The Dragons return home after losing out on the win against the Warriors last weekend at Sixways Stadium, however with an unbeaten record of four from four games at Rodney Parade, the Men of Gwent will be looking to return to their successful home form.
Looking back at the match at Sixways, Tom Prydie commented: “We haven’t had to wait long to try to put things right and that’s a good thing. We went up there really confident and thought that we were going to win, as we have done well in Europe over the last two seasons and that’s something that we really want to push forward.”
He continued: “It’s an important match for us this weekend as if we lose this then we are out of Europe. Everyone is fully aware, if we lose this match then we are out of Europe so we are really focussed on that.”
Tom Prydie moves to the wing from fullback to join Ashton Hewitt in the back three, with Geraint Rhys Jones coming in to cover the position of fullback. The centre partnership remains unchanged with Sam Beard and Adam Warren retaining their positions. Fly-half Angus O’Brien also keeps his spot in the half-backs, with scrum-half Tavis Knoyle replacing Sarel Pretorius.
The front row is all change as props Sam Hobbs and Lloyd Fairbrother are named alongside hooker Thomas Rhys Thomas. The second row has one change made to it as Rynard Landman joins lock Matthew Screech, with the back row seeing Nick Crosswell and Ollie Griffiths named as flankers to join number 8 Lewis Evans.
The bench has five changes made to it as Phil Price, Brok Harris, Cory Hill, Sarel Pretorius and Tyler Morgan join Elliot Dee, Harrison Keddie and Jack Dixon.
Newport Gwent Dragons team to face Worcester Warriors
15 Geraint Rhys Jones, 14 Tom Prydie, 13 Sam Beard, 12 Adam Warren, 11 Ashton Hewitt, 10, Angus O’Brien, 9 Tavis Knoyle; 1 Sam Hobbs, 2 Thomas Rhys Thomas, 3 Lloyd Fairbrother, 4 Matthew Screech, 5 Rynard Landman, 6 Nick Crosswell, 7 Ollie Griffiths, 8 Lewis Evans (c).
Replacements: Elliot Dee, Phil Price, Brok Harris, Cory Hill, Harrison Keddie, Sarel Pretorius, Tyler Morgan, Jack Dixon.
Newport Gwent Dragons Half Season Tickets are now on sale from the Rodney Parade Ticket Office. This includes the Dragons v Ospreys match on 1st January, KO 17:05. Prices start at £65 for adults, for more information or to buy your half-season ticket now call 01633 674990.