Dragons name team for Newcastle must-win

Front row duo Wyn Jones and Brodie Coghlan are recalled as Dragons RFC face Newcastle Red Bulls in a must-win EPCR Challenge Cup encounter at Rodney Parade on Friday evening (kick-off 8pm).

Head Coach Filo Tiatia makes multiple changes for the crunch Round 4 encounter that the Men of Gwent must emerge victorious from in the club’s bid for knockout rugby.

Jones and Coghlan join forces with tighthead Robert Hunt in a new-look front row while co-captain Ben Carter returns in the second row.

Number Eight Aaron Wainwright is back for the game on home soil where there are also recalls in the back row for Harri Keddie and Thomas Young on the flanks.

Scrum half Che Hope is paired with Tinus de Beer at half back while the centre partnership of Fine Inisi and Aneurin Owen is restored. David Richards moves to the wing.

The final change comes at full back where co-captain Angus O’Brien plays.

Hooker George Roberts, centre Harri Ackerman and utility back Cai Evans are named among the replacements.

Tiatia said: “It'll be a tough game. We're under no illusion of just where they're at. We’ve had a good look at them and Newcastle are a good side.

“They beat Gloucester and I watched then game against Perpignan last weekend. They have a good maul and love to maul for penalties and territory.

“I love the way they attack. They launch from deep, are not afraid to play, and they have some exciting backs to go with a hard-working forward pack. We are looking forward to it and know what is coming."

Dragons RFC: Angus O’Brien (cc), David Richards, Fine Inisi, Aneurin Owen, Rio Dyer, Tinus de Beer, Che Hope; Wyn Jones, Brodie Coghlan, Robert Hunt, Ryan Woodman, Ben Carter (cc), Harri Keddie, Thomas Young, Aaron Wainwright

Replacements: George Roberts, Rodrigo Martinez, Cebo Dlamini, Levi Douglas, Shane Lewis-Hughes, Rhodri Williams, Harri Ackerman, Cai Evans

Unavailable: James Benjamin, Chris Coleman, Seb Davies, Elliot Dee, Dylan Kelleher-Griffiths, Rhodri Jones, Dillon Lewis, Mackenzie Martin, Fetuli Paea, Jared Rosser, Matthew Screech