Dragons v Bath: Teams
Joe Bedford will captain a radically changed Newport Gwent Dragons side when the Welsh outfit host Bath in the LV= Cup.
Last Updated: 14/10/11 2:32pm
Joe Bedford will captain a radically changed Newport Gwent Dragons side when the Welsh outfit host Bath in the LV= Cup on Saturday.
Lock Royce Cadman and wing Luke Williams will be making their debuts for the region, who have chosen to reshuffle their pack completely for the contest.
Dragons boss Darren Edwards is admits that the line-up he is putting out for Saturday's clash is not one often seen at Rodney Parade.
"There are quite a few new faces on the teamsheet," Edwards said.
"Several of our development and academy players will be out on the park as well as representatives from our Premiership sides.
"Over the next two weeks, not only do our fringe players get the opportunity to challenge for a first team place, it also gives our coaching team the opportunity to challenge themselves and give the players new perspectives.
"Danny (Wilson) will head coach the team, Rob Appleyard will focus on the defence and Shaun (Connor) will lead the attack and backs."
Bath also hand debuts to two players, with lock Will Spencer and wing Olly Woodburn turning out for the West Country outfit for the first time. Prop Charlie Beech is also given his first start.
Centre Matt Banahan returns from World Cup duty to make his first appearance of the campaign, which will also be the 100th time he plays for Bath.
Dragons: 15 Martyn Thomas, 14 Tonderai Chavhanga, 13 Tom Riley, 12 Lewis Robling, 11 Matthew Pewtner , 10 Matthew Jones, 9 Joe Bedford (c), 8 Nathan Williams, 7 Rhys Buckley, 6 Nathan Buck, 5 Royce Cadman, 4 Scott Morgan, 3 Jevon Groves, 2 Darren Waters, 1 Hugo Ellis
Replacements: 16 Sam Parry, 17 Hugh Gustafson, 18 Keiron Jenkins, 19 Rob Sidoli, 20 Tom Brown, 21 Wayne Evans, 22 Luke Williams, 23 Steffan Jones
Bath: 15 Jack Cuthbert, 14 Olly Woodburn, 13 Matt Carraro, 12 Matt Banahan, 11 Tom Biggs, 10 Tom Heathcote, 9 Mark McMillan, 8 Simon Taylor, 7 Guy Mercer, 6 Andy Beattie (c), 5 Dave Attwood, 4 Will Spencer, 3 Mark Lilley, 2 Ross Batty, 1 Charlie Beech
Replacements: 16 Will Tanner, 17 Nathan Catt, 18 Anthony Perenise, 19 Ryan Caldwell, 20 Will Skuse, 21 Chris Cook, 22 Paul Roberts, 23 Nick Abendanon.
