Fullback Geraint Rhys Jones returns to the starting XV and replaces Jason Tovey who is unavailable due to a sprained ankle he sustained against Connacht, after landing awkwardly during the Guinness PRO12 match. Jones is joined in the back three by international wings Tom Prydie and Hallam Amos. The centre pairing of Jack Dixon and Ashley Smith remains the same as last week after impressing coaches, and they are joined in the backs by fly-half Dorian Jones and scrum-half Jonathan Evans who both retain their places.
The experienced front row remains unchanged as props Boris Stankovich and Brok Harris join hooker and this weekend’s captain T. Rhys Thomas. After making his 100th appearance for the Men of Gwent last weekend off the bench, Ian Gough moves into the starting XV and is joined in the second row by 23-year-old Cory Hill. The back row from last weekend’s clash against Connacht consists of flankers James Thomas and Nic Cudd who join number 8 New Zealander Nick Crosswell.
The replacements bench has three changes made to it as young guns Matthew Screech, Luc Jones and Ashton Hewitt join Rhys Buckley, Lloyd Fairbrother, Dan Way, James Benjamin and Matthew Pewtner.
Dragons team to face Zebre
Geraint Rhys Jones, Tom Prydie, Jack Dixon, Ashley Smith, Hallam Amos, Dorian Jones, Jonathan Evans; Boris Stankovich, T. Rhys Thomas, Brok Harris, Ian Gough, Cory Hill, James Thomas, Nic Cudd, Nick Crosswell.
Replacements: Rhys Buckley, Lloyd Fairbrother, Dan Way, Matthew Screech, James Benjamin, Luc Jones, Matthew Pewtner, Ashton Hewitt.
Tickets are on sale for next Sundays encounter (08.02.15) against Ulster, so make sure that you #PlayYourPart and get behind the Dragons. Call the ticket office to buy your tickets on 01633 674990 or go to www.newportgwentdragons.com/tickets
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