Newport Gwent Dragons head coach, Paul Turner, has named a strong side for the region’s first pre-season friendly, against the Cornish Pirates tomorrow.
Turner has handed debuts to Canadian fullback Matt Evans, Hugo Ellis, and Welsh Internationals Matthew Jones and Scott Morgan, while Nathan Brew who recently returned to Rodney Parade makes his first start for the Dragons since taking on Leinster in 2007.
Tom Willis, confirmed last week as the 2010-11 captain, starts in an experienced front row with Ali McKenzie and Ben Castle propping down either side of him.
Turner has named five front-row replacements in a 12-man bench which also includes a call-up for Cross Keys open-side flanker and captain, Rob Nash.
Rugby Manager, Rob Beale, said: “It’s our first pre-season game and there’s a real mixture of experience and development players.
“We have a few players out injured but we are delighted to have handed Rob Nash a chance. He is a very influential player for Cross Keys and it will be a great opportunity for him.”
Newport Gwent Dragons team to play Cornish Pirates tomorrow (17.00) at Mennaye Field:
15 Matt Evans
14 Nathan Brew
13 Rhodri Gomer-Davies
12 Tom Riley
11 Aled Brew
10 Matthew Jones
9 Wayne Evans
8 Hugo Ellis
7 Lewis Evans
6 Andrew Coombs
5 Scott Morgan
4 Adam Jones
3 Ben Castle
2 Tom Willis (c)
1 Ali McKenzie
Replacements:
Lloyd Burns, Nigel Hall, Phil Price, Pat Palmer, Steve Jones; Royce Cadman; Rob Nash; Jonathan Evans, Jason Tovey; James Thomas, Matthew Pewtner.
