Tyler Morgan will aim to put down a marker against Munster after failing to make Warren Gatland’s Six Nations squad.
The 23-year-old Dragons centre was involved with Wales during the autumn internationals, but failed to make the cut for the Six Nations.
Now he has vowed to use his regional performances to convince Gatland he still has what it takes to make the World Cup squad later in the year.
That process will start at Rodney Parade against the Guinness PRO14 Conference A leaders on Saturday when he returns to action after a knee injury.
He is one of six changes made by Ceri Jones to the side that was beaten by Clermont Auvergne in the Challenge Cup last weekend.
“I had a bit of a tweak in my knee over the last few weeks, so it’s good to be back and I’m good to go,” said Morgan, who will be joined by Jack Dixon in the Dragons midfield.
“The World Cup is still my aim – Japan is massive and there is a lot of time and games before then. Form can change completely in that time, so hopefully I am playing well come the end of the season.
Pic: Getty Images.
“I had a good time with Wales in the autumn and I was obviously disappointed not to get in the Six Nations squad. All I can do is carry on with Dragons, try to put performances in and improve my game every day.
“There has been a lot going on in the background and off the field, but we have had to focus on the field and stay tight as a group. We are hungry for it and we know it’s going to be a big test against Munster.”
Having beaten Edinburgh and Ospreys at home in two of their last three league outings, the Dragons will be looking to bridge the 15 point gap between themselves in sixth place in Conference B and Ulster just above them.
Munster head coach Johann van Graan has all but two of his starting XV that clinched top spot in their Heineken Champions Cup pool last weekend by beating Exeter Chiefs.
Mike Haley and Jean Kleyn are the only two survivors and the side will be captained from the centre by Tyler Bleyendaal.
Munster have lost on their last two trips to Wales, both against Cardiff Blues at Arms Park in February and September 2018.