Bernard Jackman Rests Gavin Henson . . . And Nine Others

Dragons head coach Bernard Jackman has made 10 changes to his side as they travel to face Munster in Cork on Friday night.

Former Wales Under-20 star James Benjamin captains the side from openside flanker with 20-year-old Aaron Wainwright and James Sheekey completing the back row.

With Elliott Dee involved in the Wales squad for the Under Armour Series, Gerard Ellis starts at hooker and is accompanied in the front row by props Thomas Davies and Lloyd Fairbrother.

Behind the scrum, Gavin Henson is rested meaning Angus O’Brien takes his place at outside-half with Charlie Davies at nine. Centre Adam Warren and full-back Will Talbot-Davies are the other changes to the back line.

The Dragons are sixth in Conference B of the Guinness PRO14 and have not won away this season.

Up and coming back-row star Wainwright is confident the Dragons can do themselves justice at one of the most daunting grounds in European rugby.

“It’s been nice to get a couple of games and starting in Newcastle and Russia was a good experience,” said Wainwright.

“I am just enjoying getting a bit of action in the team and I didn’t expect any of this. I was playing at Cardiff Met last year and was meant to be with Newport RFC, but after a couple of injuries I was thrown in at the deep end.

“I am just trying to work hard, keep my head down and have a couple of good games by making an impact.

“There is a lot of new stuff and I missed a lot of pre-season (due to injury), so I’ve had to learn all the line-outs and structure, but I think I am fitting in now.”

Munster captain Billy Holland will make his 170th appearance for the former European champions.

New signing Chris Cloete will make his debut in the back-row and Darren Sweetnam, Chris Farrell and Ian Keatley have been released by Ireland to sit on the bench.

 

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