Guinness Premiership giants Northampton Saints are the visitors to Rodney Parade on Saturday for round two of the EDF Energy Cup competition kick off 5.30pm.
The Newport Gwent Dragons management have had a fresh headache this week with only one player on the physio's bench and a full squad to select the team from. Michael Owen, Gareth Cooper and Luke Charteris all came through their first outing for the region this season suffering no after effects from their injuries that had kept them out for the opening month of the season.
Hooker Steve Jones is the only player unavailable for selection and he will undergo an operation to clear up a shoulder injury.
The Dragons have announced a 24-man squad for the game with USA international duo Mike Hercus and Paul Emerick also not available due to World Cup qualifying matches, they return to The Dragons early next week.
Head Coach Paul Turner will announce his team after the captain's run on Friday saying, "With the Welsh squad training this week we haven't had all the players available to us until Thursday's training session so only then have we been able to have a good look at everyone and confirm the starting line up. We were disappointed with the amount of unforced errors we made against Leicester and that we gave away some soft tries. Despite that there are a number of aspects we are pleased with, the atmosphere at Welford Road didn't intimidate the youngsters and we were committed until the final whistle. We had opportunities to score but we just didn't take them. We need to start coming away with points when we are in the opposition 22 and there will be a big emphasis on this at the weekend."
A mouth-watering prospect awaits supporters on Saturday with All Black Carlos Spencer potentially playing at Rodney Parade. If featured he will more than likely go head-to-head with Ceri Sweeney. The two have played each other in three matches previously with Spencer's team coming out on top on all occasions, Sweeney is hoping to change that on Saturday commenting, "There is no doubt Carlos is a superb player. I have played against him three times before including in the World Cup and last season at Northampton. He is a tough player to play against and is very skilful. People turn up to watch him play and this is good for us as a region as people on Saturday will no doubt be coming along to see him play.
"Although we were disappointed with the loss last weekend we have taken stock from the manner in which we refused to give up and if we had taken our chances it could have been a much different result. Northampton are a big, physical side, they have the Carlos Spencer factor and outside him talented backs. However, we have our own danger men and providing we win quality ball then we should be able to unleash them. With a number of high profile players on display I would urge all supporters in the region to come out in force and back The Dragons."
With the injury list at the Dragons looking distinctly short at present and Kevin Morgan back to his best, the Men of Gwent are looking to secure their first home win of the season.
"We have performed well in our two home games to date but results have alluded us," commented Dragons captain Kevin Morgan who will play his first home game on Saturday. "The key thing is to build on these performances and to get back to winning ways at home. It will not be easy against Northampton but we have the incentive to win for our home support who have been magnificent this season. Northampton have played some good rugby to date and with a number of internationals in their side and orchestrated by Carlos Spencer they will provide a stern challenge. However, it is an exciting challenge for us and for our supporters to see us take them on. There was a fantastic atmosphere against the Scarlets and those who came to watch the game certainly made their voices heard. I know that the team are hoping there will be the same atmosphere here on Saturday. On a personal note I cannot wait to lead the team onto Rodney Parade and hopefully back into the changing room at the end with a victory under our belts and to chants of Dragons."
Dragons Squad
Kevin Morgan, Gareth Wyatt, Gareth Chapman, Nathan Brew, Ashley Smith, Aled Brew, Richard Fussell, Ceri Sweeney, Craig Warlow, Alex Walker, Gareth Cooper, Adam Black, Ben Daly, Kieran Crawford, Rhys Thomas, Lee Harrison, Ian Gough, Peter Sidoli, Luke Charteris, Andrew Hall, Colin Charvis, Michael Owen, Nic Fitisemanu, Jamie Ringer.
