Props Chris Coleman and Rodrigo Martinez return as Dragons RFC face Benetton Rugby in the BKT United Rugby Championship at Rodney Parade on Saturday evening (kick-off 5.30pm).
Head Coach Filo Tiatia makes three changes to the side that was narrowly defeated by Ospreys last time out for the Round 12 clash in Newport.
Wales international Coleman is back for his first league action since October while Argentine ace Martinez also packs down up front.
The other change to the starting line-up is a return for Shane Lewis-Hughes who takes the Number Eight jersey.
Prop Owain James and lock Barny Langton-Cryer are named among the replacements. Ben Carter and Aaton Wainwright miss the game due to international call-ups.
Senior Coach Sam Hobbs said: “We look forward to the challenge Benetton will bring. I think both teams are in totally different places right now to when we last played it’s not a case of a revenge mission.
“We were disappointed with that result, but we feel it’s been put to bed with our recent performances, especially at home.
“It’s another challenge at Rodney in which the crowd and fans in the most recent block have been outstanding. They have boosted our performances by at least 20 or 30 percent and we can’t wait to get back out in front of them.”
Dragons RFC: Angus O’Brien (c) (Caerleon), David Richards (Newport, Monmouth), Fine Inisi (Takapuna), Aneurin Owen (Newport High School Old Boys), Rio Dyer (Risca, Pill, Newport High School Old Boys), Tinus de Beer (Blue Bulls), Che Hope (Blackwood); Rodrigo Martinez (Los Tordos), Brodie Coghlan (Newport High School Old Boys), Chris Coleman (Garndiffaith), Levi Douglas (Old Elthamians), Seb Davies (Pentyrch), Ryan Woodman (Caldicot), Harry Beddall (St Peter’s), Shane Lewis-Hughes (Ferndale)
Replacements: Oli Burrows (Neath Athletic), Jordan Morris (Croesyceiliog), Owain James (Ynysybwl), Barny Langton-Cryer (Cowbridge), Evan Minto (Pontypool United), Rhodri Williams (Ammanford), Fetuli Paea (Waitohi Picton), Cai Evans (Cowbridge)
Unavailable: Ben Carter (Caldicot), Elliot Dee (Newbridge RFC), Cebo Dlamini (Blue Bulls), Robert Hunt (Drostdy), Rhodri Jones (Machynlleth), Harri Keddie (Caerleon), Dillon Lewis (Beddau), Mackenzie Martin (Glamorgan Wanderers), Matthew Screech (Porth Harlequins), Thomas Young (Aberdare), Aaron Wainwright (Whitehead), Joe Westwood (Blackwood)
Tickets remain on sale NOW! Click HERE to buy online and join us on Saturday evening or call 01633 670690 (9am-4pm) to take your place for all the action.
It’s another challenge at Rodney in which the crowd and fans in the most recent block have been outstanding. They have boosted our performances by at least 20 or 30 percent and we can’t wait to get back out in front of them...
