Dragons name team for Leinster clash

Centre Adam Warren, who played an important role in the win against Scarlets last weekend, knows that travelling to the RDS to take on Leinster will not be an easy job.

The 26-year-old understands that the Irish side may be the favourites for this encounter, but he believes that it’s a good opportunity to make a mark before the next bout of home matches.

“It’s a big challenge and there will be patches when we have to ride the storm,” said Warren. “They always raise their intensity when at home.

“Leinster have a big development programme and a ‘second team’ that can beat anyone on their day. They have proved that in the past and if you don’t make a good start over there then the intensity goes through the roof and they can blow you away.”

He continued; “Leinster don’t have weak links individually but we just have to take our tactical game plan to them and be positive. There’s not much pressure on us as they are favourites.

“We’ve had a big patch of away games but have five home games in December when we really want to put a marker down and show everyone in the championship that we are changing and improving. We want to build momentum.”

Overall Jackman has made eight changes to last weekend’s line-up; The back three sees the return of wing Ashton Hewitt as he joins Jared Rosser and fullback Angus O’Brien. The centre partnership also has a change as Jack Dixon links up with Adam Warren, whilst the half-backs see the return of British and Irish Lion Gavin Henson and South African scrum-half Sarel Pretorius. 

The front row will see 20-year-old hooker Ellis Shipp make his first start for the Region, whilst prop Sam Hobbs returns from injury to also make his first start of the 2017/18 season, they both join tighthead prop Lloyd Fairbrother. The second row has no changes made to it as Joe Davies and Matthew Screech retain their positions and the back-row sees youngster Aaron Wainwright join skipper Ollie Griffiths and number 8 James Benjamin. Whilst the bench sees youngsters Dan Babos and Connor Edwards set for their Pro14 debuts.

Dragons team to face Leinster

15 Angus O’Brien, 14 Jared Rosser, 13 Adam Warren, 12 Jack Dixon, 11 Ashton Hewitt, 10 Gavin Henson, 9 Sarel Pretorius; 1 Sam Hobbs, 2 Ellis Shipp, 3 Lloyd Fairbrother, 4 Joe Davies, 5 Matthew Screech, 6 Aaron Wainwright, 7 Ollie Griffiths ©, 8 James Benjamin.

Replacements; Gerard Ellis, Luke Garrett, Brok Harris, Rynard Landman, Ben Roach, Dan Babos, Arwel Robson, Connor Edwards.

Tickets are now on sale for our five home games in December, starting with our Pro14 clash against Ulster on Friday 1^st December, KO 19:35. To buy tickets for this game, click here.