Steve Jones will lead the Dragons as they take on Northampton in their second LV= Cup game on Friday (19:45). Newport prop Dan Way has earned himself his first regional start following his strong performance against Gloucester last week.
Welsh stars Toby Faletau and Aled Brew have been released to the region, and will both start in the contest at Franklin’s Gardens.
Dragons Head Coach Paul Turner said “This has been a particularly difficult match for us to prepare for. The LV= Cup gives us a great chance to promote our dual-contracted players and blood them amongst our more experienced players. The success of players such as Adam Hughes this season demonstrates the importance of these opportunities.
“The fact that several of our players have had to play a mid-week game in the Premiership this week has not only meant that they have missed training with us but also puts them under pressure with some playing 3 games in 6 days.
“In conjunction with our Premiership clubs the Dragons have introduced development contracts designed to increase exposure to the professional game, the Dragons have a total of 22 young players involved in dual contract agreements.
“This initiative means we work very closely with our Premiership clubs and we see this as an important vehicle for developing future Regional and Welsh talent, the emergence of Toby Faletau is testament to this.
“We’re preparing for a tough match in Franklin’s Gardens. Northampton are the top side in England at the moment and that’s coming from a game against Gloucester who are also one of the biggest teams over the river.
“Notwithstanding these issues, I am confident that every player on the pitch will give total commitment to tomorrow night’s game.”
Dragons team for Northampton:
Pat Leach, Tom Cheeseman, Tom Riley, Rhodri Gomer-Davies, Aled Brew; Matthew Jones; James Leadbeater; Hugh Gustafson, Steve Jones, Dan Way, Adam Jones, Rob Sidoli, Hugo Ellis, Lewis Evans, Toby Faletau.
Replacements:
Lloyd Burns, Nigel Hall, Pat Palmer, Luke Charteris, Jevon Groves, Wayne Evans, Jason Tovey, Ashley Smith.
Travelling reserves:
Adam Brown, Steffan Jones..
Players not available through injury:
Adam Hughes, Phil Price, Tom Willis, Ben Castle, Scott Morgan, Robin Sowden-Taylor, Andrew Coombs, Dan Watchurst, Joe Bearman, Danny Lee, Martyn Thomas, Duane Goodfield, Ali McKenzie, Mike Poole.
