GERAINT Rhys Jones attempts to lay down a marker against Munster at Rodney Parade tonight in the bid to replace injured skipper Lee Byrne in the Newport Gwent Dragons number 15 jersey.

The 27-year-old makes his third start on the spin for the region after earning LV= Cup starts against Harlequins and the Ospreys.

Wales sevens international Jones has given up the shortened format to have a good crack with the Dragons and the full-back should enjoy a run of games to show that he has what it takes.

A shoulder injury is set to rule former Wales and Lions star Byrne out for three to four months, leaving Jones battling with Hallam Amos, Tom Prydie and Jason Tovey for the number 15 jersey.

"It's disappointing to Lee, he's a great captain and has done well this season so will be a big miss," said Jones, who has previously played professionally for Sale, Cardiff Blues, Cornish Pirates and the Scarlets.

"I just need to keep my head down and do my best for the Dragons when any opportunity comes along.

"It's a massive chance for me against Munster and I hope to put in a good performance to keep the number 15 jersey.

"I've started the last two games and there are areas of my game that I need to improve, but hopefully with more opportunities I can put those things right."

Jones kicked expertly in awful conditions against the Ospreys and hopes to be just as accurate from the tee this evening.

If his radar is off then the full-back will be able to turn to younger brother and fly-half Dorian, his old training partner from their days on Nantyglo's Banna Park.

"Dorian is a great kicker and is always breathing down my neck," he said. "It's great to know if I miss one or two then my brother can step up to put them over."

Munster head over the Irish Sea with a strong team despite international duty depriving them of stars Paul O'Connell, Peter O'Mahony, Simon Zebo and Conor Murray.

But Dragons director of rugby Lyn Jones knows that his side must be at their best to record a vital victory.

"Munster have a good blend of overseas, academy and solid Irish players in their set-up," he said.

"They've had two weeks off to rest while we have been plugging away in the LV= Cup and it will be interesting to see who comes out of that period best."

The Dragons are desperate for a win after a poor start to the Guinness Pro12. They have won just once and Italians Zebre and Treviso the only clubs beneath them in the table.