Tonga international duo Fetuli Paea and Fine Inisi make their home debuts as Dragons RFC face Hollywoodbets Sharks in the BKT United Rugby Championship at Rodney Parade on Friday (kick-off 8.05pm).
Summer recruit Paea starts his first game following his Pacific Nations Cup exploits as Head Coach Filo Tiatia makes four changes from the side that lost out in Belfast on the opening weekend.
Inisi comes onto the left wing, with Jared Rosser ruled out through injury, in the other change to the back line. Tinus de Beer makes his home league debut at fly half.
Hooker Brodie Coghlan starts his first game of the season, replacing the injured Elliot Dee, while Wyn Jones and Rob Hunt make full home league debuts up front.
The final change is a call-up for Ryan Woodman in the back row, where he secures the blindside jersey. Shane Lewis-Hughes moves to openside.
Changes to the replacements include call-ups for hooker Oli Burrows – who could make his first appearance since December – Wales international prop Chris Coleman and centre Harri Ackerman.
“We were in the game against Ulster last week, but we have got to be more clinical on penalties and how we gave them opportunities to get into our 22 and score,” said Filo Tiatia.
“We’ve got to make sure we play our style of game and know how we impose our game this Friday.
“Sharks will also be disappointed. They went to Glasgow and played a good side, but I know Plums (John Plumtree) well and they will be very physical when they come here.
“We are clear on what they will bring. Big pack, they will be physical, and they will try and dominate space when they see it. “They have a very good offloading game on the edges when you allow them too. We know what is coming.”
Dragons RFC: Angus O’Brien (CC), Rio Dyer, Fetuli Paea, Aneurin Owen, Fine Inisi, Tinus de Beer, Rhodri Williams; Wyn Jones, Brodie Coghlan, Rob Hunt, Matthew Screech, Ben Carter (CC), Ryan Woodman, Shane Lewis-Hughes, Aaron Wainwright
Replacements: Oli Burrows, Rodrigo Martinez, Chris Coleman, Levi Douglas, Harri Keddie, Che Hope, Harri Ackerman, Huw Anderson
Tickets remain on sale NOW for our home opener with Hollywoodbets Sharks. Click HERE to buy online or call 01633 670690 during office hours.
