Rhods to bring up 150 in derby

Rhodri Williams makes his 150th appearance for Dragons RFC as they face Scarlets Rugby in the BKT United Rugby Championship at Rodney Parade on Saturday afternoon (kick-off 3pm).

Scum half Williams becomes only the 13th player in the history of the club to hit the milestone as he lines up against his former club in Newport.

Head Coach Filo Tiatia makes five changes – all in the pack – as the Men of Gwent return to a packed-out Rodney Parade after drawing the league opener in Italy last weekend.

Wales international Ben Carter makes returns as captain for his first start of the season as he is called into the second row alongside Seb Davies.

Hooker Elliot Dee and prop Robert Hunt are back up front, to join forces with Rodrigo Martinez.

Shane Lewis-Hughes makes his first start of the campaign at blindside while Harri Keddie is back in the Number Eight jersey. Openside Thomas Young completes a new-look back row.

Hooker Brodie Coghlan and props Rhodri Jones and Dillon Lewis are named among the replacements.

Tiatia said: “The players are looking forward to the game. They are special games to be involved in, and the boys are excited.

“We take some learnings from Benetton and now it is about how we move forward against a good side in Scarlets.

“How we move forward is being clear on things that we want to achieve as a group - and we are very clear on that.

“We’re looking forward to hosting Scarlets at Rodney Parade and getting our community and fans along to the game. We're looking forward to representing Gwent.

“Last season (against Scarlets) was one of our better performances, but they're a different team this year and they have some players coming back,” he added.

“We’re under no illusion of the quality that's coming to Rodney Parade, and it's going to be good scrap.”

Dragons RFC: Huw Anderson, Rio Dyer, Fine Inisi, Aneurin Owen, Anzelo Tuitavuki, Tinus de Beer, Rhodri Williams; Rodrigo Martinez, Elliot Dee, Robert Hunt, Seb Davies, Ben Carter (c), Shane Lewis-Hughes, Thomas Young, Harri Keddie

Replacements: Brodie Coghlan, Rhodri Jones, Dillon Lewis, Ryan Woodman, Harry Beddall, Che Hope, Jac Lloyd, Fetuli Paea

Unavailable: Harri Ackerman, Levi Douglas, Eretara Enari, Dylan Kelleher-Griffiths, Evan Minto, Angus O’Brien, Harry Rees-Weldon, David Richards, Jared Rosser, Matthew Screech

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