The Dragons host the Scarlets at Rodney Parade in the second Welsh derby of the new United Rugby Championship season. Both sides are looking for their first win of the campaign after suffering disappointment in round one. The Scarlets were beaten at home by Cardiff last time out, while the Dragons were held to a controversial draw against Benetton.
The game kicks off at 3pm and is only being shown on Premier Sports.
Dragons team news
Former Wales scrum-half Rhodri Williams will make his 150th appearance for the Dragons, becoming only the 13th player in the club's history to reach that milestone. Head coach Filo Tiatia makes five changes as the Men of Gwent return to a packed-out Rodney Parade.
Wales international Ben Carter returns as captain for his first start of the season, called into the second row alongside Seb Davies. Hooker Elliot Dee and prop Robert Hunt are back up front to join forces with Rodrigo Martinez. Shane Lewis-Hughes makes his first start of the campaign at blindside, while Harri Keddie is back in the number eight jersey and openside Thomas Young completes a new-look back row. Hooker Brodie Coghlan and props Rhodri Jones and Dillon Lewis are named among the replacements.
Scarlets team news
The Scarlets have been boosted by the return of Wales outside-half Sam Costelow, who has recovered from a concussion to take his place in the starting XV. Blair Murray, Ellis Mee and Macs Page again line up in the back three, Eddie James and Joe Roberts continue their midfield partnership, while Costelow links up with Dane Blacker at half-back.
There are four personnel and two positional changes in the pack. The fit-again Kemsley Mathias comes in at loose-head prop, while Harri O’Connor starts at tight-head, packing down with Ryan Elias in an all-Wales international front row. New signing Alex Groves, who made his home debut last weekend, starts in the second row and partners Sam Lousi, who switches from blindside flanker. There is a reshuffle in the back row, with skipper Josh Macleod moving to the No. 6 jersey, Dan Davis coming in at openside, and 20-year-old Osian Williams again starting at No. 8. The bench includes the return of Wales international duo Gareth Davies and Johnny Williams.
The full line-ups are: Dragons RFC – Huw Anderson, Rio Dyer, Fine Inisi, Aneurin Owen, Anzelo Tuitavuki, Tinus de Beer, Rhodri Williams; Rodrigo Martinez, Elliot Dee, Robert Hunt, Seb Davies, Ben Carter (capt), Shane Lewis-Hughes, Thomas Young, Harri Keddie. Replacements: Brodie Coghlan, Rhodri Jones, Dillon Lewis, Ryan Woodman, Harry Beddall, Che Hope, Jac Lloyd, Fetuli Paea.
Scarlets – Blair Murray; Ellis Mee, Joe Roberts, Eddie James, Macs Page; Sam Costelow, Dane Blacker; Kemsley Mathias, Ryan Elias, Harri O’Connor, Alex Groves, Sam Lousi, Josh Macleod (capt), Dan Davis, Osian Williams. Replacements: John McKee, Sam O’Connor, Gabe Hawley, Will Evans, Tristan Davies, Gareth Davies, Joe Hawkins, Johnny Williams.
