Dragons prepare for all-Wales clash
The Dragons have made three changes to the team that narrowly lost on Saturday to current champions Ulster for Tuesday’s derby clash with academy member Ashley Smith coming in at inside centre with Ceri Sweeney replacing Mike Hercus at fly half.
Hooker Steve Jones has recovered from his neck injury to make the starting XV while flanker Joe Bearman comes in at blindside flanker replacing the injured Nic Fitisemanu. Colin Charvis keeps the captain’s armband and plays at No.8.
Head Coach Paul Turner keeps his policy of bringing through the academy members with Alex Walker and Ashley Smith both starting. Academy member Lewis Evans is named on the replacements bench.
Ashley Smith makes his first full competitive start for the region on Tuesday, he was a replacement in The Dragons Powergen Cup clash against Worcester last year and started for The Dragons in their pre season warm up game against the Cornish Pirates but had to leave the field 12 minutes into the game after suffering a bang to the head. “I am looking forward to making my first start for the team especially as it is a match against another Welsh region,” commented Ashley. “I have experienced players around me in Nathan Brew and Ceri Sweeney so I will get lots of advice during the game which will make it easier. To have top quality players around me is fantastic but I will look to grasp the opportunity with both hands and aim to hang onto The Dragons jersey. The game against the Scarlets will be tough but I am relishing making my first start for The Dragons region. Hopefully we will have the same atmosphere as Saturday night and entertain the crowd and give the home support something to cheer about.”
USA International Paul Emerick is named for the first time on the replacements bench having recovered from a hamstring injury.
“The crowd were magnificent on Saturday,” commented Head Coach Paul Turner. “I could hear them all round the ground. It’s now up to us to repay them. There’s a great match in store for supporters on Tuesday with the East v West derby game. They are always tremendous clashes on-field. It is a big ask to play another highly competitive game on Tuesday especially as Saturday’s game was played at a furious pace and was real end-to-end stuff. But we owe the Scarlets one after they completed the double over us last year. They will bring a different challenge to that of Ulster, they have a typical Welsh all round game, are smart and organised up front, have two world class half backs and any number of flair back line players. It is a big ask for the squad but one game we are all up for.”
Looking ahead to Tuesday night’s clash lock Ian Gough commented, “We are buoyed by our performance against reigning league champions Ulster but we have to win our home games if we are to make an impact in the Magners League. The game against the Scarlets is a tough game with international half backs Dwyane Peel and Stephen Jones a force to be reckoned with and it will take a massive effort from the whole team if we are to get a result. It is a quick turnaround for us from the Ulster game but with no Magners League game next weekend it is all or nothing for us. It will take a big effort from us to get a result but one we are all prepared to give with 10 days off after the game. Having home advantage for this match is a big plus and we have to make the most of that especially as it is a big Welsh derby clash. The support was good on Saturday night and the supporters were completely behind us and positive which gave us a big lift and we hope the crowd will again get behind us and make life difficult for the opposition.”
Dragons Team
Craig Warlow, Gareth Wyatt, Nathan Brew, Ashley Smith, Aled Brew, Ceri Sweeney, Alex Walker, Adam Black/David Maddocks, Steve Jones, Rhys Thomas, Ian Gough, Peter Sidoli, Joe Bearman, Jamie Ringer, Colin Charvis (c)
Replacements
Ben Daly, Lee Harrison, Bryn Griffiths, Lewis Evans, Aled Thomas, Paul Emerick, Gareth Baber
