O’Leary and Mafi back for Munster

Tomás O'Leary and Lifeimi Mafi return to Munster action for the first time in almost two months for Friday night’s Magners League game with the Dragons at Rodney Parade. (kick-off 7.05pm)

O’Leary, who has recovered from a broken thumb, links up with Paul Warwick at half-back while Mafi, who has completed a seven-week suspension for a dangerous tackle, must contend with a spot on the bench as Barry Murphy and Sam Tuitupou retain the centre spots.

Promising loosehead Dave Ryan, younger brother of ex-Toulon and Newcastle prop Tim, starts in the front row alongside Mike Sherry and John Hayes; who was released from the international training squad this week.

Billy Holland and Ian Nagle continue their second row partnership that destroyed the Australian line-out two weeks ago.

UL Bohemians flanker Niall Ronan gets a rare start in the backrow for the Reds.

Munster (v Dragons): J Murphy; D Howlett capt, B Murphy, S Tuitupou, D Hurley; P Warwick, T O'Leary; D Ryan, M Sherry, J Hayes; B Holland, I Nagle; T O'Donnell, N Ronan, J Coughlan.

Subs: S Henry, W du Preez, P Borlase, B Hayes, P O'Mahony, C Murray, S Deasy, L Mafi.