Dragons v Newcastle: Teams

Former rugby league wing Danny Williams will make his first start for Newcastle on Friday as they head to Rodney Parade to take on the Dragons in the EDF Energy Cup.

Williams, formerly of Leeds Rhinos in the 13-a-side code, will start in the left wing in a side that shows several changes from that which lost against Gloucester.

With Jonny Wilkinson sidelined for around five months through injury Rory Clegg returns to the side at fly-half, and is joined at half-back by Micky Young, who makes his first start of the season.

There is also a debut for England U18 flanker Will Welch, as he takes his place in the pack at openside.

"We have freshened the team up for this game after two physical matches in the space of just four days against Bristol and Gloucester, and we are looking forward to seeing how this group performs," said director of rugby Steve Bates.

"Despite a number of changes we still have a big, physical pack and plenty of threat in the backs. We know the Dragons will provide tough opposition, especially down here in Wales, but this team is relishing the challenge."

Impressed

The Dragons name a side showing 12 changes from that which beat Edinburgh in the Magners League last week.

Notable inclusions are Ebbw Vale prop Anthony Lott, Cross Keys hooker Lloyd Burns and Newport prop Alex Murphy. All three have impressed in the Principality Premiership this season and are given their chance on the big stage.

"This week Anthony and Alex were brought into the squad," head coach Paul Turner said.

"It's a great environment to stake a claim for being a professional and, having talked to both of them, they definitely won't let us down.

"Lloyd Burns also has a great opportunity on Friday and as he's been training with us this season it's great to see."

Dragons: 15 Phillip Dollman, 14 Tal Selley, 13 Rhodri Gomer Davies, 12 Marc Stcherbina (c), 11 Gareth Wyatt, 10 Jason Tovey, 9 Robert Lewis, 1 Hugh Gustafson, 2 Steve Jones, 3 Anthony Lott, 4 Andrew Hall, 5 Adam Jones, 6 Danny Lydiate, 7 Jamie Ringer, 8 Lewis Evans.
Replacements: 16 Lloyd Burns, 17 Adam Black, 18 Alex Murphy, 19 Adam Brown, 20 Colin Charvis, 21 Thomas Isaacs, 22 Shaun Connor.

Newcastle: 15 Steve Jones, 14 Ollie Phillips, 13 Tom Dillon, 12 Spencer Davey, 11 Danny Williams, 10 Rory Clegg, 9 Micky Young, 1 Jon Golding, 2 Rob Vickers, 3 Micky Ward, 4 Sean Tomes, 5 Tim Swinson, 6 Ross Beattie, 7 Will Welch, 8 Russell Winter.
Replacements: 16 Andy Long, 17 Joe McDonnell, 18 Andy Perry, 19 Ed Williamson, 20 Hall Charlton, 21 Tom May, 22 Tim Visser.