The results of this crucial tie will see the sides play once more following this match, in the return fixture at Rodney Parade.
Angus O’Brien and Ashton Hewitt return to the back three for the clash to play alongside wing Jared Rosser. There is one change in the centre partnership as Adam Warren returns, with Jack Dixon retaining his position in the midfield. Dorian Jones returns to the halfbacks as well as South African scrum-half Sarel Pretorius.
The front row sees the return of Welsh International Elliot Dee, who is joined by props Thomas Davies and Lloyd Fairbrother, whilst the second row sees the inclusion of Rynard Landman who made his 100th appearance for the Region last weekend, and skipper Cory Hill. The back-row sees James Benjamin move from number 8 to flanker as Robson Blake returns to the starting XV, alongside flanker Aaron Wainwright.
The bench has had a total reshuffle as Gavin Henson returns to the matchday squad.
Speaking ahead of the European clash, Dragons Skills Coach, Barry Maddocks commented: “Their pack is extremely strong and they are a very powerful unit that dominate in the lineouts and scrum.
“They like to play a territory game to get their pack going forward and they play an around the corner style of game. We are expecting a physical confrontation, for sure.
“They have some talent out wide but their strength is up front and they will come for us with their power game.
“It’s no secret that the French league is a power-based game with
Dragons team to face Bordeaux-Begles
15 Angus O’Brien, 14 Ashton Hewitt, 13 Adam Warren, 12 Jack Dixon, 11 Jared Rosser, 10 Dorian Jones, 9 Sarel Pretorius; 1 Thomas Davies, 2 Elliot Dee, 3 Lloyd Fairbrother, 4 Rynard Landman, 5 Cory Hill ©, 6 Aaron Wainwright, 7 James Benjamin, 8 Robson Blake.
Replacements; Liam Belcher, Luke Garrett, Sam Hobbs, Joe Davies, Carl Meyer, Dan Babos, Gavin Henson, Pat Howard.
There's still time to purchase early bird tickets for the return clash at Rodney Parade next Saturday (
