Wales international prop Leon Brown will make his first start of the season as Dragons RFC face Hollywoodbets Sharks in a crunch Round 4 fixture of the EPCR Challenge Cup at Rodney Parade on Sunday (kick-off 5.30pm).
Brown – this week named in the Wales squad for the upcoming Six Nations – is one of eight changes made by Head Coach Dai Flanagan for the visit of the South African giants.
Hooker Bradley Roberts is recalled to pack down with Brown up front while a new-look second sees Joe Davies paired with Matthew Screech.
Wales Under-20s star Ryan Woodman is named at six while Ollie Griffiths starts in the openside jersey.
Scrum half Dane Blacker will start the game while the final change is a return for centre and captain Steff Hughes.
Wales international Taine Basham and George Young are named among the replacements. Talented young centre Joe Westwood could also make his club debut from the bench.
“We are going out to win,” said head Coach Dai Flanagan.
“We've won our last three at Rodney Parade and it's a big opportunity for us. We have spoken about the importance of giving our fans stuff to cheer about, and this is another opportunity to do that.
“In terms of qualification scenarios, we don't need to tell everyone everything. The easiest solution for us is to win whatever happens elsewhere.
“There will be conversations and interventions from me if needed during the game about what we need. It's helpful being last.”
Dragons RFC: Cai Evans, Rio Dyer, Steff Hughes (c), Harri Ackerman, Jared Rosser, Will Reed, Dane Blacker; Rhodri Jones, Bradley Roberts, Leon Brown, Joe Davies, Matthew Screech, Ryan Woodman, Ollie Griffiths, Aaron Wainwright
Replacements: James Benjamin, Rodrigo Martinez, Luke Yendle, George Young, Taine Basham, Rhodri Williams, Joe Westwood, Ewan Rosser
Unavailable (13): Gonzalo Bertranou (knee), Ben Carter (hamstring), Elliot Dee (illness), Jack Dixon (knock), Lloyd Fairbrother (calf), Ashton Hewitt (knee), Harri Keddie (elbow), Sean Lonsdale (knock), Dan Lydiate (ribs), George Nott (shoulder), Angus O’Brien (arm), Sio Tomkinson (neck), Josh Reynolds (pec)
Tickets for the clash in Europe - as we bid to make it four home wins on the bounce - are on sale NOW by clicking HERE or by calling 01633 670690.
We've won our last three at Rodney Parade and it's a big opportunity for us. We have spoken about the importance of giving our fans stuff to cheer about, and this is another opportunity to do that...
