Wales international duo Ben Carter and Rhodri Jones return to the starting line-up as Dragons RFC face Emirates Lions in Round One of the EPCR Challenge Cup on Saturday (kick-off 10.45am UK).
There are nine changes for the Men of Gwent as the squads returns to Johannesburg to face the Lions for the second time in three games on the club’s South Africa tour.
Carter and Jones – who both featured for Wales during the autumn – are named in a pack that also includes returns for prop Chris Coleman, lock Joe Davies and back row captain Harri Keddie.
Matthew Screech moves to wear the six jersey while Bradley Roberts and Ross Moriarty are retained.
Playmaker Sam Davies is back to partner Rhodri Williams at half back. Wings Ashton Hewitt and Jared Rosser could both feature in South Africa for the first time.
Sio Tomkinson moves to centre, partnering the recalled Jack Dixon, while Jordan Williams also has a positional change as he slots into the full back role.
Dragons Academy product Brodie Coghlan could make his club debut off the bench while there is also a place for fit-again prop Rob Evans among the replacements.
“Lions are a very tough opening game for us,” said Head Coach Dai Flanagan. “You saw what they did to a strong Scarlets last weekend in Johannesburg. We know what is coming.
“I have been clear with the group; we need to use the squad with European rugby and derby games coming up.
“We have a fantastic squad here and I am looking forward to dropping some players in who haven’t played yet in South Africa and seeing how they perform.”
Dragons RFC: Jordan Williams, Jared Rosser, Sio Tomkinson, Jack Dixon, Ashton Hewitt, Sam Davies, Rhodri Williams; Rhodri Jones, Bradley Roberts, Chris Coleman, Joe Davies, Ben Carter, Matthew Screech, Harri Keddie (c), Ross Moriarty
Replacements: Brodie Coghlan, Rob Evans, Lloyd Fairbrother, Aaron Wainwright, Ben Fry, Lewis Jones, Will Reed, Steff Hughes
Unavailable: Taine Basham (wrist), Elliot Dee (collarbone), Ollie Griffiths (calf), George Nott (hand), Aneurin Owen (knee), Will Rowlands (shoulder), David Richards (hamstring)
We have a fantastic squad here and I am looking forward to dropping some players in who haven’t played yet in South Africa and seeing how they perform...
