Edinburgh Rugby are one of three teams who did not collect a single point in the opening round, whilst Newport Gwent Dragons, claimed an impressive victory overcoming last season’s finalists, Ulster, 15-8.
The Men of Gwent have won six of their last eight clashes with Edinburgh and have also been victorious on three of their last six visits to Murrayfield.
The starting 15 see Matthew Pewtner step into the wing as Tom Prydie is out with an ankle injury, the centre pairing stay the same with Pat Leach and Jack Dixon and last week’s man of the match Jason Tovey also keeps his place as outside half. As for the forwards, Owen Evans comes in as loose head prop with newcomer Matthew Screech and long standing Adam Jones as the second rows. Lewis Evans then takes on the challenge of blindside flanker as Fijian international Netani Talei takes on the role of number 8.
On facing his old team Talei said, “I have always told my friends that whatever happens on the field stays on the field. So at the end of the day I am a Dragon and I will do whatever I can to help the boys beat Edinburgh.”
He added “I have settled in very well, the boys have made me feel very welcomed here. It’s quite a big change but the boys have been great and we have great banter here.”
Dragons Team to face Edinburgh
Dan Evans, Matthew Pewtner, Pat Leach, Jack Dixon, Hallam Amos, Jason Tovey, Richie Rees; Owen Evans, T.Rhys Thomas (c), Dan Way, Adam Jones, Matthew Screech, Lewis Evans, Nic Cudd, Netani Talei.
Replacements
Hugh Gustafson, Phil Price, Francisco Chaparro, Rob Sidoli, Toby Faletau, Jonathan Evans, Kris Burton, Ross Wardle.
