Newport Gwent Dragons make 3 changes to the starting line-up in the team to play Perpignan in Thursday night’s crucial Amlin Challenge Cup game.
Lloyd Burns makes his first start of the season, following his return from Wales World Cup duty, in place of Rhys Buckley at hooker.
Lewis Evans is promoted from the bench to replace Danny Lydiate, who was forced off with an ankle injury in last week’s win at Cavalieri Prato, with the other change being the recalled Adam Jones replacing Scott Morgan in the second row.
Ashley Smith continues as Dragons captain as Luke Charteris is still unavailable with a wrist injury.
Following the postponement of the Cardiff Blues game a fortnight ago this is the first opportunity to see our international players back at Rodney Parade after their heroics in the World Cup in New Zealand. We would like to welcome them back to the squad.
Newport Gwent Dragons
Martyn Thomas, Tonderai Chavhanga, Adam Hughes, Ashley Smith (c), Aled Brew, Jason Tovey, Wayne Evans, Nathan Williams, Lloyd Burns, Dan Way, Adam Jones, Rob Sidoli, Lewis Evans, Gavin Thomas, Toby Faletau
Replacements
Rhys Buckley, Phil Price, Nathan Buck, Scott Morgan, Andrew Coombs, Joe Bedford, Lewis Robling, Steffan Jones