Owen takes over Dragons armband

With five of the squad away with Wales a number of changes from the team that won in Bayonne have been made. Gareth Wyatt switches to fullback for Kevin Morgan with Gareth Chapman coming in on the wing. Ashley Smith has recovered from his shoulder injury to partner Paul Emerick in midfield and Aled Thomas makes his first start of the season at outside half with Alex Walker his half back partner.

Jamie Corsi (of the Academy and attached to Ebbw Vale) has overcome his knee injury to start at tight head prop while Peter Sidoli partners Luke Charteris at lock. In the back row Owen starts at blindside flanker with Nic Fitisemanu at No.8.

Newport Gwent Dragons: Gareth Wyatt; Gareth Chapman, Paul Emerick, Ashley Smith, Aled Brew; Aled Thomas, Alex Walker; Adam Black, Ben Daly, Jamie Corsi, Luke Charteris, Peter Sidoli, Michael Owen (C), Jamie Ringer, Nic Fitisemanu

Replacements: Richard Wilkes, Gethin Robinson, Andrew Hall, James Harris, Richard Fussell, Phil Dolman, Gareth Baber

Border Reivers: Calum MacRae; Simon Danielli, Nick De Luca, Ben MacDougall, Garry Law; Gregor Townsend, Chris Cusiter (C); Ryan Grant, Ross Ford, Bruce Douglas, John Dalziel, Opeta Palepoi, Scott Newlands, Andy Miller, Scott Forrest

Replacements: Steve Scott, Ed Kalman, Richie Vernon, Roddy Grant, Rob Chrystie, Steve Jones, Dougie Flockhart

Referee: Alain Rolland (Ireland)