Will fits the bill as he earns spot to face the Cheetahs

WILL Talbot-Davies returns to Dragons’ starting line-up for tonight’s Guinness PRO14 clash with the Cheetahs at Newport’s Rodney Parade (5.15pm).

The Wales sevens international had been out of action since injuring a wrist early last month and is among three changes made by the Gwent region’s director of rugby Dean Ryan following defeat at Glasgow Warriors.

Aaron Jarvis starts at loosehead prop, with Brok Harris ruled out, while Taine Basham is named at openside flanker after being released for the match by Wales coach Wayne Pivac.

A new-look back-row sees Harri Keddie play at blindside flanker with Ollie Griffiths named at No.8, while lock Matthew Screech makes his 100th PRO14 appearance.

“We’re all looking forward to being back on home soil. All homes games are important to us and we want to build on last week’s game in Scotland,” said Dragons director of rugby Ryan.

“We understand this is a tough period for us, with some of our senior players away, but it is an opportunity for others they must take.”

It’s the third match of South African side Cheetahs’ trip to Europe. They were beaten 36-12 by unbeaten Conference A leaders Leinster before going down 20-10 at Ulster.

“The Cheetahs have an ambitious game-plan and pose threats all over the field. However, they’ve had three weeks in the rain over here, which has been tough for them,” said Ryan.

“We’ve got to see if we can make it a bit tougher for them this weekend.”

The loss to Ulster saw the Cheetahs, who are led by PRO14 great Ruan Pienaar, drop out of the top three in Conference A.

They are fourth in the table, 13 points ahead of the Dragons, who they have beaten in both their previous meetings.

Dragons have won their last four home fixtures in all competitions but the Cheetahs want to end that streak.

“We really want to finish off the tour on a high note with a win. All of our focus is on that,” said coach Hawies Fourie.

W. Talbot-Davies; J. Rosser,

Dragons:

A. Warren, J. Dixon, A. Hewitt; S. Davies, R. Williams (capt); A. Jarvis, E. Shipp, L. Fairbrother, J. Davies, M. Screech, H. Keddie, T.Basham, O. Griffiths. Reps: R. Lawrence, J. Reynolds, C. Coleman, B. Nansen, L. Evans, T.Knoyle, J. Botica, J. Goodchild.

C. Blommetjies; R.Smith, W. Small-Smith, BJ van Rensburg, C. Barry; T. Schoeman, R. Pienaar (capt); B. Venter, W. Arnoldi, L. de Bruin, S. Manjezi, W. Steenkamp, G. Olivier, J. Pokomela, A. Davis. Reps: J. Dweba, C. Marais, A. Coetzee, JP du Preez, S. Koen, T. Meyer, L. Fouche, C. Smit.

Andrew Brace (Ire).

Cheetahs: Referee: