Prop Leon Brown and full back Jordan Williams both make their first Guinness PRO14 appearances of the season as Dragons host Zebre Rugby at Rodney Parade on Friday night (kick-off 8.15pm).
Wales international Brown and livewire number 15 Williams were absent for the clash with champions Leinster but are now part of four changes made by boss Dean Ryan.
Lock Matthew Screech is called up to partner Joe Davies in the second row for the region’s first game of the season on home soil.
Dynamic back row Taine Basham is also named at openside flanker, with Harrison Keddie moving to blindside. Aaron Wainwright misses the game through injury.
Prop Greg Bateman could make his first appearance for Dragons after being named among the replacements.
There is also a call-up to the bench for back row talent Ben Fry.
“We’re in a good place and looking forward to a first game on home soil,” said Ryan, Director of Dragons. Rugby.
“We know when Zebre have their international players they are a real threat. They have a real physical presence around their set piece too.
“We have to answer the physical challenge up front and we have to make sure we have them under control to be able to get the result that we want.
“We’ve made some changes to the team, but at the same time we are trying to keep the majority together with some continuity,” he added.
“We are one game into the season so we have to get some continuity going and look to see some improvement before we lose our internationals.”
Dragons (v Zebre Rugby): Jordan Williams, Jonah Holmes, Nick Tompkins, Jamie Roberts, Ashton Hewitt, Sam Davies, Rhodri Williams (c); Brok Harris, Elliot Dee, Leon Brown, Joe Davies, Matthew Screech, Harrison Keddie, Taine Basham, Ross Moriarty
Replacements: Richard Hibbard, Greg Bateman, Aaron Jarvis, Joe Maksymiw, Ben Fry, Tavis Knoyle, Josh Lewis, Adam Warren
We have to answer the physical challenge up front and we have to make sure we have them under control to be able to get the result that we want...
