Newport Gwent Dragons hooker Elliot Dee believes his side’s improved forward power can go toe-to-toe with the heavyweights of Munster in the GUINNESS PRO12 this weekend.

The Dragons warmed up with a cup victory over Ospreys last week – in which they scored three tries from driving line-outs – and welcome South African prop Brok Harris into the team for his first GUINNESS PRO12 appearance.

He will pack down alongside Dee and Dan Way in the front-row, while among the backs wing Hallam Amos takes his place in the starting XV after being released from international duty.

Geraint Rhys Jones and Tyler Morgan complete the back three while Dorian Jones is handed the start at fly-half – but Dee insists the pack in particular must stand up and be counted against Munster.

"In the last couple of seasons people would expect us to be bullied by Munster but I think that the way we are going this season they will have to respect us," he said.

"We've worked hard on the driving lineout and it has been an area of strength for us. I think that teams will now see us as a threat and that's what we have been aiming for.

"We are trying to get a reputation as a powerful team at the scrum and driving lineout and want to change our perception with opponents and referees.

"The big focus against the Ospreys was to give it to them up front. We did that and it was the perfect build-up to Munster."

The Dragons nonetheless face a formidable task, looking to kick a three-game losing streak in the GUINNESS PRO12 against a Munster side they have not beaten since April 2013.

Anthony Foley has made seven changes ahead of the visit to Rodney Parade, including a start for another GUINNESS PRO12 newcomer in South African utility back Pat Howard.

New Ireland cap Robin Copeland returns to take his place at No.8 while hooker Eusebio Guinazu also makes his first appearance for the province.

And one area of the pitch to look out for is the back-row, according to Paddy Butler, who is desperate to stake his claim further after scoring the match-winning try against Cardiff Blues last time out.

“It is a very competitive sector in Munster,” said Butler. “I think there are eight or nine of us in the squad. If you have one bad game, it puts you back a step.

“Obviously that try in Cardiff was a big boost and I was delighted to get it. In fairness, though, it was a team effort. We dogged out a win but that showed the character in the squad.

“I think everyone who hasn’t been in the squad for the bigger games looks at the international break as an opportunity.

“So this is the chance to put our hands up. You have to take that chance in a team like this so everyone is focused on the job now, nailing down the detail early in the week so we can go out there and play with aggression, the way we play best and get a good result in Newport.

“I think they are targeting this match. They have been talking it up in the papers. They will be raring to go.”

At Rodney Parade, 7.30pm
Referee: Matteo Liperini (FIR, 9th competition game)
Assistant Referees: Simon Rees, Martyn Lewis (both WRU)
Citing Commissioner: Russell Howell (WRU)