Lock George Nott makes a derby day return as Dragons RFC tackle rivals Cardiff Rugby in Round 10 of the BKT United Rugby Championship at Rodney Parade on Boxing Day (kick-off 2.15pm).
The Men of Gwent make five changes to the side that lost out to Pau last time out.
Fit-again Nott makes his first appearance since the start of October and partners Joe Davies in the second row.
Wales international Ross Moriarty is also back in the starting line-up, with Aaron Wainwright moving across the back row to six.
Playmaker JJ Hanrahan is handed the ten jersey for derby day while there are also returns for full back Angus O’Brien and centre Steff Hughes.
Prop Aki Seiuli is one of the changes among the replacements.
“There’s been real excitement ahead of the game. Everyone wants to play, and weve see an edge around the place,” said Head Coach Dai Flanagan.
“Cardiff have a fantastic squad. You look at the individuals and they have superstars all over the field.
“Their performances are getting better week by week and they are becoming a smart team. We need to make sure physically and tactically we're on point.
“We want to win every game of rugby we play in, and we were really disappointed we lost out to Pau last weekend. We need to improve and there is no better place to do that than in a derby.
“We’re all looking forward to a big game in front of a big and vocal Rodney Parade crowd.”
Dragons RFC: Angus O’Brien, Rio Dyer, Steff Hughes, Jack Dixon, Ashton Hewitt, JJ Hanrahan, Rhodri Williams; Rhodri Jones, Bradley Roberts, Chris Coleman, Joe Davies, George Nott, Aaron Wainwright, Harri Keddie (C), Ross Moriarty
Replacements: Brodie Coghlan, Aki Seiuli, Lloyd Fairbrother, Matthew Screech, Sean Lonsdale, Lewis Jones, Sam Davies, Sio Tomkinson
Unavailable: Gonzalo Bertranou (knee), Ben Carter (ankle), Elliot Dee (collarbone), Aneurin Owen (knee), Will Rowlands (shoulder), David Richards (hamstring)
