Newport Gwent Dragons will be looking to make it two wins from two on the road in the Magners League when they travel to Netherdale on Friday night to take on Border Reivers (7.30pm).
The Dragons have been boosted by the news that captain and Welsh International Kevin Morgan has recovered from his foot injury and he will captain the team from fullback. Speaking on his return Kevin said, "Watching the team from the sidelines I have been impressed with the boys work ethic, professionalism and above all the team's performances. On a personal note it has been a frustrating time for me but I am delighted to be back and captaining the region. I am relishing getting back onto the field and am lucky to be part of a team that is performing so well. I am privileged to have regained a spot in what is a competitive team and one that has made huge strides on the pitch."
Centre Paul Emerick makes his first start for the region following his recovery from a hamstring injury and he comes in at outside centre. Both Aled (back) and Nathan Brew (ribs) have been ruled out with Richard Fussell coming in on the wing.
"I am excited to be getting back onto the field after six weeks off through injury," commented Paul Emerick. "I cannot wait to start my first game for The Dragons and am looking to put in a good performance for the club. There is no doubt that the team have been playing well but results have eluded us. We travel to Scotland determined to put that right and leave with the right result."
Among the forwards Ben Daly comes in at hooker for Steve Jones while the rest of the pack remains unchanged from the team that narrowly lost to the Scarlets.
On the replacements bench Luke Charteris has recovered from his ankle injury to be named as has Nic Fitisemanu who has been cleared to play following his injury in the Ulster match. Gareth Chapman is named for the first time this season in the match day 22.
The Dragons started their Magners League campaign with a win up in Glasgow and have narrowly missed out on results in their other two games but the performances have give coach Paul Turner heart. He commented, "We travel to Borders believing we can win. After our two very close games against champions Ulster and the Scarlets where we felt we should have shaded at least one of those two games, Friday nights game in context is a must win match. Borders is not an easy place to get a result, they have recruited well and are a Heineken Cup side. The players will feel they have a point to prove after last year's debacle and it will give us a chance to show we are moving in the right direction."
Dragons Team
Kevin Morgan (c), Gareth Wyatt, Paul Emerick, Ashley Smith, Richard Fussell, Ceri Sweeney, Alex Walker, Adam Black, Ben Daly, Rhys Thomas, Ian Gough, Peter Sidoli, Joe Bearman, Jamie Ringer, Colin Charvis.
Replacements
Steve Jones, Lee Harrison, Luke Charteris, Nic Fitisemanu, Gareth Chapman, Mike Hercus, Gareth Baber
