Number Eight Dan Baker makes his first start of the season as Dragons host league leaders Ulster Rugby in the United Rugby Championship at Rodney Parade on Sunday (kick-off 2pm).
Boss Dean Ryan makes three changes to the starting line-up as the Men of Gwent face the high-flying Irish province on home soil.
Prop Greg Bateman is the other change to the pack as he returns to join forces with Taylor Davies and Chris Coleman up front.
The final change is a call-up for wing Rio Dyer as Dragons chase a first calendar win of the season.
The bench sees a return for Will Talbot-Davies and a potential senior debut for impressive young back row George Young.
“It’s a huge challenge ahead of us and one we are looking forward to,” said Director of Dragons Rugby Ryan.
“Playing any of the Irish provinces is hard, and Ulster are probably the one that goes under the radar with the headlines of the others. But I think they are a coming force.
“They are well coached, well structured, and incredibly physical. If you can't compete with that physicality, they'll blow you off the field.
“What we've got to do is get back is being true to the game that we're trying to play and not get sucked into the type of game that opponents want to play,” he added.
Dragons: Josh Lewis, Jonah Holmes, Adam Warren, Aneurin Owen, Rio Dyer, Sam Davies, Gonzalo Bertranou; Greg Bateman, Taylor Davies, Chris Coleman, Joe Davies, Joe Maksymiw, Harri Keddie (c), Ollie Griffiths, Dan Baker
Replacements: Elliot Dee, Aki Seiuli, Mesake Doge, Huw Taylor, George Young, Rhodri Williams, Ioan Davies, Will Talbot-Davies
They are well coached, well structured, and incredibly physical. If you can't compete with that physicality, they'll blow you off the field...
