Ross Moriarty will captain the region for the first time as Dragons face Cardiff Blues in Round Two of the Guinness PRO14 Rainbow Cup on Sunday at Cardiff Arms Park (kick-off 1pm).
Wales international back row Moriarty leads the team as Dean Ryan makes a total of seven changes to his starting line-up for the fixture in the Welsh capital.
Centre Jamie Roberts returns to face his former region, partnering Aneurin Owen in midfield, while Argentine international Gonzalo Bertranou is also called up. Rhodri Williams is ruled out through injury.
Full back Ioan Davies, on loan from Cardiff Blues, is also set to make his first appearance for the Men of Gwent.
Powerhouse prop Leon Brown comes in up front alongside Josh Reynolds while the final changes see a new second row pairing of Joe Davies and Matthew Screech.
Fit-again Josh Lewis returns amongst the replacements alongside back row Harrison Keddie.
Ryan said: “We want to see a similar combination of youth and more experienced players together, it’s something we’ll look to do throughout this competition.
“We’ve introduced some players this week who didn’t feature first up against Scarlets and now it is about hitting the same standards.
“The theme and principle of what we’re trying to do in the Rainbow Cup stays the same but the faces will change. I’m looking forward to seeing how we play in Cardiff as we look to keep momentum going.”
Dragons (v Cardiff Blues): Ioan Davies, Jonah Holmes, Aneurin Owen, Jamie Roberts, Rio Dyer, Sam Davies, Gonzalo Bertranou; Josh Reynolds, Taylor Davies, Leon Brown, Joe Davies, Matthew Screech, Ross Moriarty (c), Taine Basham, Aaron Wainwright
Replacements: Rhys Lawrence, Greg Bateman, Chris Coleman, Ben Carter, Harrison Keddie, Dan Babos, Josh Lewis, Jack Dixon
