LOCK Matthew Screech has taken Dean Ryan's criticism personally after the boss pinpointed his pack's inability to cope with Irish power.

After losing heavily on the road against Leinster and Ulster, last season's Guinness PRO14 finalists, the region face another huge test against physical province.

The Dragons welcome unbeaten Munster to Rodney Parade (kick-off 2pm) with all eyes on the home pack after their director of rugby's post-match comments in Belfast.

"We've got to face up to the challenge that we were outgunned. They are very direct and got very fast ball," said Ryan on Sunday.

"All Irish sides have been pretty direct and at the moment we haven't had an answer to that speed of ball.

"I am pretty sure about what is coming next week and we've got to challenge ourselves internally to solve that."

The boss will be watching at home rather than in Newport because a member of his coaching team tested positive for coronavirus but will be keen to watch the response to his barbs.

South Wales Argus:

Screech, named PRO14 Ironman for 2019/20, has called on the Dragons to show more steel in their third outing against Irish opposition.

"Munster haven't changed over the years - they are a power team who come at you in the forwards and the driving maul, that's no secret," said the lock.

"It's personal if Dean and other people are saying that you haven't matched a power game.

"As a forward pack, that's personal. We need to take that criticism on board and really relish the challenge.

"Against Zebre I felt that we were more than dominant - our driving maul was good and our scrum was good.

"It's about consistency for us because after such a great performance against Zebre, who have a power game, we didn't implement that against Ulster.

"We are making strides under Dean but performances like Ulster negate some of the good that we have done. You do take that perception personally and we need to be more consistent."

South Wales Argus:

Screech has seen plenty of changes since heading to the Dragons after being cut by Cardiff Blues in 2013.

Tomorrow will be his 150th appearance, the most made by a lock at a region who have Luke Charteris, Ian Gough, Cory Hill, Rob Sidoli, Peter Sidoli, Rynard Landman and Adam Jones as centurions.

"It's a really proud moment, 150 has flown by," said 28-year-old Screech, who was signed by Lyn Jones after initially moving to Bedwas following his Arms Park exit.

"The Dragons gave me a lot of opportunities when I was young and I am just glad to be able to try and repay that faith with some tidy performances.

"There are a lot of good memories over the years and I have met a lot of good people.

"The team and coaches have changed quite a bit since I've started but I have met some great people.

"The Dragons are close to my heart and I just love working hard for them, hopefully that shows."

The teams for Sunday's game are named at midday with the management team (virtually) discussing whether to give the starters from Belfast a shot at redemption.

Young forwards Ellis Shipp and Ben Fry made an impact from the bench along with former Wales and Lions centre Jamie Roberts, who is likely to return to midfield.

Speedster Jonah Holmes was released from Wales camp to face Ulster but none of the Dragons' Test players have been sent out for game time this week.

That means that Jordan Williams is likely to return at full-back after being rested for Ravenhill due to his recent return from ruptured knee ligaments.