Newport Gwent Dragons boss Lyn Jones admits it’s a big relief to have T. Rhys Thomas to call on as the Welsh outfit make five changes for the GUINNESS PRO12 clash with Munster.

It will be skipper Thomas’ first appearance since September with Taulupe Faletau also set to start for the first time in almost a month.

It’s not been the best of starts to the campaign for Dragons, with only win in their last six GUINNESS PRO12 outings – that coming against Treviso in round five.

The Dragons were defeated by Ulster at Rodney Parade in round seven which ended a five-game winning run at the venue in the tournament.

And the omens aren’t great for the clash with Munster, having only beaten the Irish province once in their last nine encounters – that a 30-24 win at Rodney Parade back in 2013.

Jones has also chosen to bring in Lewis Evans and Nic Cudd to join Faletau in a new-look back row while Brock Harris returns at tight head.

"It's a big relief for us to have 'TRT' back,” said Jones.

"He has been appointed captain for his leadership and maturity. We have missed those qualities in our side dreadfully.

"Elliot Dee has played very well and has shown the promise time and time again but at this stage we need to have Rhys back in."

Munster meanwhile will be looking to bounce back after their 18-12 defeat against leaders Connacht last weekend.

That defeat ended their unbeaten home record while their only away defeat in the last five came in Wales with a 25-22 loss at the hands of Scarlets in round five.

But it will be a much changed side that runs out in Wales this time with Anthony Foley making ten changes to the team that faced Connacht.

Dennis Hurley will skipper the side while Niall and Rory Scannell will become the first brothers to start together for Munster in the GUINNESS PRO12.

There are also two changes in the back row with Shane Buckley making his first start of the season and Dave O’Callaghan returning.

Simon Zebo and Ronan O’Mahony will both turn out while Tyler Bleyendaal is named on the bench.
There has also been some positive long-term news for Foley this week with Tommy O’Donnell committing himself to the club until at least 2019.

The 28-year-old first turned out for the club in 2007 and is one of eight players in the current crop to have made more than 100 caps.

"To see guys like CJ and now Tommy committing to Munster is great for everyone involved,” said Foley.
"We all know what Tommy is capable of here, and as a dynamic and powerful player we look forward to seeing him back on the pitch soon.

“He leads this group through his work ethic and professional approach so to have someone with those values continue with us bodes well for the future."

At Rodney Parade, 2.30pm. Live on S4C
Referee: Gary Conway (IRFU, 18th competition game)
Assistant Referees: Leighton Hodges, Daniel Jones (both WRU)
Citing Commissioner: John Charles (WRU)
TMO: Tim Hayes (WRU)