Experienced players return from injury for Treviso test

Centre Ashley Smith returns after suffering a toe injury last season against Zebre in March whilst Jason Tovey and Lee Byrne, who were both injured whilst playing against the Ospreys, have returned to the starting line up after late successfully completing late fitness tests, to deem if they were fit to play this weekend.

On his return, Ashley Smith commented, "It's been a frustrating time but I am finally fit and ready to go and I am looking forward to Sunday.

"The injury problems give me a chance to get back into the team and, even though it's not the way that I would have liked it to happen, I've got to try and take my chance.

"Ben John did well against Glasgow after joining up with us late so hopefully I will combine well with him and form a good partnership."

"A win would help us kick on but Treviso are still a good team and this won't be an easy game.

Director of Rugby, Lyn Jones has made a total of eight changes to the team that faced Glasgow Warriors last weekend. Dragons skipper Lee Byrne returns to fullback and is joined in the back three by Welsh Internationals Tom Prydie and Hallam Amos. The centre pairing sees one change as Ben John, who is on loan from the Ospreys, is joined by experienced Dragons player Ashley Smith. Jason Tovey takes on the fullback injury after he returns from injury and Jonathan Davies takes the scrumhalf position.

The front row has two changes as Boris Stankovich is joined by hooker Elliot Dee and prop Dan Way. Locks Cory Hill and Rynard Landman retain their places in the second row, as one change is made to the back row as Lewis Evans moves to the bench and Andy Powell takes his place as blindside flanker. Nic Cudd is named as open side flanker and Taulupe Faletau keeps the number eight jersey.

Jones has made six changes to the bench as Hugh Gustafson and Luc Jones, are joined by T. Rhys Thomas, Lloyd Fairbrother, James Thomas, Lewis Evans, Angus O'Brien and Aled Brew.

Newport Gwent Dragons Team to face Benetton Treviso

Lee Byrne (c), Tom Prydie, Ben John , Ashley Smith, Hallam Amos, Jason Tovey, Jonathan Evans; Boris Stankovich, Elliot Dee, Dan Way, Cory Hill, Rynard Landman, Andy Powell, Nic Cudd, Taulupe Faletau.

Replacements:

T. Rhys Thomas, Hugh Gustafson, Lloyd Fairbrother, James Thomas, Lewis Evans, Luc Jones, Angus O'Brien, Aled Brew.