Munster Lock Foley Dislocates Shoulder

In what was just his third start of the season, Dave Foley, who had impressed up to the time of his injury, had to be replaced by Billy Holland in the 64th minute of the game at Rodney Parade.

The 23-year-old Foley was removed to Gwent Hospital but was discharged in time to join his colleagues for the flight home. He will have further medical examination today.

Reports from the Ireland camp suggest that the damage scrum half Conor Murray suffered to his right knee against France may not be as bad as first thought.

Meanwhile, one of Munster’s longest servants, Mick O’Driscoll, was pleased with the strong finish the side produced in their 24-14 defeat over the Dragons.

Tries in the final quarter from Luke O’Dea and Felix Jones floored the home side as Munster claimed the win which moved them into second place in the table.

On a night when he celebrated his 200th Munster cap, veteran lock O’Driscoll said: “200 is a just a number. I’m happy with the achievement and I’m still fit and enjoying my rugby at 33.

“But this game wasn’t about me. It was all about winning a game at a ground that has proved to be a difficult place for us to come and play in recent years.”

Munster are back in action next weekend with a rescheduled trip to Viadana to take on Aironi. O’Driscoll is hoping they can extend their winning streak since the turn of the year to seven matches, which includes recent league victories over Benetton Treviso and the Cardiff Blues.

“Our aim was to win all four of the games in this block during the Six Nations to build confidence and that is three of them won with Aironi away to come,” he added.

“If we can win in Italy, we can start to think about putting pressure on Leinster for the top spot. We have to play them at Thomond Park after the Aironi game and that game is going to be an eight-pointer.

“We still believe we can catch them and all we can do is try to keep the pressure on them and see what happens.”