Robbie Henshaw returns from Ireland camp to start at fullback in a pacey back three with Tiernan O'Halloran and Connacht's record try scorer Fionn Carr.
The league's highest point scorer Dan Parks starts at outhalf in an otherwise all-Irish qualified squad this weekend.
On the bench, prop Ronan Loughney returns from injury while Darragh Leader is brought in amongst the replacement backs.
Commenting on the upcoming game, Head Coach Pat Lam said:
"It's been a while since our last outing but we're in good shape after training hard during the break. Coming off the back of three straight wins gives us confidence but we're very much aware that we haven't won four in a row in quite some time. We also have to look at the threat of the Dragons who are a strong outfit at Rodney Parade. They've only been narrowly beaten by Leinster and Munster at home. If you look at all the games they play there, their line speed is faster, their contact is faster. The crowd are also a very passionate bunch which is another challenge for visitors."
"But we know what we need to do. We've targeted this next block of games and everything is about the process we go through as a team to earn the wins and valuable points to move up the table."
Connacht line-up v Dragons
15. Robbie Henshaw
14. Tiernan O'Halloran
13. Eoin Griffin
12. Dave McSharry
11. Fionn Carr
10. Dan Parks
9. Kieran Marmion
1. Denis Buckley
2. Jason Harris-Wright
3. Rodney Ah You
4. Aly Muldowney
5. Mick Kearney
6. John Muldoon (captain)
7. Eoghan Masterson
8. Eoin McKeon
Replacements:
16. Dave Heffernan
17. Ronan Loughney
18. Nathan White
19. Michael Swift
20. Andrew Browne
21. Frank Murphy
22. Miah Nikora
23. Darragh Leader
Unavailable/Injured: Brett Wilkinson, Sean Henry, James Rael, Craig Clarke, Jake Heenan, Willie Faloon, Conor Gilsenan, Conor Kindregran, Aaron Conneely, George Naoupu, Paul O'Donohoe, Craig Ronaldson.
Newport Gwent Dragons v Connacht Rugby
Sunday 23rd March
At Rodney Parade, 3.05pm.
Referee: George Clancy (IRFU, 60th competition game)
Assistant Referees: Neil Hennessy, Simon Rees (both WRU)
Citing Commissioner: Aurwel Morgan (WRU)
TMO: Gareth Simmonds (WRU)
Live on BBC Wales; delayed highlights on TG4 (17:40)
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