Munster boosted by return of injured duo

Munster v Dragons: DEFENDING CHAMPIONS Munster are strengthened by the return of fullback Johne Murphy and number eight James Coughlan. Murphy has recovered from a hamstring injury sustained while playing for an Ireland XV and Coughlan has received the all clear following an eye injury.

Coughlan’s recall and an injury to Ian Nagle sees Billy Holland switch to the secondrow with Peter O’Mahony moving across the backrow to blindside flanker. Peter Stringer starts at scrumhalf in place of Duncan Williams. The latter is on the bench after Tomas O’Leary’s back injury saw him withdraw yesterday from the replacements.

Dublin-born, former Connacht outhalf Ian Keatley makes his competitive debut for the province in a backline that contains an obvious cutting edge. Mike Sherry, an excellent prospect, is named at hooker.

Dragons field new signings Joe Bedford and Tom Brown but are without Wayne Evans (shoulder), Lewis Evans (calf) and former Ulster player Jamie Smith (back).

Coach Darren Edwards said: “I know that our record in Musgrave has not been great over the years but there is a confidence about the squad this season that enables us to only think about the game ahead rather than worrying about what has gone in the past.”

It’s a reasonable assertion but anything other than a Munster victory would constitute a surprise.

MUNSTER: J Murphy; D Howlett, D Barnes, L Mafi, D Hurley; I Keatley, P Stringer; M Horan, M Sherry, S Archer; B Holland, M O'Driscoll; P O'Mahony, N Ronan, J Coughlan. Replacements: D Varley, W Du Preez, J Hayes, D Foley, T O'Donnell, D Williams, S Deasy, S Zebo.

DRAGONS: S Jones; A Hughes, T Riley, A Smith, M Poole; J Tovey, J Bedford; P Price, T Willis, B Castle; A Jones, R Sidoli; A Coombs, G Thomas, T Brown. Replacements: R Buckley, N Williams, D Way, J Groves, H Ellis, W Evans, P Leach, M Thomas.

Referee: S Penne (Italy).