The Dragons are braced for an Irish invasion on Saturday for what has all the ingredients to be a memorable match. Munster in the Heineken Cup doesn’t get much bigger for the Gwent Region who have welcomed back Ceri Sweeney and Michael Owen into the squad.
The Dragons are well aware of the huge task before them but are more than ready for the challenge. Rhys Thomas one of The Dragons most consistent performers starting ten of the Dragons eleven matches this season recognised the fantastic opportunity the Dragons have before them to clinch one of European rugby’s biggest scalps.
Munster are going for their own Heineken Cup record this season, to make the quarter finals for the eighth consecutive season, something no other team has done. Munster have an enviable Heineken Cup record reaching the final on two occasions and the semi finals on three. They will bring with them to Rodney Parade a host of Irish internationals, among them British Lions Ronan O'Gara, Peter Stringer, John Hayes, Donncha O'Callaghan and David Wallace. O'Gara is the leading points scorer in Heineken Cup history with 671, the only player past the 650 mark, while Foley's 69 appearances is another record. Five other Munster players top 50 appearances - Hayes (56), John Kelly (54), Stringer (53), O'Gara (52) and Anthony Horgan (51). And Foley lies in fourth place in the overall try scoring list on 20.
The Dragons ticket line has been close to melt down the past few days with thousands of fans keen to snap up tickets, the record for a Dragons home Heineken Cup match is 8,300 and the Region are keen to smash that figure. Tickets are still available for the game but supporters are urged to purchase their ticket before Saturday’s game as Rodney Parade is expected to be very busy early on. Ticket line number is 01633 674990 and if supporters book the day before the match they can take advantage of the early bird prices. The Clubhouse open at 11am and there will be entertainment afterwards with an Irish band in the Rodney Hall.
