Keddie to hit 150 in Zebre encounter

Harrison Keddie is set to make his 150th appearance as Dragons RFC face Zebre Parma in the BKT United Rugby Championship at Rodney Parade on Saturday evening (kick-off 5.30pm).

Head Coach Filo Tiatia makes eight changes to the side defeated by Ospreys last weekend as back row Keddie returns to hit a major milestone – becoming just the 14th player to achieve the feat for the Men of Gwent.

Full back Angus O’Brien is recalled and captains the side – with Ben Carter absent on Wales duty.

Wing David Richards returns and Fine Inisi is also back in midfield to partner Fetuli Paea, who is set to face his former club in Newport.

Talented young prop Jordan Morris makes a first start of the season while Chris Coleman also packs down in a new-look the front row.

Lock Matthew Screech is named in the second row - joining forces with Barny Langton-Cryer who switches from the back row - and Evan Minto slots into the seven jersey alongside Keddie and Shane Lewis-Hughes. Harry Beddall misses the game through injury.

Argentine prop Rodrigo Martinez could make his 50th appearance for the club from the replacements bench, while Owain James, Nick Thomas, Sam Scarfe, Morgan Lloyd, Cai Evans and Joe Westwood earn call-ups.

Senior Coach Matt O’Brien said: “We’re excited to get back home, in front of our fans, and face Zebre. We faced them a few times last season and want to keep up that recent record.

“We were disappointed with a few aspects last weekend (against Ospreys) and it’s great to go play at Rodney Parade and look to put it right.

“Zebre are a threat. The results don’t reflect what they are about, they stay in the fight and play an expansive brand of rugby. It’s a challenge and one we’ll embrace back in Newport.

On Keddie’s milestone he added: “It’s brilliant for him. You’d always love a team of Harrison Keddies because he always works hard and plays with his heart on his sleeve.

“He’s a local lad who’s achieved so much. A real leader, a quality player and even better man. We’re pleased to have him back and for him to make his 150th appearance on home soil will be special.”

Dragons RFC: Angus O’Brien (c), David Richards, Fine Inisi, Fetuli Paea, Anzelo Tuitavuki, Tinus de Beer, Rhodri Williams; Jordan Morris, Elliot Dee, Chris Coleman, Barny Langton-Cryer, Matthew Screech, Shane Lewis-Hughes, Evan Minto, Harrison Keddie

Replacements: Brodie Coghlan, Rodrigo Martinez, Owain James, Nick Thomas, Sam Scarfe, Morgan Lloyd, Cai Evans, Joe Westwood

Unavailable: Harri Ackerman, Harry Beddall, Levi Douglas, Rio Dyer, Eretara Enari, Robert Hunt, Rhodri Jones, Dylan Kelleher-Griffiths, Harry Rees-Weldon, Jared Rosser, Ryan Woodman, Thomas Young

International duty: Ben Carter, Seb Davies, Che Hope, Dillon Lewis, Aneurin Owen