from Ireland’s RBS 6 Nations squad for the game at Irish Independent Park.

Dave Kilcoyne comes into the front row alongside Rhys Marshall and Tommy O’Donnell returns to the back row at openside.

Duncan Williams and captain Tyler Bleyendaal again form the half-back partnership and, in a fully changed midfield, Jaco Taute reverts from fullback to resume his partnership alongside Rory Scannell.

Local man Darren Sweetnam also makes a welcome return at full-back alongside Andrew Conway.

Team for #MUNvNGD: Bleyendaal remains as captain, local man @D93sweets back in starting XV | https://t.co/j6zP3boLTO pic.twitter.com/O1YYEhJOCg

— Munster Rugby (@Munsterrugby) February 9, 2017

Team news (Newport Gwent Dragons)
Newport Gwent Dragons have a number of first-team regulars returning this week after they sat out the Anglo-Welsh Cup defeat to Gloucester last weekend.

Skipper Lewis Evans returns after signing a new contract last week and Pat Howard returns to the back three to join fellow wing Adam Hughes and fullback Carl Meyer.

In the front row, Sam Hobbs retains his position as loosehead prop with hooker Rhys Buckley and tighthead prop Brok Harris joining him.

Fly-half Dorian Jones retains his place and Matthew Screech has been rewarded with another start after his double-try last weekend.

TEAM: Here is your @dragonsrugby team that will face @Munsterrugby on Friday night, KO 19:35! https://t.co/Eh50s5g5A2 #MUNvNGD pic.twitter.com/UMY5oFetUz

— NewportGwentDragons (@dragonsrugby) February 9, 2017

Talking points:

The Dragons away form is a real concern but they will take heart from Munster’s recent form against Welsh sides in Cork and their forwards coach, Ceri Jones, knows they can provide a real test for Munster.

“It’s a very, very difficult place to go. It will be a huge challenge and we just need to go there and put in an 80-minute performance on the field,” he said.

“We know we can do that and we can be competitive with any team in the league, but it’s down to us to stop making those stupid errors.

“We know the threats that they are going to impose on the rugby field and we have prepared really well for them. We know what is coming, so if we deal with that and then put our game onto the pitch, I am sure that we will give a good account of ourselves.”

Key battle: The two breakdown specialists Ollie Griffiths and Tommy O’Donnell will play a big role in deciding the outcome at Irish Independent Park.

Griffiths’ 13 turnovers is the second highest in the PRO12 and if O’Donnell cannot stunt his ability to regain possession for his side it could prove pivotal for the Dragons.

Key stat: The Welshmen have lost their last 18 away games in the PRO12 since beating Benetton Treviso at Stadio Monigo in March 2015.

Did you know?

Dragons only previous victory on Munster soil came on their first ever visit to Thomond Park in March 2004.

Munster:

Top points scorer: 71– Tyler Bleyendaal

Top try scorer: 6 – Ronan O’Mahony

Newport Gwent Dragons:

Top points scorer: 77 – Angus O’Brien

Top try scorer: 4 – Pat Howard

Overall Guinness PRO12 head to head record:
Played 27, Munster won 19, Dragons won 8.

At Irish Independent Park, 7.35pm Live on TG4/BBC WALES
Referee: Mike Adamson (SRU, 3rd competition game)
Assistant Referees: Keith Allen (SRU). Stuart Douglas (IRFU)
Citing Commissioner: Eddie Wigglesworth (IRFU)
TMO: Neil Paterson (SRU)