Dragons outside half Jason Tovey is expected to make a return to the side this weekend for the region’s clash with Italian side Aironi Rugby.
Tovey, who has been suffering with a hamstring injury, has been named in Paul Turner’s 26-man squad for the must-win match.
“It’s good to have Jason back,” said Turner. He kept the scoreboard ticking over in a lot of matches last season and we have missed his match-management skills. He needs to show some good early form and this weekend’s game is the perfect opportunity.
“Having said that, although a lot of people have written off Aironi, they have a lot of international players in their side and with a very big pack this is going to be a tough game.
“I was very pleased with the way Toby Faletau came through the game with Toulouse. For someone to come onto the pitch after 5 months out against a side like Toulouse and instantly make an impact is testament to the quality of player that he is.
And Turner is under no illusions as to the importance of Saturday’s match.
“The pressure on us from our supporters to win this game is no greater than the pressure we have put on ourselves. We have to start getting points in the Magners league and this is a must-win game."
Dragons squad for Aironi
Will Harries, Adam Hughes, Aled Brew, Ashley Smith, Rhodri Gomer Davies, Pat Leach, Tom Riley, Mathew Jones, Jason Tovey, Wayne Evans, Nicky Griffiths
Phil Price, Hugh Gustafson, Nigel Hall, Pat Palmer, Steve Jones, Lloyd Burns, Rob Sidoli, Luke Charteris, Scott Morgan, Andrew Coombs, Robin S Taylor, Dan Lydiate, Toby Faletau, Gavin Thomas, Hugo Ellis.
Tovey, who has been suffering with a hamstring injury, has been named in Paul Turner’s 26-man squad for the must-win match.
“It’s good to have Jason back,” said Turner. He kept the scoreboard ticking over in a lot of matches last season and we have missed his match-management skills. He needs to show some good early form and this weekend’s game is the perfect opportunity.
“Having said that, although a lot of people have written off Aironi, they have a lot of international players in their side and with a very big pack this is going to be a tough game.
“I was very pleased with the way Toby Faletau came through the game with Toulouse. For someone to come onto the pitch after 5 months out against a side like Toulouse and instantly make an impact is testament to the quality of player that he is.
And Turner is under no illusions as to the importance of Saturday’s match.
“The pressure on us from our supporters to win this game is no greater than the pressure we have put on ourselves. We have to start getting points in the Magners league and this is a must-win game."
Dragons squad for Aironi
Will Harries, Adam Hughes, Aled Brew, Ashley Smith, Rhodri Gomer Davies, Pat Leach, Tom Riley, Mathew Jones, Jason Tovey, Wayne Evans, Nicky Griffiths
Phil Price, Hugh Gustafson, Nigel Hall, Pat Palmer, Steve Jones, Lloyd Burns, Rob Sidoli, Luke Charteris, Scott Morgan, Andrew Coombs, Robin S Taylor, Dan Lydiate, Toby Faletau, Gavin Thomas, Hugo Ellis.
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