Evans milestone as Henson gets start
Lewis Evans will make his 150th Guinness PRO14 appearance as Dragons open the season with a home clash against Benetton Rugby at Rodney Parade on Saturday evening (kick-off 7.35pm).
Back row Evans – who made his league debut for Dragons in 2006 – will hit the major milestone as the Men of Gwent look to make a winning start to the new campaign on home soil.
Head Coach Bernard Jackman hands full six Guinness PRO14 debuts in Dragons colours to Jordan Williams, Dafydd Howells, Rhodri Williams, Ryan Bevington, Richard Hibbard and Brandon Nansen.
Gavin Henson is named at fly half for the encounter while there is also a call-up for Ollie Griffiths who slots in at Number Eight.
Centre Jack Dixon has recovered from illness to return in the back line while lock Cory Hill will captain the team.
Summer signings Josh Lewis and Huw Taylor are named among the replacements.
“Everyone is excited about the opening day and we want to hit the ground running with a new-look team,” said Jackman.
“We have a quality side out, but we know that Benetton Rugby are flying high on the back of a successful season last year.
“They were very impressive in pre-season against Leicester, Worcester and Zebre and they have shown they know how to win away from home, which Italian teams have failed to do in recent seasons.
“We’re under no illusions that it is going to be a tough game. They are very physical, very big up front so we need to deal with that. But we also need to impose our style of play that I am confident we will.”
Dragons (v Benetton Rugby): Jordan Williams, Dafydd Howells, Tyler Morgan, Jack Dixon, Hallam Amos, Gavin Henson, Rhodri Williams; Ryan Bevington, Richard Hibbard, Leon Brown, Brandon Nansen, Cory Hill (c), Lewis Evans, Aaron Wainwright, Ollie Griffiths
Replacements: Elliot Dee, Brok Harris, Lloyd Fairbrother, Matthew Screech, Huw Taylor, Tavis Knoyle, Josh Lewis, Adam Warren
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