Wales international Elliot Dee will make his 150th appearance for Dragons RFC when they tackle Connacht Rugby in the BKT United Rugby Championship at Rodney Parade on Saturday evening (kick-off 8pm).
Dee hits the magic milestone – becoming only the 12th player to reach 150 games for the Men of Gwent – as Head Coach Dai Flanagan rings the changes.
Ten players come into the starting line-up with Dee forming a new-look front row alongside Rhodri Jones and Chris Coleman.
Lock Matthew Screech is recalled alongside Ben Carter in the second row while Wales ace Aaron Wainwright and Harri Keddie return in the back row. Taine Basham moves to openside.
A new-look half back pairing sees Rhodri Williams return and unite with Cai Evans, who moves from full back to take the ten jersey.
Steff Hughes returns in midfield to captain the side; Ewan Rosser is named out wide and the final change is a call-up for Jordan William at full back.
Flanagan said: “Being at home in front of our people is something we are looking forward to. “
This four-game block is very important to us, and this is the first of them. This is one of the most exciting times since I’ve been at the club, this run of games, and we need to make the most of it.
“Connacht target certain games and we would be a game that I imagine they will try and target for five points. It is on us to prove people wrong and perform,” he added.
“I have been impressed with Connacht’s style of play. You can see the detail in their game, how well the keep the ball, run into spaces and their shape.
“They are a very highly skilled team and they have done a fantastic job as a coaching staff out there. They are a really pleasing team on the eye to preview because they play good rugby.
“It’s a big challenge for us, but one we need to embrace. Rodney Parade has always been a tough place for teams to come, but we need to make it tougher. We need to limit errors, put more pressure on away teams earlier in games and see games off.”
Dragons RFC: Jordan Williams, Rio Dyer, Steff Hughes (c), Aneurin Owen, Ewan Rosser, Cai Evans, Rhodri Williams; Rhodri Jones, Elliot Dee, Chris Coleman, Ben Carter, Matthew Screech, Harri Keddie, Taine Basham, Aaron Wainwright
Replacements: James Benjamin, Rodrigo Martinez, Luke Yendle, George Nott, Sean Lonsdale, Che Hope, Will Reed, Joe Westwood
Unavailable (10): Harri Ackerman (leg), Oli Andrew (hamstring), Leon Brown (knock), Lloyd Fairbrother (calf), Ollie Griffiths (elbow), Ashton Hewitt (knee), Angus O’Brien (arm), Bradley Roberts (back), Ryan Woodman (thumb), George Young (pec)
Watch the Dragons this Saturday as they face Connacht Rugby (kick-off 8pm) in the BKT United Rugby Championship. CLICK HERE to buy your tickets now or call 01633 670690 during office hours.
Rodney Parade has always been a tough place for teams to come, but we need to make it tougher. We need to limit errors, put more pressure on away teams earlier in games and see games off...
