Hibbard is one of six personnel changes from the last Saturday’s starting fifteen that defeated Ealing Trailfinders.
Brok Harris makes his first start for the Dragons since December 2017 and joins Hibbard and his former Osprey partner Ryan Bevington, who scored his first try against Ealing last weekend, to complete the front row.
New Wales international Aaron Wainwright and Dragons stalwart Lewis Evans both start in to the back row in place of Huw Taylor and James Benjamin who drop to the bench, whilst Rynard Landman partners Matthew Screech at lock.
Behind the eight, the only different face in the starting back line is George Gasson, with the lively wing coming on as a replacement last Saturday.
“It was good chance to try out 27 players against Ealing last Saturday,” said Bernard Jackman, “the boys worked hard for the win which gives a bit of feelgood factor in training.
“The big thing from us from last weekend is not having any injuries, bar Gavin Henson who got a knock to his knee, which rules him out for this game, but it’s not serious and he should be fine for Gloucester next week.
“We think we’ll develop a lot over the next two weeks to be ready for Benetton. The boys that have come in have added a lot on and off the field, so we’re looking forward to working hard and making a team that can make people in Gwent proud.
“Northampton are a bigger test for us and if you look at the conditions they played in against the Ospreys it was pretty wet and windy and hard to play, so we expect them to come with a real attacking mentality on Friday night.
“Chris Boyd, the new coach, played a really expansive style with the Hurricanes and they have recruited well so Friday night will be a step up for us and hopefully a good test for our boys and chance to put another good performance in.”
Tyler Morgan returns to the match day squad amongst the replacements, whilst new signings Dafydd Howells, Jacob Botica, Tiaan Loots, Brandon Nansen, Huw Taylor, Rhys Lawrence and Rhodri Davies are also included, along with forwards Gerard Ellis, Lloyd Fairbrother and James Benjamin. Will Talbot-Davies is selected after playing for Wales in the Rugby World Cup Sevens last month.
Dragons team v Saints: Jordan Williams, Joe Goodchild, Adam Warren, Jack Dixon (c), George Gasson, Josh Lewis, Rhodri Williams, Ryan Bevington, Richard Hibbard, Brok Harris, Matthew Screech, Rynard Landman, Aaron Wainwright, Nic Cudd, Lewis Evans
Replacements Gerard Ellis, Rhys Lawrence, Lloyd Fairbrother, Brandon Nansen, Huw Taylor, James Benjamin, Rhodri Davies, Jacob Botica, Tiaan Loots, Tyler Morgan, Dafydd Howells, Will Talbot-Davies
CLICK HERE to purchase tickets for Friday's game against Northampton Saints, priced £10 for adults and £5 for under 16s
