Amlin Challenge Cup preview: Newport Gwent Dragons v Mogliano Rugby
Newport Gwent Dragons have made seven changes for Friday's Amlin Challenge Cup opener against Mogliano at Rodney Parade.
Last Updated: 12/10/13 1:44pm
The Dragons recorded comprehensive victories in both games against the Italians in last season's competition, and maximum points will again be required if they are to progress from a pool that also includes Bath and Bordeaux-Begles.
Italy international Kris Burton replaces Jason Tovey at fly-half with Jonathan Evans named at scrum-half, while Hallam Amos switches from the wing to full-back to accommodate Tom Prydie's inclusion.
Adam Hughes and Ross Wardle make up the centre pairing, with youngster Matthew Screech and captain Rob Sidoli forming the second row partnership.
British and Irish Lion Toby Faletau remains at No 8 and is joined by Ieuan Jones and Nic Cudd in the back row.
"It's going to be a tough group and it'll be tight between Bath, ourselves and Bordeaux-Begles," said Jones. "It will probably be the toughest group in the Amlin Challenge Cup.
"If we can be in with a shout and in charge of our own destiny in rounds five and six then we'll be confident that we can get through."
Mogliano sit top of the Italian league after winning their opening three games and have former England U21 captain Matt Cornwell among their replacements.
NG Dragons: 15 Hallam Amos, 14 Will Harries, 13 Adam Hughes, 12 Ross Wardle, 11 Tom Prydie, 10 Kris Burton, 9 Jonathan Evans; 1 Owen Evans, 2 Sam Parry, 3 Francisco Chaparro, 4 Matthew Screech, 5 Rob Sidoli (c), 6 Ieuan Jones, 7 Nic Cudd, 8 Toby Faletau.
Replacements: 16 Phil Price, 17 Elliot Dee, 18 Dan Way, 19 Netani Talei, 20 Adam Jones, 21 Wayne Evans, 22 Jason Tovey, 23 Lewis Robling.
Rugby Mogliano: 15 Nicolo' Fadalti, 14 Alberto Zorzi, 13 Giovanni Benvenuti, 12 Tommaso Boni, 11 Filippo Guarducci, 10 Edoardo Padovani, 9 Enrico Endrizzi; 1 Agustin Costa Repetto , 2 Ornel Gega, 3 Alessio Ceglie, 4 Federico Maso, 5 Jacopo Bocchi, 6 Meyer Swanepoel, 7 Andrea Ceccato (c), 8 Thorleif Halvorsen.
Replacements: 16 Ivan Gianesini, 17 Simone Ferrari, 18 Massimiliano Ravalle, 19 Marco Lazzaroni, 20 Andrea Trotta, 21 Antonio Giabardo, 22 Matt Cornwell, 23 Enrico Ceccato.