British and Irish Lion returns to Dragons fold

Faletau who took a knock during the Dragons win against Zebre at Rodney Parade, has been given the all clear to feature for the Men of Gwent, as they take on the Blues in the second derby.

Newport Gwent Dragons took a 23-17 win away from BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park in their clash on Boxing Day and will be looking to take the spoils once again tomorrow (01/01/15).

Faletau is one of just three changes that have been made to the starting XV which took on the Blues at BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park on Boxing Day.

Fullback Tom Prydie retains his place in the back three alongside wings Matthew Pewtner and Hallam Amos. The young centre pairing of Tyler Morgan and Jack Dixon also keep their places in the starting XV. There is one change in the half-backs as Jason Tovey is joined by Welsh international Richie Rees.

Winger Hallam Amos, who played against the Blues on Boxing Day commented: "First half especially we were really good and stuck to the game plan, got good territory and the points came.

"Across the park we played well and it was really nice to get the win. I'm really pleased with everyone's performance. But as we said in the changing room it's only half-time and we've got them at home.

"We've got to consolidate this win with a win tomorrow. It's going to be a real battle at Rodney Parade."

There is one change in the front row as Elliot Dee steps in for T. Rhys Thomas as hooker and joins props Phil Price and Brok Harris. The second row remains the same with lock Andrew Coombs and last week's Man of the Match Rynard Landman taking up their places. The back row has one change made to it as flankers James Thomas and Nic Cudd are joined by British and Irish lion Taulupe Faletau.

The replacements bench also see three changes made to it as Hugh Gustafson, Andy Powell and Jonathan Evans join Owen Evans, Dan Way, Cory Hill, Dorian Jones and Geraint Rhys Jones.

Newport Gwent Dragons Team to face Cardiff Blues
Tom Prydie, Matthew Pewtner, Tyler Morgan, Jack Dixon, Hallam Amos, Jason Tovey, Richie Rees; Phil Price, Elliot Dee, Brok Harris, Andrew Coombs, Rynard Landman (c), James Thomas, Nic Cudd, Taulupe Faletau.

Replacements: Hugh Gustafson, Owen Evans, Dan Way, Cory Hill, Andy Powell, Jonathan Evans, Dorian Jones, Geraint Rhys Jones.

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