British & Irish Lions winner Paul O’Connell admits he is chomping at the bit to return to action after being named on the bench for Munster’s RaboDirect PRO12 clash with Newport Gwent Dragons.

Lock O’Connell could get his first taste of competitive rugby since breaking his arm in the first Lions Test against Australia back in June.

His return couldn’t come at a better time for Munster, who saw their perfect start to the new RaboDirect PRO12 season ended last time out as they slipped to a 29-19 defeat to Treviso.

And the 33-year-old is hoping his role on the bench is just the start of things to come as he bids to help club and country get back on track.

"I’ve been back training flat out for the last few weeks so hopefully I’m back playing properly soon,” he said.

“Last season I was delighted to get back and then earn a place in the Lions squad and I really enjoyed that, it was disappointing for me how it finished but that’s life and it’s the same now again.

“It wasn’t the worst injury in the world to pick up, there is still a lot you can do and areas where you can still train so I’m just looking forward to getting a full season under my belt and to reach the same fitness I had when I went with the Lions.

“It's exciting times with Munster and Ireland so I’m just looking forward to being part of that."

Following a promising first outing in the league against Edinburgh James Cronin has been selected to start at loosehead prop alongside Damien Varley and John Ryan in the front row.

Keith Earls shifts in from the wing to start in the No.13 jersey in a new centre partnership with Ivan Dineen, while Felix Jones is also in line to make his first appearance of the season after recovering from shoulder surgery as he is named amongst the replacements.

Meanwhile, Newport Gwent Dragons boss Lyn Jones has rung the changes as his side go in search of their first away win of the season.

Matthew Pewtner steps onto the right wing as Tom Prydie moves to the left, while Kris Burton dons the No.10 jersey with Jason Tovey and Richie Rees moving to the bench as Jonathan Evans is handed his first start of the season.

However the centre pairing of Ross Wardle and Jack Dixon stay the same after impressing against the Scarlets.

The front row gets a shake up too as Phil Price and Hugh Gustafson are called upon and Francisco Chaparro takes on tighthead prop, whereas the second row stays the same with Andrew Coombs as captain.

As for the replacements young guns Sam Parry and Ieuan Jones take their places alongside Owen Evans, Dan Way, Rob Sidoli and Adam Hughes.

The Dragons have won their last two matches against Irish sides, but both were played at Rodney Parade and they have not won in the Emerald Isle since September 2008.

The last time the Dragons won on Munster soil came on their very first visit to Thomond Park in March 2004, but Jones is hopeful his changes will help turn their fortunes around.

“We had to establish a team and work with that to get up to speed, but we feel the time is right now to look at some other players,” Jones said.

“We can’t just play the same people week-in, week-out here. I think it’s quite healthy to change two or three guys, we need to see people play.

“Over the coming weeks, everyone is going to be given an opportunity to show what they can do as these boys are playing for their livelihoods.”

At Musgrave Park, 6.45pm.
Referee: Neil Paterson (54th competition game)
Assistant Referees: Sean Gallagher, Gary Glennon (both IRFU)
Citing Commissioner: Peter Ferguson (IRFU)
TMO: Jude Quinn (IRFU)

LIVE on RTE and S4C