Overview

• Head coach John Plumtree retains the same forwards, with Vincent Tshituka captaining for Friday night at Rodney Parade.
• Jean Smith is named at flyhalf as Jaden Hendrikse returns to scrumhalf, with Ross Braude providing bench cover.
• Lukhanyo Am shifts to inside centre alongside Jurenzo Julius, and Edwill van der Merwe moves to fullback for the injured Yaw Penxe as PK Sobahle starts on the wing.
• The matchday group features multiple Springboks, while a long injury list persists and six players are unavailable due to national duty against Argentina.
• Dragons enter the fixture on an 18-game URC losing streak after a round-one defeat at Ulster.