Dragons U18s head into their last group stage match of this seasons’ WRU Academies Championship with the chance to reach the final in their hands.
Dragons take on Cardiff U18s at the Centre of Sporting Excellence Ystrad Mynach on Sunday 8th of February, looking to bounce back following last weekends’ defeat at Scarlets.
In total, Dragons U18s show 10 changes from last Sunday, as they look to avenge defeat to Cardiff in the opening round back in mid-August.
That day, Dragons fought back to a losing bonus point from a difficult first half, scoring five tries, including a memorable brace for prop Rudi Creel.
For this Sunday’s game, Ryley Fussell returns and starts at fullback hoping to replicate his hattrick against Ospreys, while Brogan Leary switches from centre to wing alongside Ottis Mighten.
Centres see George Bradbury and Tegwyn Mahoney join forces, while there is a half-back pairing of Jac Couchman and scrum-half Felix Preece-Jones.
Ciaran Beavis switches to loosehead to accommodate Scott Crewe and they join captain Tiaan Hall in the front row.
Elliot Beavan is another of the five returning from last week and starts at second row alongside Dylan Pennell, while Gethin Tudball and Jake Leighton join Troy Raymond in the back row, who has moved to eight from blindside flanker.
A win for Dragons U18s would see them finish second in the pool stages and secure a place along with Cardiff in the final.
Should Dragons miss out on the win, then they will be reliant on Scarlets doing them a favour at the Gnoll, with only two points separating the Men of Gwent and Ospreys in second and third.
Tickets for Sunday’s game are £3, Season Members and U16s are free.
Dragons U18s team: Ryley Fussell; Brogan Leary, George Bradbury, Tegwyn Mahoney, Ottis Mighten; Jac Couchman, Felix Preece-Jones; Ciaran Beavis, Tiaan Hall (c), Scott Crewe, Elliot Beavan, Dylan Pennell, Gethin Tudball, Jake Leighton, Troy Raymond.
Replacements: Morgan Suller, Jayden Llewellyn, Oscar Friend, Ashton Swain, Reuben Malson, Rhodri Davies, Elliot Young, Lewis Appleby.
