The 33-year-old is one of six changes that have been made to last weekend’s team that lost out narrowly to Connacht at Rodney Parade.
There are two changes to the back three as fullback Carl Meyer returns to full fitness is joined by Hallam Amos who has been released from Wales camp; they join one of last weekends try scorers, wing Ashton Hewitt. The centre partnership remains unchanged as Adam Hughes and Adam Warren make their 17th appearance together this season. Fly-half Jason Tovey sits this game out after suffering a back injury against Connacht and young gun Angus O’Brien replaces him. Sarel Pretorius joins O’Brien in the half-backs as scrum-half.
Two changes are made to the front row as prop Phil Price and hooker Elliot Dee sit this match out because of knocks sustained during the match against Connacht. They are replaced by Boris Stankovich and hooker Thomas Rhys Thomas; who join prop Brok Harris. There is one change in the second row as Cory Hill gets the nod alongside Rynard Landman. The back row remains unchanged as flankers Ben White and Nic Cudd retain their places alongside number 8 Nick Crosswell.
The replacements bench has four changes made to it as Hugh Gustafson, Matthew Screech, Lewis Evans and Geraint Rhys Jones join Rhys Buckley, Shaun Knight, Charlie Davies and Ross Wardle.
Newport Gwent Dragons team to face Benetton Treviso
Carl Meyer, Ashton Hewitt, Adam Hughes, Adam Warren, Hallam Amos, Angus O’Brien, Sarel Pretorius; Boris Stankovich, Thomas Rhys Thomas ©, Brok Harris, Cory Hill, Rynard Landman, Ben White, Nic Cudd, Nick Crosswell.
Replacements: Rhys Buckley, Hugh Gustafson, Shaun Knight, Matthew Screech, Lewis Evans, Charlie Davies, Geraint Rhys Jones, Ross Wardle.
Tickets for Newport Gwent Dragons’ remaining home matches are currently on sale from the Rodney Parade Ticket Office. The Men of Gwent take on Glasgow Warriors, Edinburgh Rugby, Ospreys and Scarlets at Judgement Day – To buy tickets for these games click here, or call 01633 674990.
