The Men of Gwent are due to take on Leinster this Sunday 12th April at Rodney Parade, KO 16:15.
Fullback Jason Tovey retains his place in the back three and is joined by international wings Tom Prydie and Hallam Amos. The centre pairing has one change made to it as Tyler Morgan steps in to take the place of Pat Leach who moves onto the bench; Jack Dixon joins Morgan in the centre partnership. Half backs Dorian Jones and Jonathan Evans, who put in a good performance last weekend, retain their places at fly-half and scrum-half respectively.
The front row remains unchanged as hooker and Captain T. Rhys Thomas is joined by props Phil Price and Brok Harris. The second row sees the inclusion of James Thomas, who has made a full recovery from the injury he sustained last weekend, and he joins Cory Hill. Nick Crosswell moves to flanker to cover Thomas and is joined by Nic Cudd in the back-row alongside British and Irish lion Taulupe Faletau who returns to number 8.
There have been five changes made to the replacements bench; these include Rhys Buckley, Matthew Screech, James Benjamin, Pat Leach and Luke Garrett. This will be Garrett’s first appearance for the Dragons if he comes off the bench against Leinster. These five players join Dan Way, Luc Jones and Geraint Rhys Jones.
Looking at the next few games ahead of him, Director of rugby Lyn Jones commented: "We've got to use Leinster in a five-day turnaround as a really good training session, incorporating it in our preparation for Edinburgh.
"European rugby is nice and we will think about that next week but now it's about Leinster and we are not in the position where we can rest players.”
Jones added: "I've no doubt that Leinster will be targeting this game and likewise they will be targeting Toulon, which is the tougher game for them I am not sure.
"We have got to be right on top of our game. I don't foresee any rested players for Leinster because they have got a lot to play for.
"It's going to be a real humdinger and a good test for us to see where we are against a quality outfit.”
Newport Gwent Dragons team to face Leinster
Jason Tovey, Tom Prydie, Tyler Morgan, Jack Dixon, Hallam Amos, Dorian Jones, Jonathan Evans; Phil Price, T.Rhys Thomas (c), Brok Harris, James Thomas, Cory Hill, Nick Crosswell, Nic Cudd, Taulupe Faletau.
Replacements: Rhys Buckley, Luke Garrett, Dan Way, Matthew Screech, James Benjamin, Luc Jones, Pat Leach, Geraint Rhys Jones.
Tickets are still available for the match against Leinster, so #PlayYourPart and get behind the Dragons. Call the ticket office to buy your tickets on 01633 674990 or go to www.newportgwentdragons.com/tickets to purchase them online.
