Knoyle and Sage start in Glasgow

Sep 28 • General News, Guinness Pro14 • 1012 Views • Comments Off on Knoyle and Sage start in Glasgow

Scrum half Tavis Knoyle and centre Jarryd Sage make their first starts of the Guinness PRO14 season as Dragons make changes for the trip to face Glasgow Warriors on Saturday (kick-off 7.35pm).

Head Coach Bernard Jackman makes a total of seven changes to his starting line-up with Sage and Knoyle the only changes in the back line.

A new-look pack features two changes in the front row with hooker Richard Hibbard – who will captain the team – and prop Ryan Bevington returning to the side.

Samoa international Brandon Nansen will partner Rynard Landman in the second row.
Lewis Evans returns at Number Eight while Nic Cudd will start the game at openside flanker.

Lock Huw Taylor, back row James Thomas and utility back Will Talbot-Davies are rewarded for their form in the Celtic Cup competition with places on the replacements bench.

Jackman is looking forward to the test in Glasgow, but warned his Dragons to expect to face a home side hurting after they were beaten in South Africa last weekend.

“We expect a massive backlash and Glasgow are very impressive at home,” said Jackman. “Leinster, Munster and Glasgow are probably the three hardest away fixtures in the competition.

“I’m sure they will go full strength and this is a big test for us on the back of tough day away at Leinster last time on the road.

“We make changes and guys come in to get their opportunity to impress. We want to show a big improvement on our last away game and continue the positive vibe we had against Zebre.

“The players coming in are all established and we have more depth in the squad now,” he added.

“Those who have been coming off the bench deserve a start and deserve a crack. It’s been hard leaving some of them out in recent weeks.”

Dragons (v Glasgow Warriors): Jordan Williams, Dafydd Howells, Adam Warren, Jarryd Sage, Jared Rosser, Arwel Robson, Tavis Knoyle; Ryan Bevington, Richard Hibbard (c), Lloyd Fairbrother, Brandon Nansen, Rynard Landman, Aaron Wainwright, Nic Cudd, Lewis Evans

Replacements: Elliot Dee, Brok Harris, Aaron Jarvis, Huw Taylor, James Thomas, Rhodri Williams, Josh Lewis, Will Talbot-Davies