Tovey retains No.10 spot
Sat, 06 Feb 2010 15:21
Following an impressive performance against the Ospreys, Newport Gwent Dragons will be looking to secure quarterfinal qualification in the LV= Cup on Sunday as they take on Saracens at Vicarage Road.
Ashley Smith will captain the side, as Jason Tovey gets his second consecutive start at flyhalf with Martyn Thomas covering the No.15 position.
Ben Castle gets his first start for the region since his return from the ruptured bicep he suffered in the pre-season friendly against Worcester and Danny Lydiate, who has been released from the Welsh squad for the weekend starts in the back row.
Steve Jones starts again at hooker with Duane Goodfield providing cover on the bench.
"We've rewarded those players who did well last weekend," said Dragons head coach Paul Turner.
"Although it's frustrating not to have our younger players available through international commitments, we were able to give opportunities to some of our senior squad last weekend and they made the most of them."
Dragons are currently lying second in Pool Four of the competition – four points behind pool leaders Northampton, who face Leicester Tigers at home on Saturday, with only the top team going through to the semifinals of the tournament, the Dragons need Leicester to do the business on Saturday as well as a result on Sunday.
Newport Gwent Dragons: 15 Martyn Thomas, 14 Will Harries, 13 Matthew Watkins, 12 Ashley Smith (captain), 11 Richard Fussell, 10 Jason Tovey, 9 Wayne Evans, 8 Grant Webb, 7 Gavin Thomas, 6 Danny Lydiate, 5 Rob Sidoli, 4 Adam Jones, 3 Ben Castle, 2 Steve Jones, 1 Hugh Gustafson.
Replacements: 16 Duane Goodfield, 17 Aaron Coundley, 18 Pat Palmer, 19 Hoani MacDonald, 20 Lewis Evans, 21 James Leadbeater, 22 James Arlidge, 23 Aled Brew.
Date: Sunday, February 7
Venue: Vicarage Road
Kick-off:
17.00 GMT
Referee: Wayne Barnes (England)
Assistant referees: Stuart Terheege (England), Andrew Watson (England)
TMO: John Burtenshaw (England), David Matthews (England)