Tonga international centre Fetuli Paea makes his first start of the BKT United Rugby Championship season as Dragons RFC tackle Ospreys in a Welsh derby at Rodney Parade on Friday evening (kick-off 7.45pm).
Head Coach Filo Tiatia makes three changes to the side that defeated Scarlets last time out with Paea called up to partner Aneurin Owen in midfield.
The only further change to the back line is a return for scrum half Che Hope, who operates with Tinus de Beer at half back.
Flanker Harry Beddall is the solitary change in the pack as he slots into the openside jersey to play alongside Shane Lewis-Hughes and Harri Keddie in a reshaped back row. Ryan Woodman misses the game through injury.
Co-captain Angus O’Brien is back among the replacements and set to make his first appearance of the season. Chris Coleman and Barny Langton-Cryer also return.
Tiatia said: “Playing back-to-back derbies is certainly different. I've never done it as a player, when I was playing with the Ospreys, but all derbies are special.
“Ospreys have finished their short tour to Africa, and we've watched their games closely. One thing is evident: they scrap and they fight. It will no different this Friday. We're looking forward to hosting them.
“We’re taking game by game - that is the focus for us,” he added. ”We were happy with the result last weekend. But respectfully, the Ospreys are a different challenge.
“We know they're super tough around set piece. They will maul for penalties; their scrum is very solid.
“It’s going to be a game of moments, no different to every weekend, and it’s going to be a good contest.”
Dragons RFC: Huw Anderson, Rio Dyer, Fetuli Paea, Aneurin Owen, Anzelo Tuitavuki, Tinus de Beer, Che Hope; Rodrigo Martinez, Elliot Dee, Robert Hunt, Seb Davies, Ben Carter (c), Shane Lewis-Hughes, Harry Beddall, Harri Keddie
Replacements: Brodie Coghlan, Rhodri Jones, Chris Coleman, Barny Langton-Cryer, Thomas Young, Rhodri Williams, Angus O’Brien, Fine Inisi
Unavailable: Harri Ackerman, Levi Douglas, Eretara Enari, Dylan Kelleher-Griffiths, Dillon Lewis, Harry Rees-Weldon, Matthew Screech, Ryan Woodman
Tickets for that game are available HERE
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Ospreys have finished their short tour to Africa, and we've watched their games closely. One thing is evident: they scrap and they fight...
