Keddie living the dream at Dragons

Preview Dragons v Benetton Today, Kick-off 3.30pm

HARRISON Keddie is relishing his shock appointment as Dragons captain with Bernard Jackman’s regular skipper Cory Hill on Wales duty.

The 21-year-old back rower will lead the Gwent region out today for the third straight game in the PRO14 clash with improving Benetton.

“The captaincy came as a massive surprise, but I am really enjoying it,” said Keddie. “It’s a different challenge because you have to think about other stuff as well as concentrating on your own game. It’s a great learning experience and there’s a lot you can take away from it.

“It’s helped with my game management and making the right decisions at the right time. This is my home region so it means a lot for me to play for them, never mind captaining them.”

Keddie’s Dragons will take on a Benetton side full of confidence after their shock win over defending champions, the Scarlets, last weekend. Head coach Jackman has put his faith in 18-year-old winger Rio Dyer who makes his first league start.

Dyer is joined by Wales wing Hallam Amos who starts at full-back with Zane Kirchner at outside half. Flanker Lewis Evans makes his comeback after a long-term pectoral injury.

On his captaincy style, Keddie added: “I don’t like speaking for the sake of it. We’ve got guys like Zane and Rynard Landman with a lot of experience and it’s always handy to have them around because their opinions are massively important.”

Benetton start Italy’s Six Nations squad member Ian McKinley at full-back.