They're part of seven changes made by Head Coach Anthony Foley.
Copeland forms a back row partnership with Paddy Butler and Sean Dougall.
Argentine hooker Eusebio Guinazu makes his first start for the province, with John Ryan and Stephen Archer either side of him in the front row.
Cathal Sheridan joins Keatley in the half backs, while Andrew Smith and Denis Hurley are reacquainted in the centre.
Munster XV ( v Dragons, Rodney Parade, Friday, 7:30pm): JJ Hanrahan; Andrew Conway, Andrew Smith, Denis Hurley, Ronan O'Mahony; Ian Keatley, Cathal Sheridan; John Ryan, Eusebio Guinazu, Stephen Archer; Donncha O'Callaghan Capt., Billy Holland; Paddy Butler, Sean Dougall, Robin Copeland.
Replacements: Duncan Casey, Alan Cotter, BJ Botha, Dave O'Callaghan, CJ Stander, Duncan Williams, Pat Howard, Johne Murphy.
