Wales international hooker Bradley Roberts returns to the starting line-up as Dragons RFC face reigning league champions the DHL Stormers in BKT United Rugby Championship on Saturday afternoon (kick-off 12noon UK).
The Men of Gwent make seven changes from the side that was narrowly defeated by Emirates Lions for the league clash at Gqeberha.
Roberts is back up front after his autumn exploits with Wales and is joined in the pack by lock Matthew Screech, who makes his first start since his return on loan.
Huw Taylor takes the six jersey, alongside Aaron Wainwright and captain Ross Moriarty in the back row.
A new half back pairing sees the recalled Rhodri Williams and JJ Hanrahan combine.
Centre Max Clark joins forces with Steff Hughes in midfield while the final change is a call-up for Jordan Williams on the wing.
Harri Keddie, Will Reed and Aneurin Owen are the new faces among the replacements.
“We are most certainly going up a level against the Stormers,” said Head Coach Dai Flanagan.
“Their squad is very strong. They had a lot of development players in the side against the Scarlets, but it didn't change the way they play.
“They have a DNA and they challenged the Scarlets a lot; they have line speed in defence and play a bit more with their back line than then opposition we faced last week.
“I’m sure they’ll have some internationals back this weekend because they go to Clermont after us and, if it was me, I'd want them involved.
“We are preparing for the very best Stormers team and we have to be ready.”
Dragons RFC: Angus O’Brien, Sio Tomkinson, Steff Hughes, Max Clark, Jordan Williams, JJ Hanrahan, Rhodri Williams; Aki Seiuli, Bradley Roberts, Lloyd Fairbrother, Matthew Screech, Sean Lonsdale, Huw Taylor, Aaron Wainwright, Ross Moriarty (c)
Replacements: James Benjamin, Josh Reynolds, Chris Coleman, Harri Keddie, Ben Fry, Lewis Jones, Will Reed, Aneurin Owen
Unavailable: Elliot Dee (collarbone), Rob Evans (head knock), Lennon Greggains (finger), Ollie Griffiths (calf), George Nott (hand), Will Rowlands (shoulder), David Richards (hamstring), Jared Rosser (shoulder)
I’m sure they’ll have some internationals back this weekend because they go to Clermont after us and, if it was me, I'd want them involved...
