Fly half Jason Tovey returns to the starting line-up on the brink of making history for the region as Dragons face Benetton Rugby in the Guinness PRO14 in Italy on Saturday afternoon (kick-off 1pm UK time).
Tovey – who starts the league game just five short of 1,000 points for Dragons in all competitions – is one of four changes made by Head Coach Ceri Jones for the encounter at the Stadio Monigo.
Centre Jack Dixon is recalled to partner Tyler Morgan in midfield while full back Zane Kirchner is also named in the team.
The only change in the pack is a call-up for experienced second row forward Lewis Evans. Hooker Richard Hibbard will captain the side.
Centre Adam Warren returns among the replacements, but versatile back Jordan Williams is ruled out of the trip to Italy through injury.
“I have nothing but respect for what Benetton have done this season. They have really established themselves as a quality team,” said Jones ahead of the league clash.
“They are well drilled and if you look at their results this season, particularly over the last few months, you can see they are a very good side.
“We all know about our away record and we need to go out there and get an away win. We need to address it and get it over the line,” he added.
“We made big strides up in Edinburgh last time out, but ultimately we didn’t get it over the line. It is something we strive towards every single away game and we will travel with confidence.”
Dragons (v Benetton Rugby): Zane Kirchner, Jared Rosser, Tyler Morgan, Jack Dixon, Will Talbot-Davies, Jason Tovey, Rhodri Williams; Brok Harris, Richard Hibbard (c), Lloyd Fairbrother, Lewis Evans, Matthew Screech, Harri Keddie, Ollie Griffiths, James Benjamin
Replacements: Rhys Lawrence, Rhys Fawcett, Dan Suter, Joe Davies, Taine Basham, Rhodri Davies, Josh Lewis, Adam Warren
We made big strides up in Edinburgh last time out, but ultimately we didn’t get it over the line. It is something we strive towards every single away game and we will travel with confidence...
