Among the backs there are three changes with Martyn Thomas replacing Kevin Morgan at fullback while Paul Emerick comes in for the injured Gareth Wyatt. At fly half Aled Thomas starts following Ceri Sweeney’s call up to the Welsh squad.
Among the forwards young prop Hugh Gustafson starts at loosehead while Jamie Corsi makes his first start of the season and comes in for Rhys Thomas at tighthead.
Speaking on his first start for the Dragons this season following his recovery from a back injury Jamie Corsi said, “Last season was a remarkable one for me and culminated in selection for the Welsh tour to Australia. However, to have picked up a back injury while in Australia was very disappointing.
“I am delighted to be back in the Dragons starting line-up and cannot wait to go out and play. Munster will be a very tough challenge for us and they beat us early on in the season despite us having a 16 point lead. We will need to call on all our experience and determination if we are to pick up a win.
“We are not daunted by having to travel away to intimidating grounds (which is what Musgrave Park will be) as we have shown by picking up points at Newcastle and Perpignan. We need to show the same character if we are to leave Musgrave Park with some vital Magners League points.”
There is an all new second row partnership with Andrew Hall replacing Luke Charteris and Adam Jones has recovered from his groin injury which has kept him out since the opening Magners League game against the Scarlets and makes his second start of the season.
Michael Owen reverts to No.8 and will lead the Dragons as they aim to build on their seventh place in the Magners League.
Dragons: Martyn Thomas, Paul Emerick, Rhodri Gomer Davies, Ashley Smith, Richard Mustoe, Aled Thomas, Wayne Evans, Hugh Gustafson, Steve Jones, Jamie Corsi, Andrew Hall, Adam Jones, Jamie Ringer, Richard Parks, Michael Owen (Capt)
Replacements: Ben Daly / Kieran Crawford, Adam Black, Peter Sidoli, Joe Bearman, Kevin Morgan, Phil Dollman, Robert Lewis
