COOPER RETURNS FOR DRAGONS

The Dragons currently lie second in Pool D on an equal number of points as Northampton so the winners of Saturday’s clash will go into pole position in the group before the final round of matches in December.

Head Coach Paul Turner commented: “We have made a number of changes to the side from last weekend most of them due to squad rotation. We have had a tough start to the season and with a number of difficult games over the forthcoming weeks it is important that all players stay fresh but more importantly that they are match fit when called upon.”

Sione Tuipulotu comes in at full back for Kevin Morgan who moves to the replacements bench while Jon Bryant comes in for Ceri Sweeney who moves to fly half in place of Craig Warlow who is named among the substitutes. In the forwards, youngster Dai Maddocks makes his second competitive start for The Dragons at loose head prop while Luke Charteris has recovered from a back and knee injury to take his place in the second row.

Newport club hooker Andrew Brown remains at hooker after performing admirably against Leicester. In the back row Richard Bryan starts at blindside flanker with Jamie Ringer coming in at open side flanker while Michael Owen remains at No. 8 and will captain the side.

Gareth Cooper is named on the replacements bench after recovering from an ankle operation and joins fellow Welsh international Kevin Morgan.

“This is only Northampton’s second home game of the season,” continued Paul. “There is no doubt that they will want to play well at home in front of their supporters.

“I was pleased with the way we performed against Leicester last Friday and we need to take our expansive approach with us into Saturday’s game. It is good to welcome Gareth Cooper back into the squad after his ankle operation and he will be looking to get some game time.

“We need to play with the same intensity we displayed at home away from Rodney Parade. Northampton are a physical and powerful team and will be tough to beat at the impressive Franklin’s Gardens, however, in the winner takes all Pool qualification and with both sides unbeaten it is set to be a thrilling encounter.”

Dragons Team: Sione Tuipulotu, Gareth Wyatt, Hal Luscombe, Jon Bryant, Ben Breeze, Ceri Sweeney, Gareth Baber, David Maddocks, Andrew Brown, Rhys Thomas, Luke Charteris, Peter Sidoli, Richard Bryan, Jamie Ringer, Michael Owen (C)

Replacements: Leighton Jones, Adam Black, Ian Gough, Jason Forster, Kevin Morgan, Craig Warlow, Gareth Cooper