Dynamic back row forward Ollie Griffiths makes his first appearance of the season as Dragons face Ulster Rugby in the Guinness PRO14 at Kingspan Stadium on Sunday afternoon (kick-off 3pm).
Fit-again Griffiths returns to the starting line-up at Number Eight as boss Dean Ryan makes seven changes to the side that defeated Zebre last time out.
Wing Jared Rosser makes his first start of the league campaign, with Jonah Holmes, who was released by Wales for the fixture, moving to full back.
A new-look centre partnership for the Belfast game will see Adam Warren and Jack Dixon join forces.
The front row sees three changes as prop Greg Bateman makes his full debut for the region and packs down alongside the experienced Richard Hibbard and Lloyd Fairbrother.
Hooker Ellis Shipp, prop Chris Coleman and fly half Arwel Robson are named among the replacements.
Director of Dragons Rugby, Dean Ryan, said: “Ulster are a really robust region during the international window. They are a major test for us as they don’t lose as many during this period as maybe some of the other provinces.
“They are incredibly physical and some of their overseas signings are very influential for them. Even though there is no crowd, we know they are strong at home.
“We see this weekend as a real challenge,” he added.
“We have had a number of big challenges against high quality teams over recent weeks, the likes of Leinster and Bristol. We will see what we have learnt playing at that level and how we can try and stay at that level for longer.
“We were frustrated against Zebre last time out because we had opportunities to really push on and we still haven’t got the maturity to do that.
“This weekend will be another test, another test of going away from home and playing a really physical outfit. We are looking forward to it.”
Dragons (v Ulster Rugby): Jonah Holmes, Jared Rosser, Adam Warren, Jack Dixon, Ashton Hewitt, Sam Davies, Rhodri Williams (c); Greg Bateman, Richard Hibbard, Lloyd Fairbrother, Joe Davies, Matthew Screech, Harrison Keddie, Taine Basham, Ollie Griffiths
Replacements: Ellis Shipp, Brok Harris, Chris Coleman , Joe Maksymiw, Ben Fry, Tavis Knoyle, Arwel Robson, Jamie Roberts
Ulster are incredibly physical and some of their overseas signings are very influential for them... Even though there is no crowd, we know they are strong at home...
