O’Leary named at scrum-half for Munster

Tomás O'Leary has been selected to play for Munster against the Dragons in their Friday night Magners League clash at Rodney Parade.

O'Leary starts at scrum-half after being out of action with a thumb injury since early October when Munster were defeated by Leinster in the Magners League.

Lifeimi Mafi has also not played Magners League rugby since that match, however it has been suspension that has ruled the centre out. He was cited for a dangerous tackle on Gordon D’Arcy.

He is named on the bench with Barry Murphy, who scored a crucial try in Munster's 27-26 victory over Llanelli Scarlets last weekend, partnering Sam Tuitupou in the starting XV.

Paul Warwick at out-half with Johne Murphy at full-back while New Zealander Doug Howlett will captain the side on one wing with Denis Hurley on the other.

In the pack, Dave Ryan, Mike Sherry and John Hayes start in the front row with Ian Nagle and Billy Holland locking the scrum.

Tommy O'Donnell gets a start at blindside wing-forward with Niall Ronan and James Coughlan in the other back-row slots.

Munster team to play N-G Dragons in the Magners League at Rodney Parade on Friday, 26 November, kick-off 7.05pm:

Munster: Johne Murphy; Doug Howlett, Barry Murphy, Sam Tuitupou, Denis Hurley; Paul Warwick, Tomás O'Leary; Dave Ryan, Mike Sherry, John Hayes; Billy Holland, Ian Nagle; Tommy O'Donnell, Niall Ronan, J amesCoughlan.

Replacements: Sean Henry, Wian du Preez, Peter Borlase, Brian Hayes, Peter O'Mahony, Conor Murray, Scott Deasy, Lifeimi Mafi.