Dee whizz... Elliot’s back in Dragons mix after concussion blow
HOOKER Elliot Dee returns to the Dragons starting line-up for Saturday’s European Challenge Cup clash at Bordeaux-Begles.
Dee’s availability after concussion means the region have averted potential disciplinary action from tournament organisers – at one stage it looked as though they may have only had one fit hooker in Liam Belcher which would have been a breach of rules.
It’s a positive fitness story amid a raft of injuries throughout the squad, but victory at Stade Chaban-Delmas will take Bernard Jackman’s side second in Pool One ahead of the final round of qualifying games.
Gavin Henson returns to the matchday squad among the replacements.
Meanwhile Angus O’Brien and Ashton Hewitt return to the back three for the clash to play alongside wing Jared Rosser. There is one change in the centre partnership as Adam Warren returns, with Jack Dixon retaining his position in the midfield. Dorian Jones returns to the halfbacks as well as South African scrum-half Sarel Pretorius.
Dragons skills coach, Barry Maddocks said: “Their pack is extremely strong and they are a very powerful unit that dominate in the lineouts and scrum.
“They like to play a territory game to get their pack going forward and they play an around the corner style of game. We are expecting a physical confrontation, for sure.
“They have some talent out wide but their strength is up front and they will come for us with their power game.
“It’s no secret that the French league is a power-based game with big packs dominating territory so we will be looking to play an expansive game.” TEAMS – Dragons: A O’Brien; A Hewitt, A Warren, J Dixon, J Rosser; D Jones, S Pretorius; T Davies, E Dee, L Fairbrother; R Landman, C Hill (c); A Wainwright, J Benjamin, R Blake. Reps: L Belcher, L Garrett, S Hobbs, J Davies, C Meyer, D Babos, G Henson, P Howard. Bordeaux-Begles: G Cros; F Fuatai, R Lonca (c), B Volavola, B Connor; M Jaibert, G Doubrere; S Taofifenua, O Avei, R Kovekalou; L Jones, C Cazeaux; M Diaby, A Roumat, M Tauleigne. Reps: A Pelissie, T Paiva, L Tabidze, P Gayraud, L Houston, J Gimbert, M Talebulamaijaina, A Naqaievu.