Dynamic back row Taine Basham returns to the starting line-up as Dragons prepare to face Scarlets in Round One of the Guinness PRO14 Rainbow Cup on Sunday afternoon at Rodney Parade (kick-off 1pm).
Fit-again Basham will make his first appearance since New Year’s Day as boss Dean Ryan makes a total of seven changes to his starting line-up.
Prop Greg Bateman is the only survivor in the front five from the side that faced Northampton in Europe as on loan hooker Taylor Davies faces against his parent region. Elliot Dee misses the game through injury.
Prop Chris Coleman also packs down up front while a new second row pairing will see Ben Carter and Joe Maksymiw combine.
Wing Rio Dyer is handed a start out wide while Jared Rosser is named at outside centre and joins forces with Aneurin Owen in a new-look midfield.
Scrum half Dan Babos could make his first appearance of the season from the bench where there are also call-ups for Rhys Lawrence and Jack Dixon.
“We’re looking forward to getting started in the cup,” said Ryan.
“It’s a competition that will give us the opportunity to get seven or eight of our youngsters really good competitive experiences over the coming months.
“However, we also don’t want to lose the momentum we’ve gained from recent games in the league and Europe.
“We’ve selected accordingly and have still have a big focus around our senior players while giving some youngsters a chance to impress too.”
Dragons (v Scarlets): Jordan Williams, Jonah Holmes, Jared Rosser, Aneurin Owen, Rio Dyer, Sam Davies, Rhodri Williams (c); Greg Bateman, Taylor Davies, Chris Coleman, Ben Carter, Joe Maksymiw, Ross Moriarty, Taine Basham, Aaron Wainwright
Replacements: Rhys Lawrence, Josh Reynolds, Aaron Jarvis, Matthew Screech, Dan Baker, Dan Babos, Evan Lloyd, Jack Dixon
It’s a competition that will give us the opportunity to get seven or eight of our youngsters really good competitive experiences over the coming months...
