Prop Stankovich returns to play against Connacht

The 34-year-old is the only change to the team that defeated last years Guinness PRO12 table toppers Leinster, at the RDS last weekend.

Head coach Kingsley Jones commented: "It's fantastic that we got a win against the champions... I thought that we deserved the win.

"The real challenge for us is at Rodney Parade, we haven't performed as well as we would've liked to have done there.

"Connacht are a very good team and a very serious outfit. I thought that they performed well for large periods of time against the Scarlets but still lost and they will be coming down to Wales again looking for a victory."

Fullback Jason Tovey retains his place in the back three alongside wings Tom Prydie and Hallam Amos, who was released from Wales camp this week to feature for the Dragons. The centre pairing of Pat Leach and Jack Dixon also stays the same, as well as the half back partnership of Dorian Jones and scrumhalf Jonathan Evans.

Loose head prop Boris Stankovich gets the nod and is joined by fellow prop Brok Harris and hooker T. Rhys Thomas. The second row of Andrew Coombs and skipper Rynard Landman also stays the same, along with flankers James Thomas and Nic Cudd retaining their places as well as number eight Nick Crosswell.

The replacements bench has one change made to it as Phil Price replaces Boris Stankovich and joins, Rhys Buckley, Dan Way, Ian Gough, James Benjamin, Richie Rees, Ashley Smith and Matthew Pewtner.

Dragons team to face Connacht
Jason Tovey, Tom Prydie, Pat Leach, Jack Dixon, Hallam Amos, Dorian Jones, Jonathan Evans; Boris Stankovich, T. Rhys Thomas, Brok Harris, Andrew Coombs, Rynard Landman (c), James Thomas, Nic Cudd, Nick Crosswell.

Replacements: Rhys Buckley, Phil Price, Dan Way, Ian Gough, James Benjamin, Richie Rees, Ashley Smith, Matthew Pewtner.

Tickets are still on sale for Sundays encounter against Connacht, so make sure that you #PlayYourPart and get behind the Dragons. Call the ticket office to buy your tickets on 01633 674990 or go to www.newportgwentdragons.com/tickets