Newport Gwent Dragons will return to Rodney Parade with a point to prove on Friday according to Leinster team manager Guy Easterby following their humbling 60-3 defeat at the hands of Glasgow the last time they played host in the RaboDirect PRO12.

That reversal at the hands of the Warriors was a record defeat for a home side, but it was the Dragons’ only loss in their last five in all competitions.

Leinster meanwhile, have won their last seven matches since their 19-27 defeat in Ulster in the RaboDirect PRO12 on December 21 and head to Wales having won their last five fixtures against Newport – a run stretching back to 2009.

Jack O'Connell will make his first start in a Leinster front row which includes Sean Cronin who is one of five Ireland internationals to return this week.

Fergus McFadden partners the fit again Brendan Macken at centre while Shane Jennings leads the team and starts in a re-jigged back row which includes Dominic Ryan, with Rhys Ruddock switching to No.8.

“It will be a really tough game, I don’t think anyone goes to Rodney Parade and wins easily,” said Easterby.

“I know Glasgow went there and put 60 points on them last time but the Welsh are a very proud bunch and the Dragons have some very loyal supporters and certainly the players will have a point to prove.

“They’ve said themselves they were extremely disappointed by that result. They went away to Zebre at the weekend and despite being 13-3 down they showed some good resolve to come back and win.

“We’re expecting a really tough battle and we don’t think the Glasgow result has helped us at all.”

That defeat to Glasgow began with an all-too familiar feeling for Dragons full-back Dan Evans, who claims they need to hit the ground running if they are to topple their Irish visitors.

Despite edging past bottom side Zebre 14-13 last time out, the Welsh region found themselves 13-3 down before a try from Jevon Groves and a late penalty from Stefan Jones got them out of trouble.

But falling behind in games early is a theme that Evans wants to stop, and having won just three of their last eleven home games in the RaboDirect PRO12 he wants to bring some home comforts back to Rodney Parade.

Regular back row Jevon Groveswill start at lock whileJack Dixon will create a new centre pairing alongside Pat Leach.

The Men of Gwent have also made a change in the front five with Sam Parry stepping in as hooker and Jonathan Evans starts at scrum-half.

“We have gone behind early in our last three games and we cannot afford to make life hard for ourselves against Leinster,” Evans told the South Wales Argus.

“They are a strong side and we must not give them any opportunities because they punish the smallest mistakes, as they showed against the Scarlets last weekend.

“We need to show the spirit and belief that got us through against Zebre.”

At Rodney Parade , 7pm.
Referee: David Wilkinson (IRFU, 20th competition game)
Assistant Referees: Leighton Hodges, Sean Brickell (both WRU)
Citing Commissioner: Gwyn Bowden (WRU)