Dragons set to take-off

Results in pre-season friendlies rarely matter, but coach Paul Turner knows defeat at Cross Keys could signal the start of a long and difficult season for the Dragons.

Turner will hand debuts to several of his summer signings including Aled Brew (right), Kiwi No 8 Nic Fitisemanu, Irish centre Shane Stewart and Aussie hooker Ben Daley.

But the Dragons’ coach will be wary not to take lightly a team of Premiership hopefuls with a point to prove to their regional bosses.

“It’s also a good chance for Paul to look at the talent across Gwent in the Premiership,” said Dragons’ team manager Jim McCreedy.