He will play alongside fellow welsh internationals Hallam Amos and Toby Faletau in this home Amlin Challenge Cup clash (KO 7.15pm).
On his return to Rodney Parade Dragons skipper Coombs said, “I am really keen to get out on the field now, I am feeling good and I can’t wait to play.
“The strength and depth we have is fantastic and we’ve never had that option before when the boys have gone away to Wales camp. To see people like Rob Sidoli play out of their comfort zones and also Talei at number 8 is fantastic. Sid comes with a lot of experience so the younger boys are learning a lot from him; he’s important to have around.”
Looking towards tomorrow’s game the skipper said, “We have to win this home game as it’s going to be a tough trip going over there but we are looking for the win. We need to play well here and get some confidence and then try for the win away from home. The boys have gained a lot of this already away from home by winning against Glasgow.”
Including the Welsh internationals there have been nine changes in the regional teams starting XV. Fullback Dan Evans retains his place at number 15. He is joined in the back three by Matthew Pewtner who moves to open side wing as Hallam Amos steps back into the fold as blindside wing. The centre pairing takes on a different shape with Pat Leach and Ashley Smith. Jason Tovey retains his place at outside half and Wayne Evans steps into the scrum half position making this his first start at home this season.
The front row sees the return of Hugh Gustafson to his previous position of loose head prop. Gustafson last started for the Dragons as a prop in 2011 when they took on Edinburgh rugby at Rodney Parade. He is joined by Sam Parry as hooker and Dan Way as tight head prop. The second row sees the return of skipper Andrew Coombs and Matthew Screech. Lewis Evans then keeps his place at blindside flanker, with Nic Cudd and British and Irish Lion Toby Faletau making up the rest of the back row.
The replacements are Elliot Dee, Owen Evans, Nathan Buck, Rob Sidoli, Ieuan Jones, Richie Rees, Kris Burton and Ross Wardle.
Dragons team to face
Union Bordeaux Bègles
Daniel Evans, Matthew Pewtner, Pat Leach, Ashley Smith, Hallam Amos, Jason Tovey, Wayne Evans; Hugh Gustafson, Sam Parry, Dan Way, Andrew Coombs (c), Matthew Screech, Lewis Evans, Nic Cudd, Toby Faletau.
Replacements
Elliot Dee, Owen Evans, Nathan Buck, Rob Sidoli, Ieuan Jones, Richie Rees, Kris Burton, Ross Wardle.
