The men of Gwent currently sit in 9th place in the RaboDirect PRO12 tournament and currently sit eight points behind the Scarlets and four points in front of Cardiff Blues. The region has only won one away game this season which was against Glasgow Warriors in November.
Dan Evans retains his place at fullback and is joined in the back three by Welsh internationals Tom Prydie and Will Harries who also retain their places. The centre pairing is all change as it gets a facelift with Pat Leach and Ashley Smith, as Ross Wardle is left out of selection and Jack Dixon is moved to the bench. Fly half Jason Tovey remains in at number ten and Richie Rees also retains his place as scrum half.
Director of rugby Lyn Jones names a new front row consisting of prop Phil Price, Wales U20s hooker Elliot Dee and newcomer Duncan Bell. Skipper Andrew Coombs keeps his place in the second row but is joined by young gun Matthew Screech, as Rob Sidoli sits this game out. The back row sees one change with the addition of British and Irish lion Taulupe Faletau, who makes his first start for the Newport Gwent Dragons after returning from international duty. The number 8 joins flankers Lewis Evans and Nic Cudd who both keep their places from last weekend.
There have been seven changes made to the replacements as Sam Parry, Bruce Douglas, Nathan Buck, Cory Hill, Jevon Groves, Jack Dixon and Hallam Amos all join Wayne Evans.
Newport Gwent Dragons team to face Zebre
Dan Evans, Tom Prydie, Pat Leach, Ashley Smith, Will Harries, Jason Tovey, Richie Rees; Phil Price, Elliot Dee, Duncan Bell, Andrew Coombs (c), Matthew Screech, Lewis Evans, Nic Cudd, Taulupe Faletau.
Replacements
Sam Parry, Bruce Douglas, Nathan Buck, Cory Hill, Jevon Groves, Wayne Evans, Jack Dixon, Hallam Amos.
