Wales international Ben Carter captains Dragons RFC for the first time as the team face Benetton Rugby in the BKT United Rugby Championship on Sunday afternoon (kick-off 2.45pm UK time).
The Men of Gwent make a total of ten changes to the side that were narrow defeated by the Cell C Sharks last weekend at Rodney Parade.
Carter, 21, skippers the team and becomes the second youngest player ever to captain the club – only behind legendary centre Ashley Smith in the record books.
Joe Davies is called into the second row alongside Carter while a new-look back row sees Sean Lonsdale, Ben Fry and Aaron Wainwright combine.
Loosehead Rob Evans makes his first start for the club while Chris Coleman is also named in the front row.
Fit-again fly half JJ Hanrahan will join forces with Lewis Jones at half back.
Wing Jared Rosser replaces the injured Ashton Hewitt while there is also a first league start for Max Clark.
The bench could see debuts for front row Rhodri Jones and centre Steff Hughes while Sam Davies needs only two points to reach 500 for the club.
Luke Narraway, Forwards Coach at Dragons RFC, said: “We’re looking forward to the game in Italy. It’s important we look to maintain the levels we have hit in our last two home games.
“Benetton have international class running throughout their squad and a strong kicking game and set piece.
“Italian teams are always proud of playing at home in front of their own supporters and we must be prepared for that.
“We have got to make sure those emotional and physicality levels are matched and, off the back of that, I’m sure we can play some good rugby.”
Dragons RFC: Angus O’Brien, Rio Dyer, Max Clark, Jack Dixon, Jared Rosser, JJ Hanrahan, Lewis Jones; Rob Evans, Elliot Dee, Chris Coleman, Joe Davies, Ben Carter (c), Sean Lonsdale, Ben Fry, Aaron Wainwright
Replacements: Bradley Roberts, Rhodri Jones, Lloyd Fairbrother, Ross Moriarty, Taine Basham, Rhodri Williams, Sam Davies, Steff Hughes
Unavailable: Leon Brown (neck), Ollie Griffiths (back), Ashton Hewitt (ankle), Harri Keddie (ankle), Aneurin Owen (hamstring), George Nott (hand), Will Reed
