**Two sides returning to Guinness PRO14 action in need of a win – for differing reasons – Munster head to south Wales for their clash with Dragons.**

A rip-roaring run of form has dragged the Irish side to the summit of Conference A, while Dragons have work to do if they are to close the gap with Ulster in Conference B.

But the Welsh outfit have claimed some sizeable scalps in recent weeks; Edinburgh Rugby and Ospreys both fell victim to a Dragons blitz, a trick they will look to once more repeat at Rodney Parade.

What’s at stake?

Off the back of a European hiatus, both sides will be keen to hit the ground running when the Guinness PRO14 resumes.

Munster enter the fixture with four wins on the bounce, while they have emerged victorious from 10 of their last 12 encounters in all competitions.

But the Dragons are a force to be reckoned with on home soil, with all of their four Guinness PRO14 wins this season coming at Rodney Parade.

Team News (Dragons):

Ceri Jones has made six changes to the side that lost out to Castres in the Challenge Cup, with fly-half Josh Lewis leading the list of newcomers.

Tyler Morgan and Jack Dixon start together in the midfield, with Will Talbot-Davies and Jordan Williams coming into the back three.

The pack is largely unchanged, with Nic Cudd the only fresh face, slotting into the back row between Ollie Griffiths and Harrison Keddie.

Team news (Munster):

Munster head coach Johann van Graan has made his opposite number’s team selection seem practically conservative, as all but two of his starters from their Champions Cup clash against Exeter Chiefs make way.

Mike Haley and Jean Kleyn are the lucky pair, with Tyler Bleyendaal coming in as captain at inside centre where he’s partnered by Dan Goggin.

Liam O’Connor could make his first Guinness PRO14 appearance of the season as he is named alongside Gavin Coombes on the bench.

Talking points

Dragons head coach Ceri Jones said: “Munster are a difficult opponent and a top-quality team with lots of power.

“We’ve got to keep on building on our performances.

“We’re aiming to keep the momentum going that we gathered over the festive period in the Guinness PRO14 and take that into this next block of games.”

Munster head coach Johann van Graan said: “There is the whole Six Nations to take place, our focus is on Dragons.

“We have got to improve as a team over this week and all of the weeks that lies ahead. It’s one about the one percenters.

“One lineout, one kick at goal, that one point that we have spoken about so many times, that is the difference in big games.”

Key battle: Jared Rosser v Ronan O’Mahony

Welsh wing Rosser has been at the heart of each of the Dragons’ recent Guinness PRO14 wins at Rodney Parade, and his side will no-doubt look to him for the spark that he can provide.

The 21-year-old notched a brace against Edinburgh before dotting down another against Ospreys as his powerful lines and explosive pace caused problems.

Experienced face O’Mahony will be tasked with keeping the youngster quiet, and with Rosser so important to the Dragons going forward, it’s an important job indeed.

Key stat: Munster have lost on their last two trips to Wales, both against Cardiff Blues at Arms Park in February and September 2018.

Did you know? The Welshmen’s most recent success against an Irish opponent was 21-8 at home to Connacht in September 2017.

Dragons: Jordan Williams, Jared Rosser, Tyler Morgan, Jack Dixon, Will Talbot-Davies, Josh Lewis, Rhodri Williams; Brok Harris, Richard Hibbard ©, Lloyd Fairbrother, Joe Davies, Matthew Screech, Harrison Keddie, Nic Cudd, Ollie Griffiths

Replacements: Rhys Lawrence, Rhys Fawcett, Dan Suter, Lewis Evans, Taine Basham, Rhodri Davies, Jason Tovey, Zane Kirchner

Munster: Mike Haley; Darren Sweetnam, Dan Goggin, Tyler Bleyendaal ©, Ronan O’Mahony; Bill Johnston, Alby Mathewson; Jeremy Loughman, Rhys Marshall, Stephen Archer; Jean Kleyn, Billy Holland; Fineen Wycherley, Conor Oliver, Arno Botha

Replacements: Kevin O’Byrne, Liam O’Connor, Ciaran Parker, Darren O’Shea, Gavin Coombes, Neil Cronin, Calvin Nash, Jaco Taute

TV: Rodney Parade, Newport, 3pm. Live on Premier Sports, TG4, eir Sport

Referee: Ben Blain

Assistant Referees: Keith Allen, Finn Brown

TMO: Dave Pearson

Citing Commissioner: Gwyn Bowden