Replacing 225 water pump

Getting ready to replace the water pump and i have a replacement pump that has a metal plate attached with a gasket sandwhiched in between with plastic holders. My question is this...when replacing the pump do i just need to put sealant on the block where the pump attaches or do i need to remove the star wheel and the plate and put sealant on the gasket and then replace the metal plate and install? Thnks. I read my manual but the instructions are limited and mentions nothing about the plate. Thnx