Full back Carwyn Penny will make his full debut for Dragons when they face Enisei-STM in Round 6 of the European Challenge Cup at Rodney Parade on Friday evening (kick-off 8pm).
Wales international back row Aaron Wainwright also returns to the starting line-up as Dragons hunt a bonus point win to try and secure a place in the quarter-finals.
Dean Ryan, Director of Dragons Rugby, makes a total of three changes to the side that lost out in Castres last weekend.
Dragons Academy product Penny, a second half replacement at Stade Pierre Fabre, is given the No.15 jersey while centre Adam Warren returns to partner Tom Griffiths in the centre.
Wainwright comes into the back row with Cory Hill moving to lock alongside Matthew Screech.
Centre Tyler Morgan and scrum half Luke Baldwin return among the replacements.
“Our performances in Europe have been some of our high points this season and now we have an opportunity to qualify,” said Ryan.
“It’s important we get our preparation right. Enisei have struggled in the group, but this game can trip you up. Tough weather conditions can also make the margins closer.
“We’ve got to concentrate on winning and getting five points. There are many permutations in the pool stages, but those are just distractions.
“Our focus is on winning and then we will see where we end up come the end of the weekend.
“It’s an experience I want us to enjoy,” he added. “This group has had some troubled times so it would be good to get reward and recognition for what we have achieved in Europe.”
Dragons (v Enisei-STM): Carwyn Penny, Jared Rosser, Adam Warren, Tom Griffiths, Rio Dyer, Sam Davies, Tavis Knoyle; Lloyd Fairbrother, Elliot Dee, Leon Brown, Matthew Screech, Cory Hill (c), Aaron Wainwright, Taine Basham, Ross Moriarty
Replacements: Ellis Shipp, Josh Reynolds, Chris Coleman, Joe Davies, Harrison Keddie, Luke Baldwin, Jacob Botica, Tyler Morgan
Can Dragons make the knockout stages in Europe? Find out when we face Enisei-STM in the final pool game of the European Challenge Cup at Rodney Parade on Friday (kick-off 8pm). Click HERE to buy tickets or call the Ticket Office on 01633 674990.
We’ve got to concentrate on winning and getting five points... there are many permutations in the pool stages, but those are just distractions...
