Dragons hunt first win on Galway trip
THE Dragons have made six changes as they go in search of their first win of the season away to Connacht tonight (5.15pm).
Despite some impressive performances, home fixtures against Ospreys and Leinster ultimately ended in defeat - meaning they head to Galway with little more than two losing bonus points under their belts.
And Dean Ryan has made some changes as a result. Wales scrum-half Rhodri Williams is handed a starting spot after impressing off the bench in the opening two rounds, while Greg Bateman, Joe Maksymiw, Harrison Keddie, Taine Basham and Jordan Williams all come in to start in Galway.
They also welcome back Argentine scrum-half Gonzalo Bertranou to the bench following his Rugby Championship exploits.
Bateman is handed a start in the front-row, while the impressive Will Rowlands continues his fine start to the season in the second-row alongside new partner, Maksymiw, who faces his old club.
Keddie comes in to captain the side at six and Basham gets his first start of the season, with Wales star Aaron Wainwright completing the pack.
Sam Davies keeps hold of the flyhalf jersey as he looks to claim his first Irish scalp with the Dragons, while Aneurin Owen and Jack Dixon also keep their places in midfield.
Full-back Williams is the final change as he comes in for his first appearance of the campaign.
Dragons centre Jack Dixon said heis side is looking to bounce back after their narrow defeat last week.
“The next step is that we have to start winning these games when they are so close,” said Dixon.
“It’s always tough at Connacht but we are looking to get a win to get the ball rolling.
“I am happy to play 12 or 13 to just be out there.
“There is a lot of competition in the back line at the moment and I am just happy to get in where I can and quietly go about my business.”
Connacht Rugby: Ben O’Donnell, Tom Farrell, Tom Daly, Mack Hansen, Jack Carty, Kieran Marmion; Matthew
Burke, Dave Heffernan, Finlay Bealham, Oisin Dowling, Ultan Dillane, Cian Prendergast, Jarrad Butler, Paul Boyle. Replacements: Shane Delahunt, Jordan Duggan, Jack Aungier, Leva Fifita, Conor Oliver, Caolin Blade, Conor Fitzgerald, Sammy Arnold.
Dragons: Jordan Williams, Jonah Holmes, Jack Dixon, Aneurin Owen, Jordan Olowofela, Sam Davies, Rhodri Williams, Greg Bateman, Elliot Dee, Mesake Doge, Will Rowlands, Joe Maksymiw, Harrison Keddie (c), Taine Basham, Aaron Wainwright. Replacements: Taylor Davies, Aki Seiuli, Chris Coleman, Joe Davies, Ollie Griffiths, Gonzalo Bertranou, Josh Lewis, Adam Warren.
Referee: Marius Van der Westhuizen (South Africa).