Dragons boosted by return of big guns

THE Dragons have recalled some of their international big guns as they look to clip the wings of high-flying Newcastle Falcons in the fourth round of the European Rugby Challenge Cup at Rodney Parade tonight (7.30pm).

Hallam Amos (above), Elliot Dee and Cory Hill have been on international duty with Wales in the autumn Test series and return for the clash against the Pool One leaders.

Full-back Amos returns to the back three and joins wings Jared Rosser and Ashton Hewitt while Gavin Henson is back in the No.10 jersey alongside last weekend’s man of the match scrum-half Dan Babos.

The front row sees the return of Wales hooker Dee while Cory Hill returns to captain his side as he links up with Joe Davies in the second row.

The Falcons have made three changes to their side.

Fly-half Joel Hodgson comes in for fly-half Craig Willis as the unbeaten Falcons look to strengthen their position at the top of Pool One, Newcastle having beaten Dragons 32-27 at Kingston Park in October.

Zach Kibirige makes his first start of the season as he replaces Alex Tait on the wing, Sean Robinson coming into the second row in place of Calum Green as the Falcons look to build on last weekend’s 52-24 home win over Bordeaux-Begles. Teams – Dragons: Hallam Amos; Jared Rosser, Adam Warren, Jack Dixon, Ashton Hewitt; Gavin Henson, Dan Babos; Sam Hobbs, Elliot Dee, Lloyd Fairbrother, Joe Davies, Cory Hill (capt), Aaron Wainwright, Ben Roach, James Benjamin. Reps: Liam Belcher, Gerard Ellis, Thomas Davies, Rynard Landman, James Sheekey, Charlie Davies, Arwel Robson, Pat Howard. Newcastle: Simon Hammersley; Zach Kibirige, Tom Penny, Josh Matavesi, Adam Radwan; Joel Hodgson, Sam Stuart; Sam Lockwood, Ben Sowrey, Scott Wilson, Will Witty, Sean Robinson, Mark Wilson (capt), Gary Graham, Ryan Burrows. Reps: Jamie Blamire, Rob Vickers, Trevor Davison, Glen Young, Simon Uzokwe, Michael Young, Craig Willis, Charlie Wilson. Referee: Mike Adamson (Sco).