After featuring off the bench twice for the Dragons in recent weeks, due to being released from Wales camp early because of a hamstring injury, the youngster is brought into the team by Head Coach Kingsley Jones to face Leinster.
Newport born Morgan, who comes in to replace New Zealander Sam Beard due a dead leg, partners with Jack Dixon in the centre. Looking at Sam’s current form Morgan commented: “Sam’s probably been the best centre we’ve had this season and I’ve learnt a lot from him. He is a player who makes those right decisions at the right time.
“Look at him in the first half against Edinburgh when Angus (O’Brien) made the line break then Sam had the opportunity to kick, he did and we scored. Second half I had a line break, didn’t kick and we didn’t score.
“That’s where I need to be. I’m quite modest and know I’ve got a lot to learn off the other players here.”
Along with Morgan, there is one other change in the backs as wing Adam Warren being named in the back three; joining fellow wing Pat Howard and fullback Carl Meyer. Whilst there is no change in the half-backs as fly-half Angus O’Brien is named alongside scrum-half Tavis Knoyle.
The front row has two changes made to it as loose head prop Phil Price is named alongside tight head prop Brok Harris, they are joined by hooker Elliot Dee. The second row sees the return of Rynard Landman, who sat out last weekend’s match due to his wife giving birth, and he is joined by Nick Crosswell. The back row has two changes made to it due to injuries, with flanker Nic Cudd and number 8 Harrison Keddie joining skipper Lewis Evans.
The replacements bench has three changes made to it as Thomas Davies, Welsh International Cory Hill and Tom Prydie join Rhys Buckley, Lloyd Fairbrother, Sarel Pretorius and Geraint Rhys Jones.
The Men of Gwent are in high spirits as they have won four from four wins throughout all competitions at Rodney Parade and the 21-year-old hopes to continue this streak away from home this Saturday. “There’s a lot of smiles on faces and the momentum is key, you see that at every level of rugby confidence gives you a head start.
“Leinster are a massive team with internationals and strength in depth so it will be a really challenging game, but we’ve shown we can win there before and there is no reason why we can’t do it again.”
Newport Gwent Dragons team to face Leinster Rugby
15 Carl Meyer, 14 Pat Howard, 13 Tyler Morgan, 12 Jack Dixon, 11 Adam Warren, 10 Angus O’Brien, 9 Tavis Knoyle; 1 Phil Price, 2 Elliot Dee, 3 Brok Harris, 4 Nick Crosswell, 5 Rynard Landman, 6 Lewis Evans ©, 7 Nic Cudd, 8 Harrison Keddie.
Replacements; Rhys Buckley, Thomas Davies, Lloyd Fairbrother, Cory Hill, James Thomas, Sarel Pretorius, Geraint Rhys Jones, Tom Prydie.
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. Price start at £65 for adults, for more information or to buy your half-season ticket now call 01633 674990.
