He sustained the ankle injury during the early stages of the regional side’s victory over the Scarlets in September. Thomas was expected to be out of action until the New Year but has made a rapid recovery to make it back in time for tomorrow night’s game. This will be the second of the Dragons back to back fixtures and is set to take place Thursday 12th December (KO 19.45).
He will be alongside nine other changes that have been made to the squad from last weekend’s bonus point win against Bordeaux-Bègles at Rodney Parade.
Facing Bordeaux-Bègles again, director of rugby Lyn Jones said, “We were happy with Friday’s outcome and performance. However we fully understand that back-to-back matches are challenging and we are under no illusions.
“Our players are creating habits and they are good habits. We are attempting to push our attacking game forward a step... so I believe that we are moving in the right direction.”
Lyn Jones has made one change in the back five with Ross Wardle stepping in as blindside wing. He is joined in the back three by fullback Daniel Evans and winger Matthew Pewtner. The centre pairing remains the same with Pat Leach and Ashley Smith. Jason Tovey remains as outside half and Wayne keeps his position at scrum half.
Owen Evans takes his place as loose head prop in the starting XV as Hugh Gustafson moves across to the bench. Young gun Sam Parry keeps his place as hooker and the Argentine tight head prop Francisco Chaparro also bolsters the forwards at number 3. Skipper Andrew Coombs retains his place in the second row alongside lock Rob Sidoli, who was rested last week. The back row remains the same with Lewis Evans as blindside flanker, Nic Cudd open side flanker and Toby Faletau at number 8.
Six changes have been made on the replacements bench with Thomas Rhys Thomas, Hugh Gustafson, Matthew Screech, Netani Talei, Steffan Jones and Will Harries. Both Nathan Buck and Richie Rees keep their places on the bench.
Dragons team to face Union Bordeaux-Bègles
Daniel Evans, Matthew Pewtner, Patrick Leach, Ashley Smith, Ross Wardle, Jason Tovey, Wayne Evans; Owen Evans, Sam Parry, Francisco Chaparro, Andrew Coombs (c), Rob Sidoli, Lewis Evans, Nic Cudd, Toby Faletau.
Replacements
T.Rhys Thomas, Hugh Gustafson, Nathan Buck, Matthew Screech, Netani Talei, Richie Rees, Steffan Jones, Will Harries.
