James Benjamin will play his 100th game for Dragons RFC as the Men of Gwent face champions Glasgow Warriors in the BKT United Rugby Championship at Rodney Parade on Sunday afternoon (kick-off 2pm).
Hooker Benjamin – who becomes the 40th player to hit a century of appearances for the club – is one of six changes made for the Round 11 fixture by boss Filo Tiatia.
Centre Harry Wilson – after his impressive performance off the bench against Munster – and scrum half Dane Blacker return in the back division.
A new-look front row see centurion Benjamin pack down with Josh Reynolds, with the loosehead making his first start in the league this term.
There is a call-up for George Nott to partner Joe Davies in the second row and George Young plays in the back row, with both Dan Lydiate and Taine Basham ruled out.
Ryan Woodman also moves to the back row and is named vice-captain. Aneurin Owen leads the team from midfield.
Prop Rhodri Jones makes a welcome return among the replacements while there is also a potential league debut for Evan Minto and club debut for Scott Williams, who plays under permit.
Head Coach Tiatia said: “Glasgow are coached really well. I know Franco Smith and he runs a good ship.
They’re a strong attacking side, they attack from everywhere and you can expect the unexpected. They have athletes all over the park. They also have a good set piece and collision work, a good offloading game.
“I’m sure some players from Scotland will be available to play on Sunday and we’re under no illusion how challenging a task it will be. But we are at home and looking forward to playing in front of our people.”
Dragons RFC: Huw Anderson (Caerphilly RFC), Rio Dyer (Risca RFC, Pill Harriers, Newport High School Old Boys), Harry Wilson (Harbord Harlequins), Aneurin Owen (CAPT )(Newport High School Old Boys), Jared Rosser (Pontypool United), Lloyd Evans (Cheltenham Tigers), Dane Blacker (Ynysybwl RFC); Josh Reynolds (Newport High School Old Boys), James Benjamin (Whitehead RFC), Chris Coleman (Garndiffaith RFC), Joe Davies (Caldicot RFC), George Nott (Chester RUFC), Ryan Woodman (Caldicot RFC), George Young (Newport High School Old Boys), Shane Lewis-Hughes (Ferndale RFC)
Replacements: Brodie Coghlan (Newport High School Old Boys), Rhodri Jones (Machynlleth RFC), Paula Latu (Woodlands), Barny Langton-Cryer (Cowbridge RFC), Evan Minto (Pontypool United), Che Hope (Blackwood RFC), Will Reed (Cwmbran RFC), Scott Williams (Castell Newydd Emlyn)
Unavailable (13): Dmitri Arhip (knee) (Dinamo Bucharest), Taine Basham (knock) (Talywain RFC), Oli Burrows (shoulder) (Neath Athletic), Ben Carter (knee) (Caldicot RFC), Steve Cummins (knock) (Eastwood Rugby Club), Cai Evans (leg) (Cowbridge RFC), Solomone Funaki (shoulder) ((Havelu Bulldogs), Harri Keddie (groin) (Caerleon RFC), Dan Lydiate (Rhayader RFC) Rodrigo Martinez (knee) (Los Tordos Rugby Club), Angus O’Brien (hand) (Caerleon RFC), Matthew Screech (knock) (Porth Harlequins), Luke Yendle (knee) (Caerphilly RFC)
International duty (3): Elliot Dee (Newbridge RFC), Aaron Wainwright (Whitehead RFC), Rhodri Williams (Ammanford RFC)
They’re a strong attacking side, they attack from everywhere and you can expect the unexpected...
