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The Dragons have made seven changes to the team that lost last weekend against Munster and have welcomed back Welsh International Hal Luscombe into the side. Luscombe comes in for Sione Tuipulotu who damaged his shoulder last weekend. Jon Bryant comes in for Ceri Sweeney who moves to fly half with Craig Warlow named on the replacements bench. Gareth Baber comes in for Gareth Cooper.
In the forwards Gethin Robinson replaces Rhys Thomas, Luke Charteris comes in for Peter Sidoli while Rhys Oakley replaces Andrew Hall and Richard Bryan takes over the captaincy and No.8 position from Michael Owen.
Kevin Morgan is named among the replacements having recovered from an ankle injury.
Speaking on selection Dragons rugby manager Jim McCreedy commented, “Hal Luscombe is coming back from injury so comes in for Sione Tuipulotu who himself is injured. The side has been picked from the squad as a whole and we are easing certain players back after injury, e.g. Kevin Morgan while other players are carrying knocks and more than likely will be brought in off the bench rather than play the full 80 minutes. Also with four important Celtic League games over a very short period of time it is important that players remain fresh.”
Newport Gwent Dragons came mightly close to destroying Munster’ unbeaten Heineken Cup record at Thomond Park, but ultimately left Ireland without even a losing bonus point as the home side racked up the points in the final mintues.
Paul Turner’s side led 18-17 with ten minutes to play, but two penalty goals from Ronan O’Gara gave the Irish side the lead and hooker Jerry Flannery scored an 80th-minute try to break Welsh hearts.
Munster led 10-8 at halftime, but looked to be gaining control when Anthony Foley weaved a bit of magic down the touchline. The backrower who has played more Heineken Cup matches than any other player – 71 – took the ball on the wing, toed ahead and regathered for his 21st Heineken Cup try.
But Turner – who obviously spotted the chance to upset mighty Munster – sent on Owen and Morgan at halftime and they combined for Morgan’s touchdown.
O’Gara restored the traditional order of things at Thomond Park with a penalty goal from in front, and made up for several mistakes with a superb 52-metre effort that ricocheted off the left-hand upright and over the bar.
The match erupted in the 73rd minute with both packs wading into each other. Dragons hooker Jones and Munster prop Horan were singled out by referee Chris White and sent to the sin-bin, and the 14 remaining Dragons had nothing left.
The home side dominated the final 10 minutes, kicking for touch instead of going for goal in an optimistic push for two more tries, and hooker Jerry Flannery was duly shoved over the line in the 80th minute.
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