The Men of Gwent return to the European Rugby Challenge Cup after losing out to Leinster Rugby in the Guinness PRO12 last weekend but beating Edinburgh at home the week before. The Dragons are currently unbeaten four from four at Rodney Parade throughout all competitions, and moving back into the European competition they hope to continue with their home form away at Worcester. Dragons lock Matthew Screech commented: “We had a few good wins leading up to that Leinster game. It was disappointing last weekend but we need to bring that buzz back and go into it at Worcester at 100mph.
“We’ve made the semi-finals of the Challenge Cup in the last few seasons and it’s always been a good competition for us.
“We had a good win last season at Gloucester and we’ve been to places and had really good wins, including against some tough French teams. Hopefully it can be the same again this season and can be a catalyst for us.”
He continued: “All we’ve been on about this week is going into the match at 100mph and showing teams from the first 20 minutes that we are there to win.
“When you consider the Edinburgh game, we went into half-time 24-12 up, so we need to do that from the off in every game. I think we’re fully capable of doing it.”
Newport Gwent Dragons’ back three is all change with fullback Tom Prydie coming in to replace Carl Meyer, after he sustained a head injury last weekend. Welsh International Tyler Morgan is named on the wing with Ashton Hewitt joining him. The centre partnership is made up of Sam Beard and Adam Warren, with Angus O’Brien retaining the number 10 jersey and South African Sarel Pretorius being named as scrumhalf.
The front row has one change made to it as hooker Rhys Buckley joins props Phil Price and Brok Harris. The second row sees the inclusion of Matthew Screech and newly capped Welsh International Cory Hill. The back row sees skipper Lewis Evans move from flanker to number 8, with James Thomas joining Nic Cudd as a flanker.
The replacements bench sees seven changes made to it as Elliot Dee, Sam Hobbs, Leon Brown, Rynard Landman, Harrison Keddie, Tavis Knoyle and Jack Dixon join Geraint Rhys Jones.
Newport Gwent Dragons team to face Worcester Warriors
15 Tom Prydie, 14 Tyler Morgan, 13 Sam Beard, 12 Adam Warren, 11 Ashton Hewitt, 10 Angus O’Brien, 9 Sarel Pretorius; 1 Phil Price, 2 Rhys Buckley, 3 Brok Harris, 4 Matthew Screech, 5 Cory Hill, 6 James Thomas, 7 Nic Cudd, 8 Lewis Evans ©.
Replacements: Elliot Dee, Sam Hobbs, Leon Brown, Rynard Landman, Harrison Keddie, Tavis Knoyle, Geraint Rhys Jones, Jack Dixon.
Newport Gwent Dragons Half Season Tickets are now on sale from the Rodney Parade Ticket Office. This includes the Dragons V Ospreys match on 1st January, KO 17:05. Price start at £65 for adults, for more information or to buy your half-season ticket now call 01633 674990.
