Wales international hooker Elliot Dee will captain the team on his return as Dragons face Toyota Cheetahs in the Guinness PRO14 in South Africa on Saturday evening (kick-off 6.35pm).
Dee returns to the starting line-up as one of four changes made by Head Coach Ceri Jones to the side that drew with Isuzu Southern Kings last weekend.
Prop Ryan Bevington is also named in the front row, his first start since December, for the clash at altitude at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein. Richard Hibbard misses the game with a hamstring injury.
Experienced forward Lewis Evans – who recently signed a new deal at Dragons – also returns in the second row as Academy ace Max Williams moves to the bench.
The only change in the back line is a call-up for Jordan Williams who is named at full back, with former South African international Zane Kirchner moving to the wing.
Will Talbot-Davies could get his first action of the tour after being named among the replacements.
Head Coach Ceri Jones said: “We’ve had a really good week of preparation in Cape Town and now look to take that momentum into the weekend’s game.
“We know the Cheetahs are a dangerous team and are similar to the Kings in many ways. They like a fast offloading game and will want to keep the ball in play. Their pack of forwards are also a threat that we must match.
“The game is being played at altitude so we need to factor that in and try and control the tempo of the game as much as we can.
“We’ve all enjoyed the trip to South Africa and come together closer as a squad. But it’s vital we now look to perform in the final game in Bloemfontein and secure that away win we all want.”
Dragons (v Toyota Cheetahs): Jordan Williams, Zane Kirchner, Adam Warren, Jack Dixon, Hallam Amos, Josh Lewis, Rhodri Williams; Ryan Bevington, Elliot Dee (c), Leon Brown, Matthew Screech, Lewis Evans, Aaron Wainwright, Taine Basham, Ross Moriarty
Replacements: Rhys Lawrence, Brok Harris, Lloyd Fairbrother, Max Williams, Huw Taylor, Tavis Knoyle, Jason Tovey, Will Talbot-Davies
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We’ve all enjoyed the trip to South Africa and come together closer as a squad. But it’s vital we now look to perform in the final game in Bloemfontein and secure that away win we all want...
