Dragons RFC team to face Zebre Parma

Wing David Richards and centre Max Clark are called up as Dragons RFC face Zebre Parma in the BKT United Rugby Championship at Rodney Parade on Saturday (kick-off 5.15pm).

The Men of Gwent make eight changes to the starting line-up that defeated Ospreys last time out as they complete the first block of the league season on Newport.

Clark is handed his second start for the club alongside Steff Hughes in midfield while Richards is named on the wing, replacing Rio Dyer who is away on international duty with Wales.

Full back Angus O’Brien returns in the 15 jersey while scrum half Rhodri Williams is paired with Sam Davies at half back.

A new-look front row sees loosehead Aki Seiuli and hooker Elliot Dee pack down alongside Lloyd Fairbrother.

The final changes are a new second row combination of Joe Davies and Sean Lonsdale.

James Benjamin, Rob Evans, Huw Taylor and Ben Fry are named among the replacements.

Scrum half Gonzalo Bertranou is also named on the bench after spending the start of the week at a three-day Argentina training camp.

“You underestimate Zebre at your peril,” said Defence Coach Simon Cross. “They will play more than any side we have played against so far this year.

“They are incredibly dangerous with ball in hand, but we can cause them problems if we get our bits right.

“We can turn the ball over in high field position and give a quality attack the chance to put some points on the board.

“We know what we must do defensively because Zebre are lethal from all over the field with an incredibly dangerous back three. It’s a game we are all looking forward to.”

Dragons RFC: Angus O’Brien, David Richards, Steff Hughes, Max Clark, Jared Rosser, Sam Davies, Rhodri Williams; Aki Seiuli, Elliot Dee, Lloyd Fairbrother, Joe Davies, Sean Lonsdale, Aaron Wainwright, Harrison Keddie (c), Ross Moriarty

Replacements: James Benjamin, Rob Evans, Chris Coleman, Huw Taylor, Ben Fry, Gonzalo Bertranou, JJ Hanrahan, Aneurin Owen

Unavailable: Leon Brown (neck), Lennon Greggains (finger), Ashton Hewitt (ankle), George Nott (hand), Sio Tomkinson (knock), Jordan Williams (leg)

International duty: Ben Carter, Rio Dyer, Rhodri Jones, Bradley Roberts, Will Rowlands, (all Wales)