News
Preview: Dragons v Newcastle
October 02 2008
Former rugby league wing Danny Williams will make his run-on debut for Newcastle on Friday as they head to Rodney Parade to take on the Dragons in the EDF Energy Cup.
Williams, formerly of Leeds Rhinos in the thirteen-man version of the game, will start in the left wing in a side that shows several changes from that which lost against Gloucester.
With Jonny Wilkinson once again missing through injury Rory Clegg returns to the side at fly-half, and is joined at half-back by Micky Young, who makes his first start of the season.
There is also a debut for England U18 flanker Will Welch, as he takes his place in the pack at openside.
"We have freshened the team up for this game after two physical matches in the space of just four days against Bristol and Gloucester, and we are looking forward to seeing how this group performs," said Director of Rugby Steve Bates.
"Despite a number of changes we still have a big, physical pack and plenty of threat in the backs. We know the Dragons will provide tough opposition, especially down here in Wales, but this team is relishing the challenge."
The Dragons name a side showing twelve changes from that which beat Edinburgh in the Magners League last week.
Notable inclusions are Ebbw Vale prop Anthony Lott, Cross Keys hooker Lloyd Burns and Newport prop Alex Murphy. All three have impressed in the Principality Premiership this season and are given their chance on the big stage.
"This week Anthony and Alex were brought into the squad," Head Coach Paul Turner said.
"It's a great environment to stake a claim for being a professional and, having talked to both of them, they definitely won't let us down.
"Lloyd Burns also has a great opportunity on Friday and as he's been training with us this season it's great to see."
Form: The Dragons have won their last two games against Ulster and Edinburgh in the Magners League. The Dragons have not won in their last four EDF Energy Cup ties since a 26-7 victory over Northampton Saints at Rodney Parade on 7 October 2006. The Dragons have lost their last four matches against English teams in all competitions. Newcastle's only loss in their last five games against Welsh opponents was 20-22 at the Scarlets on 9 October 2005. The Dragons have lost all three previous encounters they have had with Newcastle including a 29-24 defeat at Kingston Park in the 2nd round of last season's EDF Energy Cup.
The Teams:
Dragons: 15 Phillip Dollman, 14 Tal Selley, 13 Rhodri Gomer Davies, 12 Marc Stcherbina (c), 11 Gareth Wyatt, 10 Jason Tovey, 9 Robert Lewis, 8 Lewis Evans, 7 Jamie Ringer, 6 Danny Lydiate, 5 Adam Jones, 4 Andrew Hall, 3 Anthony Lott, 2 Steve Jones, 1 Hugh Gustafson.
Replacements: 16 Lloyd Burns, 17 Adam Black, 18 Alex Murphy, 19 Adam Brown, 20 Colin Charvis, 21 Thomas Isaacs, 22 Shaun Connor.
Newcastle: 15 Steve Jones, 14 Ollie Phillips, 13 Tom Dillon, 12 Spencer Davey, 11 Danny Williams, 10 Rory Clegg, 9 Micky Young, 8 Russell Winter, 7 Will Welch, 6 Ross Beattie, 5 Tim Swinson, 4 Sean Tomes, 3 Micky Ward, 2 Rob Vickers, 1 Jon Golding.
Replacements: 16 Andy Long, 17 Joe McDonnell, 18 Andy Perry, 19 Ed Williamson, 20 Hall Charlton, 21 Tom May, 22 Tim Visser.
Date: Friday 3 September, 2008
Kick-off: 19:05 BST (18:05 GMT)
Venue: Rodney Parade
Referee: Rob Debney (England)
Touch judges: David Kurk (England), Martin Buck (England)
Television match official: Neil Ballard (Wales)