The young development side currently sit at the top of their pool after defeating Connacht Eagles and Jersey in the opening two rounds of the competition. Tomorrow’s match (KO 14:30) sees the side travel to Yorkshire and take on Doncaster Knights.
Dragons academy manager James Chapron who is currently heading up the PS squad, commented: “While we won against Jersey we weren’t happy with the performance, especially the second half when we folded and they capitalised on our errors with driving lineouts.
“We’ve put some different strategies in place and done some problem solving with the first team coaches and hopefully we will take that into Saturday.”
He added: “We are really happy with where we are in the group but we are under no illusions about how tough the next two games will be. We need to get something out of Saturday then back it up the following week.”
“Doncaster are doing really well in the English Championship but our aim is to finish the group off in the next two games.”
Fullback Geraint Rhys Jones retains his place in the back three and is joined by Newport wing Elliot Frewen and youngster Aaron Warren, who is currently on trial with the Region. Dragons star Aled Brew moves from the wing to join Barney Nightingale in the centre and with Angus O’Brien currently on Sevens duty with Wales, Arwel Robson is named as fly-half, with Charlie Davies supporting him in the half-backs.
The front row has no changes with props Luke Garrett and Leon Brown retaining their places alongside skipper Hugh Gustafson. The second row sees lock Scott Andrews joined by Newport captain Adam Brown. The back row then has two changes made to it with flankers Luke Crocker and Nic Cudd joining Number 8 Harri Keddie.
Dragons Premiership Select
Geraint Rhys Jones (Dragons), Elliot Frewen (Newport RFC), Aled Brew (Dragons), Barney Nightingale (Newport RFC/ Dragons Academy), Aaron Warren (Dragons), Arwel Robson (Newport RFC/ Dragons Academy), Charlie Davies (Dragons); Luke Garrett (Cross Keys/ Dragons), Hugh Gustafson © (Dragons), Leon Brown (Cross Keys/ Dragons Academy), Scott Andrews (Cross Keys/ Dragons), Adam Brown (Newport RFC), Luke Crocker (Ebbw Vale), Nic Cudd (Dragons), Harri Keddie (Ebbw Vale/ Dragons).
Replacements: Rhys Buckley (Dragons), Richard Cornock (Cross Keys), Alex Jeffries (Newport RFC/ Dragons Academy), Ashley Sweet (Ebbw Vale), Scott Matthews (Cross Keys), Owen Davies (Newport RFC/ Dragons), Connor Edwards (Dragons Academy).
* Newport Gwent Dragons Premiership Select squad take on Doncaster Knights in a return fixture at The Bridgefield in Bedwas next week. Tickets are available to buy from the Rodney Parade Ticket Office or online at www.newportgwentdragons.com/tickets
