The 26-year-old has been named to lead a team that blends youth and experience together, in the third round of the Anglo-Welsh Cup.
The Dragons back three sees Carl Meyer named at fullback with Captain Adam Hughes and Tom Prydie on the wings. Adam Warren, who is set to make his 50th appearance for the Region is named in the centre partnership with Tyler Morgan, as Dorian Jones is given the nod at fly-half and Sarel Pretorius at scrum-half.
Loose-head prop Thomas Davies is named alongside hooker Rhys Buckley and tight-head prop Brok Harris. The second row includes Matthew Screech and Rynard Landman, as the back row sees flanker Ollie Griffiths selected alongside Nic Cudd, who recently extended his contract with the Welsh Region, and young number 8 Harri Keddie.
The replacements bench includes Thomas Rhys Thomas, Sam Hobbs, Lloyd Fairbrother, James Thomas, Charlie Davies, Angus O’Brien and Sam Beard. With Bedwas back rower Robson Blake also being named on the bench, as he makes his first home appearance at Rodney Parade.
Looking ahead to this match, Dragons’ forwards coach, Ceri Jones commented: “Newcastle are a typical Aviva Premiership side and will come heavy with their driving game. We need to deal with that, especially after Brive when we were disappointing in that area.
“We have had a pretty good record in defensive lineouts this year – we have the third best lineout defence in the Guinness PRO12 – and that didn’t show last week. When it came to the drive we didn’t defend it properly and it will be a huge test for us.”
He continued: “Newcastle will also try and put width on the ball while their pick-and-go and latch game is really strong in the 22. But we need to look at ourselves and we need to get a bit more tempo in our game and play a bit more rugby.”
Newport Gwent Dragons team to face Newcastle Falcons
15 Carl Meyer, 14 Adam Hughes ©, 13 Tyler Morgan, 12 Adam Warren, 11 Tom Prydie, 10 Dorian Jones, 9 Sarel Pretorius; 1 Thomas Davies, 2 Rhys Buckley, 3 Brok Harris, 4 Matthew Screech, 5 Rynard Landman, 6 Ollie Griffiths, 7 Nic Cudd, 8 Harri Keddie.
Replacements: Thomas Rhys Thomas, Sam Hobbs, Lloyd Fairbrother, James Thomas, Robson Blake, Charlie Davies, Angus O’Brien, Sam Beard.
Newport Gwent Dragons Season Members are reminded that their Season Tickets are valid for this match. Alternatively, supporters can buy tickets by clicking here or calling 01633 674990.
