Wales international hooker Elliot Dee returns to the starting line-up and wing Rio Dyer makes his first start of the season as Dragons tackle Bordeaux-Begles in the Heineken Champions Cup on Saturday evening (kick-off 8pm UK time).
Director of Dragons Rugby, Dean Ryan, makes a total of seven changes for the Round 2 clash at Stade Chaban-Delmas.
Speedster Dyer comes into a back line that also features recalls for centre Jack Dixon and scrum half Tavis Knoyle, who will partner captain Sam Davies at half back.
Lock Joe Davies links up with Joe Maksymiw in the second row while a new-look back row sees Huw Taylor play blindside. Lewis Evans moves into the Number eight jersey.
The final change is a return for prop Lloyd Fairbrother. Following a close contact review, that has been approved by Public Health Wales, the tighthead has been released to play.
Back row James Benjamin and prop Conor Maguire are named among the replacements.
Exciting young centre Aneurin Owen is also included in the matchday squad and could make his senior debut for Dragons in France.
“We’re excited about this weekend and more action in the Heineken Champions Cup. It’s an enormous challenge and one we are looking forward to facing,” said Ryan.
“Bordeaux are a traditional French team in that they are enormous up front, but they are also very well marshalled.
“French sides are always very powerful, but often want to play an unstructured game. However, Bordeaux are quite organised and play the kicking game well too.
“Around set-piece, drive and ball carrying it’s a big challenge for us at the weekend.”
Dragons (v Bordeaux-Begles): Josh Lewis, Jared Rosser, Nick Tompkins, Jack Dixon, Rio Dyer, Sam Davies (c), Tavis Knoyle; Brok Harris, Elliot Dee, Lloyd Fairbrother, Joe Davies, Joe Maksymiw, Huw Taylor, Taine Basham, Lewis Evans
Replacements: Richard Hibbard, Conor Maguire, Aaron Jarvis, Ben Carter, James Benjamin, Rhodri Williams, Aneurin Owen, Owen Jenkins
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We’re excited about this weekend and more action in the Heineken Champions Cup... It’s an enormous challenge and one we are looking forward to facing...
