Aneurin Owen returns to captain Dragons RFC for the first time when the team face Emirates Lions in Round 4 of the EPCR Challenge Cup at Emirates Airline Park in South Africa on Saturday afternoon (kick-off 3.15pm UK).
Owen is recalled in midfield as Interim Head Coach Filo Tiatia makes seven changes to the starting line-up for the clash in Johannesburg.
Full back Huw Anderson and wing Ewan Rosser are awarded starting spots while fly half Will Reed starts his second game of the season in Europe.
Lock George Nott is partnership with Joe Davies in the second row while a reshaped back row sees returns for Ryan Woodman and Shane Lewis-Hughes. Aaron Wainwright misses the game through injury.
Hooker Brodie Coghlan and prop Paula Latu are back among the replacements.
Tiatia said: “We have played Lions already this season, but we know they are a different beast at home. “They will be hurting from the loss in Montpellier, and they are at home, so they understand the ground better than us.
“Lions are dangerous, a good counter attacking side with some quick backs and their centres are strong and get over the gain line. They have a hard running and big pack, so gain line is a real focus.
“It’s going to be a challenge, but we are excited as a group to see what we can achieve and get into the game.”
Dragons RFC: Huw Anderson, Rio Dyer, Joe Westwood, Aneurin Owen (c), Ewan Rosser, Will Reed, Che Hope; Rodrigo Martinez, Elliot Dee, Chris Coleman, Joe Davies, George Nott, Ryan Woodman, Shane Lewis-Hughes, Taine Basham
Replacements: Brodie Coghlan, Dylan Kelleher-Griffiths, Paula Latu, Barny Langton-Cryer, George Young, Morgan Lloyd, Lloyd Evans, Harri Ackerman
Unavailable (11): Ben Carter (knee), Steve Cummins (knock), Cai Evans (leg), Rhodri Jones (knee), Harri Keddie (groin), Angus O’Brien (hand), Josh Reynolds (chest), Matthew Screech (knock), Rhodri Williams (knee), Aaron Wainwright (leg), Luke Yendle (knee)
