Elliot Dee, James Benjamin and Luc Jones all start this weekend in a new-look team of youth and experience for the men of Gwent.
Dee who makes his ninth appearance for the region commented, “I feel pretty confident in the team. I feel a lot more relaxed now compared to how I felt before. I am very confident in my ability and just want to show the coaches what I can do.”
Looking towards the game on the weekend, he said “Northampton are going to come at us with a big driving game. They have a fast attacking line and big centres so they are going to turn on the power game against us. As a team everyone will be attacking the game against the Saints. Personally I want to do my best to impress Byron (Hayward) so that I am included in the U20s team."
Including the three U20s stars director of rugby, Lyn Jones, has made ten changes to the starting line up. Dan Evans keeps the fullback position from last week and is joined in the back three by wingers Matthew Pewtner and Will Harries. The centre pairing takes on the shape of Pat Leach and Ashley Smith, whilst the halfback positions are taken up by Jason Tovey who returns from an injury he sustained against Bath Rugby and youngster Luc Jones.
The front row takes on a different form with Phil Price, Elliot Dee and Nathan Buck. The second row takes the shape of youngster Cory Hill and longstanding Dragon Adam Jones. The back see the return of Lewis Evans to skipper, under 20s star James Benjamin and Fijian international Netani Talei.
There have been six changes to the replacements bench which includes the addition of Joe Mills. The Bedwas prop is on loan to the region after impressing coaches with his great ball skills. The prop has started ten times for Bedwas and this will be his first appearance for the Dragons if he is called upon. He is joined on the bench by T. Rhys Thomas, Owen Evans, Matthew Screech, Jevon Groves, Richie Rees, Kris Burton and Ross Wardle.
Dragons Team to face Northampton Saints
Dan Evans, Matthew Pewtner, Pat Leach, Ashley Smith, Will Harries, Jason Tovey, Luc Jones; Phil Price, Elliot Dee, Nathan Buck, Cory Hill, Adam Jones, Lewis Evans (c), James Benjamin, Netani Talei.
Replacements:
T. Rhys Thomas, Owen Evans, Joe Mills, Matthew Screech, Jevon Groves, Richie Rees, Kris Burton, Ross Wardle.
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