The fit again back row is one of the six changes that coaches have made to the Dragons starting line-up.
Head Coach Darren Edwards said, “These back to back games are so exciting. The whole place has come to life and it’s been great for us from a commercial point of view and we will be looking to put on a big show.”
Fullback Daniel Evans retains his place at number 15; he is joined in the back three by wingers Will Harries and Welsh international Hallam Amos. There is one change in the centre pairing with Ashley Smith stepping in at number 12 and Leach remains at 13. Jason Tovey also keeps his place at outside half and is joined by Wayne Evans as scrum half, as Richie Rees is moved to the bench.
As Owen Evans remains at loose head prop, there have been two changes to the front row with T. Rhys Thomas making his first start after coming back from injury and Nathan Buck comes in as tight head prop. The second row remains the same as both skipper Andrew Coombs and Cory Hill impressed over in Galway last weekend. There is one change in the back row as Netani Talei returns after his heel injury kept him out of the game last weekend, he starts as blindside flanker and Lewis Evans moves across to open side flanker and Welsh international Toby Faletau keeps his number 8 jersey.
There have been seven changes made to the replacements bench with Sam Parry, Aaron Coundley, Francisco Chaparro, Rob Sidoli, Nic Cudd, Richie Rees and Ross Wardle. Steffan Jones remains at number 22 on the bench.
Dragons Team to face Cardiff Blues
Daniel Evans, Will Harries, Pat Leach, Ashley Smith, Hallam Amos, Jason Tovey, Wayne Evans; Owen Evans, T. Rhys Thomas, Nathan Buck, Andrew Coombs (c), Cory Hill, Netani Talei, Lewis Evans, Toby Faletau.
Replacements
Sam Parry, Aaron Coundley, Francisco Chaparro, Rob Sidoli, Nic Cudd, Richie Rees, Steffan Jones, Ross Wardle.
