Mackenzie Martin returns to the starting line-up as Dragons RFC face reigning champions Leinster in the BKT United Rugby Championship at Rodney Parade on Friday evening (kick-off 7.45pm).
Martin features in a side that sees seven changes for the Men of Gwent since the club’s last outing in October.
A new front row for the game under the lights sees hooker Oli Burrows pack down either side of props Dylan Kelleher-Griffiths and Robert Hunt.
Seb Davies is named in the second row – alongside Matthew Screech – with Martin completing the pack changes.
Two changes in the backs sees a call-up for David Richards in the outside centre jersey while Cai Evans makes his first start since January on the wing.
The replacements feature new hooker Will Austin, a fit-again Levi Douglas and a return for Ewan Rosser.
Head Coach Filo Tiatia said: “Leinster have a good coaching group and a very good squad that they can rely on – with a lot of Ireland international players.
“Whatever team they bring over, they will be very good.
“I am sure there will be good numbers at Rodney Parade to support us and we know that Leinster are a very talented side. It’s a challenge we need to embrace.”
Dragons RFC: Angus O’Brien (Capt), Cai Evans, David Richards, Aneurin Owen, Huw Anderson, Tinus de Beer, Rhodri Williams; Dylan Kelleher-Griffiths, Oli Burrows, Robert Hunt, Seb Davies, Matthew Screech, Ryan Woodman, Thomas Young, Mackenzie Martin
Replacements: Will Austin, Wyn Jones, Owain James, Levi Douglas, Shane Lewis-Hughes, Niall Armstrong, Joe Westwood, Ewan Rosser
Unavailable: Harri Ackerman, James Benjamin, Ben Carter, Brodie Coghlan, Chris Coleman, Elliot Dee, Rio Dyer, Dillon Lewis, Fetuli Paea, Jared Rosser, Sam Scarfe, Aaron Wainwright
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