Jason Forster leads the experienced side, which contains 12 internationals with Ceri Sweeney making his debut for The Dragons
Meanwhile Northampton Saints have named their team and have 6 internationals in their side with World Cup winning star Ben Cohen starting on the wing.
One absence from The Dragons side is Percy Montgomery and whilst his teammates take on Northampton he will be hoping his side South Africa can clinch the Tri Nations Series against Australia in Durban.
Last time Montgomery was in Durban he got married and will be hoping his trip to the city on the Indian Ocean will be as memorable this time around.
Named on the Australian bench and making his last appearance in the Wallaby jersey is Matt Burke who will become a familiar face to Montgomery over the next few months as Burke is set to join Newcastle Falcons and the two will go head-to-head in the Heineken Cup.
“I am hoping to be back playing for the Dragons in the Heineken Cup and our first match is against Newcastle,” commented Percy Montgomery. “Hopefully both Matt and myself will be selected and it should be an interesting battle on the field. Matt is a quality full back who will add an extra dimension to the Falcons back line and with Jonny Wilkinson back from injury coupled with the signing of Colin Charvis Newcastle will be a difficult prospect. However, with the additions to The Dragons over the close season and the whole Wales v England rivalry it is set to be a cracking match. The Australia v South Africa battle in the back line will also add extra spice to the game.”
However, before The Dragons turn to the Heineken Cup they have the start of the Celtic League to contend with and Ulster in a pre season friendly on Saturday 28th August at Rodney Parade kick off 2.30pm.
Dragons Team
K Morgan, G Wyatt, H Luscombe, J Bryant, N Brew, C Sweeney, G Baber, R Snow, S Jones, C Anthony, I Gough, P Sidoli, R Beattie, J Forster, R Bryan
Replacements – J Richards, R Thomas/A Black or G Robinson, L Charteris, R Oakley / J Ringer, R Jones, C Warlow, S Winn / B Breeze.
Northampton Team
B Reihana, W Human, M Tucker, M Stcherbina, B Cohen, S Drahm, M Robinson, B Sturgess, S Thompson (c), R Morris, R Hunter, D Browne, A Blowers, D Fox, G Seely.
Replacements – D Richmond, J Ross, E O’Donoghue, M Soden, J Howard, J Clarke, C Hyndman, R Kempson, J Rudd.
