Wales international Elliot Dee starts his first game of the season as Dragons RFC face Scarlets in a New Year’s Day derby in the BKT United Rugby Championship at Parc y Scarlets (kick-off 5.15pm).
Hooker Dee is handed a starting spot as Dragons make three changes from the side that were narrowly defeated by Cardiff Rugby.
Shane Lewis-Hughes returns in the back row after an appearance off the bench on Boxing Day.
Cai Evans is also recalled at full back, with a back line shift seeing Huw Anderson move to the wing and Jared Rosser to outside centre.
Prop Dylan Kelleher-Griffiths could make his senior debut from the bench while Chris Coleman and Harry Wilson return among the replacements for the clash in Llanelli.
Backs Coach Matt O’Brien said: “We’re looking forward to getting back out on the field and improving on our last performance.
“There was a lot of good in the game with Cardiff, but also some clear areas that we need to address if we’re to get a positive result in Llanelli.
“Scarlets have had some good results this season, particularly at home where they have won the last three, stretching back to the start of October.
“We will need to be at our best, but it’s a New Year’s Day derby and challenge we are all looking forward to.”
Dragons RFC: Cai Evans, Rio Dyer, Jared Rosser, Aneurin Owen, Huw Anderson, Angus O’Brien (c), Rhodri Williams; Rodrigo Martinez, Elliot Dee, Dmitri Arhip, Joe Davies, Ryan Woodman, Shane Lewis-Hughes, Taine Basham, Aaron Wainwright
Replacements: Brodie Coghlan, Dylan Kelleher-Griffiths, Chris Coleman, Nick Thomas, Dan Lydiate, Che Hope, Will Reed, Harry Wilson
Unavailable (9): Leon Brown, Ben Carter (knee), Steve Cummins (knock), Rhodri Jones (knee), Harri Keddie (groin), George Nott (knock), Josh Reynolds (chest), Matthew Screech (knock), Luke Yendle (knee)
