THE Dragons have been tightening up their tackle technique as they prepare for another encounter with a strong-running side at Rodney Parade tomorrow, writes Chris Kirwan.

The Rodney Parade region suffered a 49-7 loss to Clermont Auvergne in the Challenge Cup last weekend when the Top 14 leaders crossed for seven tries in Newport.

Next up is a return to the Guinness PRO14 and a meeting with Conference A leaders Munster (kick-off 3pm), who are fresh from securing a place in the Champions Cup quarter-finals.

The Irish province will travel without their Six Nations contingent but still present a formidable challenge as they look to strengthen their grip on top seeding.

That has led to an emphasis on defence for the Dragons, who have the second worst record for tries conceded in the PRO14 with just the Southern Kings beneath them.

"Clermont are a big, powerful team but we dropped off too many one-on-one tackles," said caretaker coach Ceri Jones ahead of facing a Munster side second in the tries scored rankings.

"It wasn't a lack of effort or the desire to hit people, we were getting off the line, lining people up and throwing our bodies at them but sometimes we didn't wrap our arms, other times we went a little high.

"For me, a big thing is the effort and the desire. That was there, but technically we didn't get it right against some really big and powerful men.

"We have looked to address that this week and have worked on our tackle technique so it doesn't happen again.

"When Clermont get in behind and start offloading it is difficult for anyone to stop that. We have to remember that last season that team went to Saracens and put 40-odd points on them, so they are capable of doing that to any team and we have to keep things in perspective.

"It's going to difficult against Munster, they are a top-quality team with loads of power as well."

The Dragons, with academy manager James Chapron continuing the work started by sacked coach Bernard Jackman, who himself had just taken over from Hendre Marnitz, had made strides in defence before entertaining Clermont.

Cardiff Blues crossed just once in the capital, the Ospreys were limited to a Justin Tipuric try and the Scarlets scored two tries in Llanelli.

"I truly believe we have been and are making progress in defence, but we are not going to hide away from the Clermont performance," said Jones.

"We will address it, because that's what training is about. You make mistakes, you look at them and you fix them for the following weeks. That's rugby and that's coaching."

The Dragons name their team at midday with Wales centre Tyler Morgan, who missed out on the Six Nations squad, back from a knee injury to replace Adam Warren (foot).

Loosehead Rhys Fawcett, 22, is set to feature after signing on loan from the Scarlets.