In a much-anticipated clash of Welsh teams this Friday at Rodney Parade, the Dragons and Ospreys are gearing up for a fierce encounter in the United Rugby Championship (URC). While the Dragons are buoyed by a recent victory, the Ospreys are eager to mark their season's first win, enhancing the stakes of this showdown.
The Dragons are entering this match with confidence, having secured a 38-26 victory over the Scarlets. They have adjusted their lineup by making three changes to their starting XV. Notably, Tonga international Fetuli Paea will be making his first start of the season at outside centre. The team's bench also sees fresh faces, poised to inject vigor into the match's latter stages.
Conversely, the Ospreys are coming off two consecutive defeats in South Africa and are looking to turn their fortunes around. Wallabies star Marika Koroibete is set for his debut, a significant addition to the Ospreys’ wing. This change is part of several adjustments made by Ospreys' coach Mark Jones aiming to revitalize his squad for better results.
"We are looking forward to seeing what Marika can bring to the table. His debut is much awaited by everyone here, and we believe he will make a significant impact," said Mark Jones.
Here’s how the teams line up:
Dragons: 1. Rodrigo Martinez 2. Elliot Dee 3. Robert Hunt 4. Seb Davies 5. Ben Carter (c) 6. Shane Lewis-Hughes 7. Harry Beddall 8. Harri Keddie 9. Che Hope 10. Tinus de Beer 11. Anzelo Tuitavuki 12. Aneurin Owen 13. Fetuli Paea 14. Rio Dyer 15. Huw Anderson
Replacements: 16. Brodie Coghlan 17. Rhodri Jones 18. Chris Coleman 19. Barny Langton-Cryer 20. Thomas Young 21. Rhodri Williams 22. Angus O’Brien 23. Fine Inisi
Ospreys: 1. Gareth Thomas 2. Sam Parry (c) 3. Tom Botha 4. Rhys Davies 5. Ryan Smith 6. Liam Wright 7. Ross Moriarty 8. Morgan Morris 9. Kieran Hardy 10. Dan Edwards 11. Keelan Giles 12. Keiran Williams 13. Evardi Boshoff 14. Marika Koroibete 15. Tom Rogers
Replacements: 16. Efan Daniel 17. Steffan Thomas 18. Rhys Henry 19. Lewis Jones 20. Morgan Morse 21. Reuben Morgan Williams 22. Lawson Creighton 23. Lalakai Foketi
The match is expected to be closely contested, but current form suggests a slight edge for the Dragons. With both teams motivated to climb the URC standings, fans can anticipate a match filled with tactical intrigue and fervent competition.
Referee Robbie Jenkinson will officiate this key league game, supported by assistant referees Ben Whitehouse and Amber Stamp-Dunstan, with Olly Hodges serving as the TMO. The match will be broadcast live, ensuring fans don't miss any action from this exciting Welsh derby.
