Newport Gwent Dragons have announced their starting XV for their Magners League game against Border Reivers on Friday night (7.30pm) with Michael Owen taking over as captain.
With five of the squad away with Wales a number of changes from the team that won in Bayonne have been made. Gareth Wyatt switches to fullback for Kevin Morgan with Gareth Chapman coming in on the wing. Ashley Smith has recovered from his shoulder injury to partner Paul Emerick in midfield. Aled Thomas makes his first start of the season at outside half with Alex Walker his half back partner.
Jamie Corsi (of the academy and attached to Ebbw Vale) has overcome his knee injury to start at tight head prop while Peter Sidoli partners Luke Charteris at lock. In the back row Owen starts at blindside flanker with Nic Fitisemanu at No.8.
Dragons Team
15. Gareth Wyatt
14. Gareth Chapman
13. Paul Emerick
12. Ashley Smith
11. Aled Brew
10. Aled Thomas
9. Alex Walker
1. Adam Black
2. Ben Daly
3. Jamie Corsi
4. Luke Charteris
5. Peter Sidoli
6. Michael Owen (c)
7. Jamie Ringer
8. Nic Fitisemanu
Replacements
16. Richard Wilkes
17. Gethin Robinson
18. Andrew Hall
19. James Harris
20. Richard Fussell
21. Phil Dolman
22. Gareth Baber
