FLANKER James Benjamin will start in midfield for the Dragons A at Munster in the Celtic Cup tomorrow (kick-off 5.30pm) after a pair of injury blows.

Connor Edwards, who captained the team in the opening two rounds, is set for a couple of weeks on the sidelines after suffering a cheekbone injury in last week's win against Connacht Eagles.

The news looks worse for Tiaan Loots after the summer signing from RGC 1404 suffered a pectoral injury in the victory in Ystrad Mynach.

The blow is being assessed but last season similar injuries led to lengthy lay-offs for Sam Beard and Lewis Evans.

The loss of Edwards and Loots leads to Wales 7s international Benjamin, who made 24 appearances for Bernard Jackman's seniors last season and was captain for the PRO14 loss in Cork, becoming a makeshift centre.

Calvin Wellington, who joined from Super League giants St Helens last season, comes in at 13.

Benjamin is known for his skills in the loose - and like Wales ace Justin Tipuric it is often said the 24-year-old could have been a back - but it's a case of needs must that the Dragons are fielding him as a three-quarter.

"It's through necessity after losing Tiaan and Connor," admitted academy manager James Chapron. "Aneurin Owen is our next option but it is a bit early for him to start at 12 against Munster.

"James is a really good footballer and has a smart rugby brain; he picks up backs moves really quickly and is often used as a ball player.

"Defensively it will be totally different for him but he is a bright player and has plenty of experience."

The Dragons make two other changes to the team that beat the Eagles with Deon Smith coming in on the wing for Jared Rosser, whose five tries have earned a recall to the senior team.

The loss of Benjamin from the back row is countered by the return of experienced blindside James Thomas, who has been playing for Bedwas in the Premiership.

The Dragons are captained by Wales Under-20s flanker Lennon Greggains with Chapron looking for his team, who started with a heavy loss to Cardiff Blues in Newport, to build on their Eagles success.

"The Celtic Cup has been really good for us," he said. "The British & Irish Cup was enjoyable but we have had this group together since June with a few of the senior group joining us recently.

"Having that consistency is great and it is great for the youngsters to train against Bernard's side on Tuesdays. It's a really good learning curve for them."

Munster have started the tournament strongly despite fielding a youthful side instead of giving game time to those that miss out on PRO14 selection.

They opened up with a win against Connacht and last week hammered the Ospreys A 52-7. They make five changes to the side that triumphed in Swansea.

Munster A: Stephen Fitzgerald; Alex Wootton, Matt More, Alex McHenry, Calvin Nash; Ben Healy, John Poland; Jeremy Loughman, Billy Scannell, Ciaran Parker; Fineen Wycherley (captain), Sean O'Connor; Jack Daly, John Hodnett, Gavin Coombes.

Replacements: Eoghan Clarke, Cronan Gleeson, Keynan Knox, Paddy Kelly, Darragh O'Grady, Charlie O'Doherty, Jake Flannery, Sean French.

Dragons A: Carwyn Penny, Will Talbot-Davies, Calvin Wellington, James Benjamin, Deon Smith, Jacob Botica, Dafydd Buckland; Gerard Ellis, Rhys Lawrence, Chris Coleman, Joe Davies, Huw Taylor, James Thomas, Lennon Greggains (captain), Taine Basham

Replacements: Zac Hewlett, Scott Evans, Luke Yendle, Max Williams, Ben Fry, Rhodri Davies, Tom Hoppe, George Gasson