Scrum-half Jonathan Evans has returned to the starting XV along with flanker Lewis Evans.
Fullback Tom Prydie retains his place in the back three alongside wingers Matthew Pewtner and Hallam Amos. The young centre pairing of Tyler Morgan and Jack Dixon also keep their places in the starting XV. One change has been made in the half-backs as Jason Tovey is joined by young gun Jonathan Evans.
There are no changes in the front row as props Phil Price and Brok Harris are joined by hooker Elliot Dee. The second row remains the same with lock Andrew Coombs and skipper Rynard Landman taking up their places. The back row has one change made to it as Lewis Evans joins Nic Cudd and Taulupe Faletau in the back row.
On his return to the starting XV, Evans commented: “I was gutted to miss last week’s 11-9 defeat to Cardiff Blues at Rodney Parade as a result of quite a few niggles.
“The Ospreys are top of the Guinness Pro12 for a reason so it was a surprise to see the Scarlets beat them so convincingly last weekend. Derby games are always won by a bit of ferocity up front and that was the case.
“The challenge for us is to meet the Ospreys’ power game head-on while we’ve also got to try and contain Rhys Webb and Dan Biggar, who have been in outstanding form.
“But we had four good wins in December and beat the Blues in Cardiff, so we head west with confidence.”
The replacements bench has six changes made to it as Rhys Buckley returns from injury and is joined by Lloyd Fairbrother, Matthew Screech, James Thomas, Richie Rees and Geraint Rhys Jones. They all join Owen Evans and Dorian who featured on the bench last week.
Newport Gwent Dragons team to face Ospreys
Tom Prydie, Matthew Pewtner, Tyler Morgan, Jack Dixon, Hallam Amos, Jason Tovey, Jonathan Evans; Phil Price, Elliot Dee, Brok Harris, Andrew Coombs, Rynard Landman (c), Lewis Evans, Nic Cudd, Taulupe Faletau.
Replacements: Rhys Buckley, Owen Evans, Lloyd Fairbrother, Matthew Screech, James Thomas, Richie Rees, Dorian Jones, Geraint Rhys Jones.
Newport Gwent Dragons next home game is on Saturday 24th January, KO 15:00, click here to buy your tickets or call us on 01633 674990.
