Second row Rob Sidoli will take on the role of skipper for the sixth time this season as Welsh international Andrew Coombs is out of the starting line up with a knee injury which he sustained during last week’s Dominos Derby against the Cardiff Blues.
Sidoli has won three of his last encounters as captain and will be looking for another win as he leads the team out against the Blues. He will stand alongside three other changes to the starting XV, from the side that faced the Blues on Boxing Day at Rodney Parade.
Fullback Daniel Evans retains his place in the back five alongside winger Will Harries. Matthew Pewtner steps into the position of blindside wing as Hallam Amos is out of selection after sustaining a foot injury last week. The centre paring of Pat Leach and Ashley Smith will remain the same as well as Jason Tovey and Wayne Evans who also get the nod to remain in their half back positions.
Prop Owen Evans and hooker T.Rhys Thomas keep their positions from last week, but are joined in the front row by Dan Way. Rob Sidoli and ex Cardiff Blues player Matthew Screech have been called up into the second row and the back row takes on the familiar form of Netani Talei, Lewis Evans and last week’s Man of the Match Toby Faletau.
There has only been one change to the bench with Adam Jones stepping in at number 19. Sam Parry, Aaron Coundley, Francisco Chaparro, Nic Cudd, Richie Rees, Steffan Jones and Ross Wardle all remain in the same positions as the last game.
Dragons Team to face Cardiff Blues
Daniel Evans, Will Harries, Pat Leach, Ashley Smith, Matthew Pewtner, Jason Tovey, Wayne Evans; Owen Evans, T.Rhys Thomas, Dan Way, Matthew Screech, Rob Sidoli (c), Netani Talei, Lewis Evans, Toby Faletau.
Replacements
Sam Parry, Aaron Coundley, Francisco Chaparro, Adam Jones, Nic Cudd, Richie Rees, Steffan Jones, Ross Wardle.
