Dynamic back row Ollie Griffiths make his first appearance of the season as Dragons RFC face the might of Vodacom Bulls in the BKT United Rugby Championship at Rodney Parade on Friday evening (kick-off 7.35pm).
Griffiths is named at openside flanker and is one of five changes made by the Men of Gwent as they kick-off the home campaign for 2023 in Newport.
The other change to the pack is a call-up for Sean Lonsdale, who operates at blindside.
Playmaker Sam Davies is recalled to the starting line-up and combines with Lewis Jones at half back. Scrum half Jones will make his 100th appearance in the URC in the fixture.
Centre Max Clark comes into the team, with Sio Tomkinson moving to wing, while the final change is a start at full back for Jordan Williams.
Argentina international scrum half Gonzalo Bertranou returns among the replacements with prop Lloyd Fairbrother, lock Huw Taylor and fly half Will Reed.
Head Coach Dai Flanagan said: “We’re really looking forward to the challenge of facing the Bulls on home soil.
“Their performances have been good in recent weeks; they will just be disappointed with the outcome of games. They are coming here fully loaded because they need results like we need results.
“They have such talent in their squad. They are physical, they won’t take a step back, so we must match that.
“You look at the back three too, they can light up if we are not on our game and we don’t manage the game.
“They are made of tough stuff. We know what's coming in and we’ve got to be prepared.
“It's home, it's Friday night in Newport and it’s Rodney Parade. It’s a big test and one we need to meet head on.”
Dragons RFC: Jordan Williams, Rio Dyer, Steff Hughes (c), Max Clark, Sio Tomkinson, Sam Davies, Lewis Jones; Aki Seiuli, Bradley Roberts, Chris Coleman, Joe Davies, George Nott, Sean Lonsdale, Ollie Griffiths, Ross Moriarty
Replacements: Brodie Coghlan, Rob Evans, Lloyd Fairbrother, Huw Taylor, Taine Basham, Ben Fry, Gonzalo Bertranou, Will Reed
Unavailable: Ben Carter (ankle), Elliot Dee (collarbone), Rhodri Jones (calf), Harrison Keddie (hamstring), Angus O’Brien (knock), Aneurin Owen (knee), Will Rowlands (shoulder), David Richards (hamstring), Matthew Screech (knock), Rhodri Williams (knock)
It's home, it's Friday night in Newport and it’s Rodney Parade. It’s a big test and one we need to meet head on...
