Back row Harry Beddall will make his full debut for Dragons RFC in the BKT United Rugby Championship derby clash with Cardiff Rugby at Rodney Parade on Friday evening (kick-off 7.45pm).
Wales Under-20 captain Beddall, who moved to the Men of Gwent in the summer, is one of ten changes made by Head Coach Filo Tiatia for the massive league encounter.
Beddall is teamed with returning Number Eight Aaron Wainwright and Shane Lewis-Hughes in the back row.
Co-captain Ben Carter us back in the second row and paired by Seb Davies, who faces his former club on his first appearance for Dragons in Newport.
A new-look front row for the game sees Wyn Jones, Brodie Coghlan and Robert Hunt all recalled.
The half backs see Tinus de Beer, playing against Cardiff after his summer move, and Rhodri Williams combine.
Wing Rio Dyer is back out wide with the final change a recall for Angus O’Brien at full back.
The replacements bench includes a first home appearance for Niall Armstrong and a return to fitness for Cai Evans, who could play his first game since January.
“Derbies are exciting and special games,” said Head Coach Tiatia. “People that will come to the game will see a spectacle where battle lines will be drawn by both teams and they are going to go after each other.
“The players are all looking forward to it,” he added. “They are all scrapping for an opportunity. The Welsh internationals also know it’s important with selection coming up.
“It’s special on a Friday night here. It will be a great to see Rodney Parade packed out and noisy, both Cardiff and Dragons fans screaming for their teams.”
Dragons RFC: Angus O’Brien (C), Rio Dyer, Aneurin Owen, Harri Ackerman, Fine Inisi, Tinus de Beer, Rhodri Williams; Wyn Jones, Brodie Coghlan, Robert Hunt, Seb Davies, Ben Carter (C), Shane Lewis-Hughes, Harry Beddall, Aaron Wainwright
Replacements: Oli Burrows, Rodrigo Martinez, Dillon Lewis, Matthew Screech, Ryan Woodman, Niall Armstrong, Cai Evans, Huw Anderson
Unavailable: Elliot Dee, Levi Douglas, Solomone Funaki, Rhodri Jones, Harrison Keddie, Fetuli Paea, Jared Rosser, Luke Yendle, Thomas Young, Harry Rees-Weldon
People that will come to the game will see a spectacle where battle lines will be drawn by both teams and they are going to go after each other...
