Newport Gwent Dragons v Bedford
Rodney Parade
Friday 24th August, Kick Off 7.30pm
Introduction
The Dragons conclude their preparations for the 2007/08 season with their final pre season game against Bedford at Rodney Parade. This will be The Dragons first home game of the season and the first opportunity for supporters to see The Dragons new signings on home turf.
Head-to-Head
The Welsh regional side and the English National Division One side have never met before, however, there are links between the two. Dragons Head Coach Paul Turner and Bedford Director of Rugby Mike Rayer used to play together at Bedford and will no doubt be looking forward to renewing acquaintances.
Injury Update
The Dragons currently have three injury worries with Alex Walker, Lee Harrison and Rhys Thomas all on the sidelines. Alex Walker is waiting for a scan on his wrist while Lee Harrison is currently in plaster following an ankle operation and will be out till the New Year. Rhys Thomas' injury is the least serious and he is expected to have recovered from his shoulder injury and be fit for the opening Magners League game against the Scarlets.
Form
The Dragons have won their opening two pre season games while Bedford have lost one (61-14 to Leicester Tigers) and won one (36-5 against Cambridge).
Who's Hot
The Dragons two new signings at scrum half, Andy Williams and Wayne Evans have impressed and bring with them control at halfback. In the forwards it will be interesting to see how Andrew Hall captains the side while Nic Fitisemanu is back at No.8 and you can expect to see some trademark bulldozing breaks.
We Think
The good weather that is forecast should make for an open and entertaining game of rugby. Bedford will test The Dragons but home advantage will count and The Dragons will go into the new season undefeated.
Teams
Dragons
M Thomas, G Wyatt, G Maule, A Smith, R Mustoe, A Thomas, W Evans, A Lyon, B Daly, G Robinson, A Hall (c), P Sidoli, D Lydiate, J Harris, N Fitisemanu.
Replacements from – R Fussell, R Gomer Davies, P Dollman, G McCarthy, A Williams, A Black, H Gustafson, S Jones, J Corsi, A Jones, L Charteris, J Ringer, R Parks, J Bearman.
Bedford
Brendan Burke, Ryan Owen, Matt Allen, Liam Roberts, James Hinkins, Ben Patston, Karl Dickson, Matt Volland, Dan Richmond, Dan Cole, Jon Phillips, Mouritz Botha, Nic Strauss, Sacha Harding / Chris Mundy, Rory McKay.
Replacements - Greg Sammons, Bruno Fortuna, Marc Comb, Ross Noonan, Alex Page, Jon Elrick, Peter Clarke, Marco Cecere, Jamie Russell
