Dragons blow as Wales great misses Ospreys reunion while youngster earns first start
DRAGONS flanker Dan Lydiate will miss a swift reunion with the Ospreys after suffering a rib injury on his Rodney Parade return.
The 35-year-old Wales and Lions forward suffered the blow against the Leinster last Sunday and is forced to drop out of the XV for tomorrow’s United Rugby Championship derby in Newport (kick-off 5.15pm).
Lydiate is denied the chance to lock horns with the Ospreys, who released him at the end of last season due to cost-cutting.
The Dragons are also without the suspended Taine Basham and that means Sean Lonsdale and Ollie Griffiths come into the side to join World Cup star Aaron Wainwright in the back row.
Head coach Dai Flanagan makes six changes in total to the side that lost 33-10 with the most eye-catching being a first professional start for Ewan Rosser, who comes in for his older brother Jared (concussion).
The 22-year-old Wales Sevens player replaced his brother against Leinster and made his debut off the bench against Munster.
Steff Hughes, the club captain, is benched in favor of Sio Tomkinson and Aneurin Owen in midfield.
Ben Carter, the lock, is back in the tight five after suffering a knock when playing for Wales against the Barbarians. Bradley Roberts, who is back to full fitness, begins in place of Wales hooker Elliot Dee in the impact sub role.
Luke Yendle was passed over for the position of backup to Lloyd Fairbrother by Chris Coleman, meaning the Dragons are still without Wales tight end Leon Brown.
