'Imported' Dragons line up in Newport
Thu, 04 Sep 2008 16:19
Newport Gwent Dragons coach Paul Turner has named a side that will see a host of imports - Tom Willis, James Arlidge, Marc Stcherbina and Rory Sidey - make their Magners League debuts for the Welsh outfit in their opening match against the Glasgow Warriors at Rodney Parade on Friday.
Willis will lead the side this season and is the only new face in an otherwise settled forward pack, but the backs have a distinctly new look to them.
The 29-year-old Willis, also a qualified lawyer, arrived in Newport after more than 60 games for Waikato in New Zealand's domestic championship and the Chiefs in Super Rugby. He also has five caps for the All Blacks.
Sidey and Stcherbina form the midfield pairing, whilst Arlidge slots in at flyhalf. Tal Selley, who spent last season with Cardiff Blues, takes his place on the right wing.
Stcherbina has joined the region on a one-year loan, also from the Blues. The 31-year-old Australian-born centre began his senior career with the Sydney-based Waratahs in Super Rugby and represented Australia Sevens and Australia A. He moved to the United Kingdom in 2004, after a season with Biarritz Olympique and appeared in all 29 games for Northampton Saints before joining the Cardiff Blues in 2006.
New Zealand-born Arlidge joins the Dragons for the 2008/09 season bringing experience from the world circuit. Arlidge made a successful debut for Japan last year against South Korea with two tries and 10 conversions.
Sidey, the newest import for the Dragons, represented New South Wales (NSW) Under-19, NSW A and the Western Sydney Rams in the Australian Rugby Championship.
The Dragons have won on the opening weekend of a new season for the past three years, and ended their last campaign with back-to-back wins over Ospreys and Leinster at Rodney Parade.
Newport Gwent Dragons: 15 Ashley Smith, 14 Tal Selley, 13 Rory Sidey, 12 Marc Stcherbina, 11 Richard
Fussell, 10 James Arlidge, 9 Wayne Evans, 8 Lewis Evans, 7 Richard Parks, 6 Joe Bearman, 5 Luke Charteris, 4 Adam Jones, 3 Rhys Thomas, 2 Tom Willis (captain), 1 Adam Black.
Replacements: 16 Hugh Gustafson, 17 Lee Harrison, 18 Jamie Ringer, 19 Grant Webb, 20 Shaun Connor, 21 Gareth Maule, 22 Robert Lewis.
Date: Friday, September 5
Venue: Rodney Parade, Newport
Kick-off: 19.05 (18.05 GMT)
Referee: George Clancy (Ireland)
Touch judges: Phil Fear (Wales), Phil Connett (Wales)
TMO: Huw Lewis (Wales)
