Newport Gwent Dragons have made nine changes for their opening European Challenge Cup match on Friday night, three positional from the side that narrowly lost in Galway last weekend.
Nathan Brew moves from outside centre to the wing with American International Paul Emerick named in the starting line up. Ceri Sweeney switches to inside centre replacing Ashley Smith while Mike Hercus wears the No.10 jersey.
Among the forwards Lee Harrison replaces Jamie Corsi at tight head prop and Luke Charteris comes in for Peter Sidoli in the second row. There is a complete re-jig in the back row with Colin Charvis moving from blindside to open side flanker, Michael Owen coming in at No.8 and Andrew Hall replacing Charvis.
Looking ahead to The Dragons opening Challenge Cup game against Bayonne Ceri Sweeney said, "We are confident we can beat Bayonne on Friday night. We have shown this season that we have got character as a side as we did when we beat Borders and Glasgow. I have experienced the competition (Challenge Cup) with Pontypridd where we reached the final in 2002 and have fond memories of the tournament. While it doesn't get the glitz and glamour associated with the Heineken Cup there are good names on the trophy. It has been great with The Dragons this year, no one has given us a chance and people have come out and supported us. Supporters have stayed after games and they have seen the effort we are putting in for the region. We really appreciate their support and it certainly makes the boys feel better. We always want to turn it on for our fans and repay their loyalties. If we can get a good run in the competition and build momentum anything can happen and there is no reason why we can't win it. We have the potential here to do it and there is no reason why we can't progress."
Dragons Team
Kevin Morgan, Nathan Brew, Paul Emerick, Ceri Sweeney, Aled Brew, Mike Hercus, Gareth Cooper, Adam Black, Ben Daly, Lee Harrison, Ian Gough, Luke Charteris, Andrew Hall, Colin Charvis, Michael Owen.
Replacements
Kieran Crawford, Jamie Corsi, Peter Sidoli, Nic Fitisemanu, James Ireland, Craig Warlow, Richard Fussell.
