Wales international Will Rowlands returns to captain Dragons RFC as they face Cardiff Rugby in a huge BKT United Rugby Championship derby clash on Saturday afternoon (kick-off 5.15pm).
The Men of Gwent make a total of eight changes from the team that faced Benetton for the clash at Cardiff Arms Park.
Rowlands partners international team-mate Ben Carter in the second row while a new-look front row contains Aki Seiuli, Bradley Roberts and Lloyd Fairbrother.
Taine Basham and Ross Moriarty are named in the back row alongside Sean Lonsdale.
Scrum half Rhodri Williams join JJ Hanrahan at half back while the final change is a recall for centre Sio Tomkinson.
The bench includes scrum half Gonzalo Bertranou and back row Harri Keddie. who could both make their first appearances of the season.
“It’s the local derby and Cardiff so all the players are very excited to be involved and get stuck in,” said Head Coach, Dai Flanagan.
“We were disappointed with certain aspects of our game against Benetton, and we have been working hard to make sure we are better this week.
“There is no better time to do it than in a local derby against Cardiff.
“Cardiff have talent throughout their squad, a lot of X-Factor players and a lot of international players - we know what is coming,” he added.
“We must take away time and space because if you give them that they have the quality to hurt you. It’s a game we are all looking forward to being a part of.”
Dragons RFC: Angus O’Brien, Rio Dyer, Sio Tomkinson, Jack Dixon, Jared Rosser, JJ Hanrahan, Rhodri Williams; Aki Seiuli, Bradley Roberts, Lloyd Fairbrother, Ben Carter, Will Rowlands (c), Sean Lonsdale, Taine Basham, Ross Moriarty
Replacements: Elliot Dee, Rhodri Jones, Chris Coleman, Aaron Wainwright, Harrison Keddie, Gonzalo Bertranou, Steff Hughes, Jordan Williams
Unavailable: Leon Brown (neck), Ollie Griffiths (back), Ashton Hewitt (ankle), George Nott (hand)
It’s the local derby and Cardiff so all the players are very excited to be involved and get stuck in...
