The Welsh Region returns to action in the Guinness PRO12 tournament (Friday 29th January, KO 19:05) after securing their place in the European Rugby Challenge Cup quarter-finals against Gloucester Rugby in April.
The Dragons previous encounter against the Irishmen saw Leinster take the win when the two sides met earlier on the season, however the Men of Gwent will be looking for the same form they had when they achieved a PRO12 double over them last season.
Fullback Carl Meyer returns to the starting XV after failing a fitness test last weekend. He is joined in the back three by wings Ashton Hewitt and Hallam Amos. The centre partnership remains unchanged as Adam Hughes and Adam Warren get the nod. Fly-half Jason Tovey also retains his position alongside scrum-half Sarel Pretorius.
The front row sees the inclusion of hard hitting prop Boris Stankovich who starts alongside tighthead prop Brok Harris and hooker Thomas Rhys Thomas. Lock Rynard Landman is partnered with young-gun Matthew Screech in the second row and the back row sees versatile forward Lewis Evans move to number 8 with Nick Crosswell and Nic Cudd as flankers.
The replacements bench sees the includsion of Phil Price, Cory Hill, James Benjamin and Geraint Rhys Jones as they join Elliot Dee, Shaun Knight, Charlie Davies and Nick Scott.
Newport Gwent Dragons team to face Leinster Rugby
Carl Meyer, Ashton Hewitt, Adam Hughes, Adam Warren, Hallam Amos, Jason Tovey, Sarel Pretorius; Boris Stankovich, Thomas Rhys Thomas ©, Brok Harris, Rynard Landman, Matthew Screech, Nick Crosswell, Nic Cudd, Lewis Evans.
Replacements: Elliot Dee, Phil Price, Shaun Knight, Cory Hill, James Benjamin, Charlie Davies, Geraint Rhys Jones, Nick Scott.
Tickets for the Dragons clash against Leinster are currently on sale from the Rodney Parade Ticket Office which is open until 5pm today. Alternatively supporters can also call 01633 674990 or click here to buy tickets online or print at home.
Guinness PRO12 Dragons News
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