Dan Lydiate will bring up a century of appearances for Dragons RFC when the Men of Gwent tackle Newcastle Falcons in the EPCR Challenge Cup at Kingston Park on Sunday afternoon (kick-off 3.15pm).
Lydiate hits the milestone – becoming the 38th player to join the 100 Club at Dragons – as one of nine changes made by Interim Head Coach Filo Tiatia for the clash in the North-East of England.
Argentine prop Rodrigo Martinez and hooker Brodie Coghlan return up front while Steve Cummins and George Nott form a new-look second row partnership.
Full back Huw Anderson and scrum half Che Hope make their first senior starts for the club while there is also a return for centre Joe Westwood. The final change is a call-up for wing Oli Andrew, who makes his first start of the season.
Oli Burrows, Dmitri Arhip and Rhodri Williams are named among the replacements. Evan Minto, Nick Thomas and new signing Paula Latu could make senior club debuts from the bench.
Tiatia said: “Newcastle Falcons are a good team. They are hard-working, blue collar and play the percentages well.
“They played well out in Pau and have a good strong maul, which led to two tries, so we know what is in front of us.
“They are well coached, hunt for the ball and don’t give away too many opportunities, so we have to take them when they come.
“It will be tough, but every game is an opportunity to stamp your authority on it and impose yourself.”
Dragons RFC: Huw Anderson, Ewan Rosser, Joe Westwood, Aneurin Owen, Oli Andrew, Angus O’Brien (c), Che Hope; Rodrigo Martinez, Brodie Coghlan, Chris Coleman, Steve Cummins, George Nott, Ryan Woodman, Dan Lydiate, Aaron Wainwright
Replacements: Oli Burrows, Josh Reynolds, Paula Latu, Nick Thomas, Evan Minto, Rhodri Williams, Cai Evans, Harry Wilson
Unavailable (13): Leon Brown, Ben Carter (knee), Elliot Dee (ankle), Lloyd Evans, Solomone Funaki (knee), Rhodri Jones (knee), Harri Keddie (groin), Dylan Kelleher-Griffiths (ankle), Shane Lewis-Hughes (hand), Jared Rosser, Matthew Screech (knock), Luke Yendle (knee), George Young (knee)
They are well coached, hunt for the ball and don’t give away too many opportunities, so we have to take them when they come...
