For the fourth time this season Newport Gwent Dragons and Munster go head-to-head this time in a Celtic League match at Rodney Parade on Friday kick off 7.10pm.
The Dragons have made four changes to the team that left Ulster with a losing bonus point a fortnight ago. Wing Gareth Wyatt has recovered from his stress fracture to his shin and comes in for Nathan Brew who switches to the other wing in place of Richard Fussell. The other changes are in the forwards which sees Welsh Internationals Ian Gough and Michael Owen return for Andrew Hall and Rhys Oakley respectively while Luke Charteris makes his first start of 2006 having recovered from his shoulder injury.
Dragons player Ceri Sweeney retains his place at inside centre after playing his first match for two months last time out when he faced Ulster and was back to his creative best. Looking ahead to Friday night’s crucial game for the Men of Gwent Sweeney commented, “Munster will no doubt be buoyed by their victory on the weekend over Perpignan which secured them a place in the Heineken Cup semi final. Having already played them three times this season we are more than familiar with one another. There is no doubt they are a class side and they have our full respect. They have internationals throughout their side and are a very difficult team to beat. However, we cannot afford to concentrate too heavily on them as we have our own objectives to fulfil which is to secure a place in next seasons Heineken Cup. As shown on the weekend it is a tremendous competition to be involved in, the rugby is of a high standard and games are of a test match intensity. We want to secure more of that for next season where we can mix it with the best on the European stage, however, to do that we need to start winning and move up the Celtic League table.”
Fresh from his 7s success with Wales both in the Commonwealth Games and in the Hong Kong 7s, Rhys Oakley takes his place on the replacements bench. He is joined by James Ireland who has recovered from a knee injury which has kept him on the sidelines for the majority of the season but played a major part in The Dragons securing a point in Ulster.
Friday night’s clash is a must win game for the Gwent Region as they target a place in Europe next season. Head Coach Paul Turner commented, “Ulster away saw another good performance from The Dragons and although the win alluded us it was pleasing to come away from there with a point. It is another tough game for us on Friday against quality opposition. There has been a lot of coverage recently questioning the strength of the Celtic League, however, I would say that the games this season have been extremely competitive and physical affairs with no shortage of expansive rugby on display. The fact that there are two sides from the Celtic League in the semi finals of the Heineken Cup I think reflects the strength of the League and that it is becoming even more competitive with no easy games for any side. At this stage last season the Ospreys had run away with the title, however, there are still a number of sides in with a shout of winning the League this season.”
Dragons Development player Aled Thomas has faced Munster in all three matches this season and made his Heineken Cup debut against the Munstermen in December. He lines up for the fourth time against the Irish Province on Friday night. “We are fighting for Heineken Cup qualification and that is foremost in our mind,” said Aled. “The team has been performing well and the boys are going to be right on top of their game and firing on all cylinders. We are at the wrong end of the table and need to secure points to start moving up the League table and to make sure we get into the zone where we can qualify for Europe. It is a must win game but to win the game we've got to perform. Munster played superbly well on the weekend and proved yet again what a great side they are; however, we are concentrating on our own game. We have performed well against them already this season and if we put in a performance we know we are capable of then there is no reason why we cannot secure four points on Friday night. The feeling is very positive within the camp. There is a real determination to succeed, we're playing for a lot of pride both for the Region and for ourselves and we are determined to qualify for Europe next season.”
Dragons Team
Aled Thomas, Gareth Wyatt, Hal Luscombe, Ceri Sweeney, Nathan Brew, Craig Warlow, Gareth Baber, Adam Black, Steve Jones, Rhys Thomas, Ian Gough, Luke Charteris, Jamie Ringer, Jason Forster (c), Michael Owen.
Replacements
Andrew Brown, David Maddocks, Chris Anthony, Peter Sidoli, Rhys Oakley, Jon Bryant, James Ireland
