The newly capped international came off the bench against Connacht last weekend but will start for the Dragons this Friday night at Rodney Parade. The 19-year-old, who turns 20 tomorrow, is one of the four personnel changes and one positional adjustment to the team.
Versatile back Tom Prydie is moved from wing to fullback for this match. He is joined in the back three by wingers Ashton Hewitt and Nick Scott. The centre pairing takes on a new shape as Tyler Morgan joins newcomer Adam Warren, who retains his place from last week. Fly-half Jason Tovey keeps his number 10 jersey with Sarel Pretorius joining him as scrum-half.
The front row has one change made to it as prop Boris Stankovich is joined by Brok Harris; skipper Thomas Rhys Thomas retains his place as hooker. The second row partnership remains unchanged as Rynard Landman and Cory Hill get the nod. The back row has one change to it as flanker Lewis Evans joins Nic Cudd and number 8 Ed Jackson.
The replacements bench has two changes as Shaun Knight and Carl Meyer join Hugh Gustafson, Phil Price, James Thomas, James Benjamin, Charlie Davies and Dorian Jones.
Newport Gwent Dragons assistant coach Shaun Connor, commented on the inclusion of Tyler Morgan in the team; “He has been excellent since he has come back and seems to have matured over the summer from training with better players and picking things up off them in the Welsh squad.”
Looking forward to Friday nights match against Connacht Conner added; “Zebre didn't perform very well last weekend but we know that there will be a reaction from them on Friday.
"They are a proud bunch and will be up for it so it's up to us to be more accurate and clinical than we were in Connacht. Zebre will be hurting from the result against the Blues so we need a strong opening 20 minutes.
"They are not going to roll over for us so we must focus on things that we can control; when we get in good positions we need to come away with points.”
Dragons team to face Zebre Rugby
Tom Prydie, Ashton Hewitt, Tyler Morgan, Adam Warren, Nick Scott, Jason Tovey, Sarel Pretorius; Boris Stankovich, Thomas Rhys Thomas ©, Brok Harris, Cory Hill, Rynard Landman, Lewis Evans, Nic Cudd, Ed Jackson.
Replacements:
Hugh Gustafson, Phil Price, Shaun Knight, James Thomas, James Benjamin, Charlie Davies, Dorian Jones, Carl Meyer.
Tickets are still available to see the Dragons take on Zebre on Friday 11th September KO 19:05. Tickets are available online, email and over the phone – Click here to buy online, email ticketing@rodneyparadeltd.com or call 01633 674990.
