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Filo Tiatia has made six changes ahead of Sunday’s Challenge Cup semi-final against Montpellier
Wales wing Rio Dyer is brought back into the side as the Dragons named their team for Sunday’s Challenge Cup semi-final against Montpellier at Septeo Stadium (12.30pm UK kick-off).
The Men of Gwent find themselves in a European semi-final, 10 years on from the last time they were here – having played Montpellier at this stage back in 2016. Victory on Sunday would seal a first ever European final for the club.
Dyer is one of six changes by Filo Tiatia from the side that defeated Zebre in Italy last week.
Tonga international Fine Inisi is recalled in midfield, while Niall Armstrong starts at scrum-half.
In the pack, Elliot Dee, Chris Coleman and Ryan Woodman all feature – with Dee one of two survivors from the Dragons’ last semi-final in 2016.
The other, Angus O’Brien, co-captains the side alongside Wales second-row Ben Carter as the Dragons prepare to fly the flag for Wales.
“I’ve heard a lot of fans from Ospreys, Cardiff and Scarlets are wishing the Dragons all the best,” said Tiatia. “It’s great being a team from Wales in the semi-finals, there’s a lot of talent not just here but with all the four regions.”
Carter said earlier this week that the Dragons would need to produce their best performance of the season to reach the final in Bilbao later this month.
“We need turn up with the right mindset because everyone in the squad genuinely believes we can go out there and get a result,” said Carter. “That would be brilliant and the furthest I’ve ever gone in a competition, so that’s the aim.”
As top seeds, Montpellier will be firm favourites. They currently sit third in the Top 14 league in France and celebrated an away win against Champions Cup holders Bordeaux-Begles last weekend.
“They’re going well,” said Tiatia. “They’ve got a very good mauling forward pack, and they love to get in at 22, and are very direct.
“They’ve also got backs that can strike from anywhere.
“We understand the challenge ahead of us. We will be playing on their home turf, going to their town, playing in front of their crowd and they’re going to be screaming and telling us we are not going to get over the line.
“We’re up for a challenge, trying to impose our game and come Sunday have a scrap.”
Dragons RFC: Angus O’Brien (cc), David Richards, Fine Inisi, Aneurin Owen, Rio Dyer, Tinus de Beer, Niall Armstrong; Rodrigo Martinez, Elliot Dee, Chris Coleman, Levi Douglas, Ben Carter (cc), Ryan Woodman, Thomas Young, Aaron Wainwright
Replacements: Brodie Coghlan, Wyn Jones, Dillon Lewis, Seb Davies, Harrison Keddie, Morgan Lloyd, Fetuli Paea, Huw Anderson
