The Rodney Parade faithful will get their chance to roar their approval of Wales wing Rio Dyer on Friday night (16 October – 8.00pm) when he lines-up for his 100th game in Black & Amber. The 26-year-old, 24 times capped Newport born and bred speedster is a product of the Dragons Academy who made his […]
The Rodney Parade faithful will get their chance to roar their approval of Wales wing Rio Dyer on Friday night (16 October – 8.00pm) when he lines-up for his 100th game in Black & Amber.
The 26-year-old, 24 times capped Newport born and bred speedster is a product of the Dragons Academy who made his senior debut in January 2018 against Saracens in the Anglo-Welsh Cup. His league debut came less than a month later against Benetton Rugby.
His century will come in the opening round of this season’s EPCR Challenge Cup, a tournament in which the Dragons reached the semi-finals last season, when Top 14 side Perpignan head to Rodney Parade.
Dyer has 28 tries to his credit so far and will be looking to open his account for this season on Friday night to mark his 100th game. He is one of seven changes to the side that lost to the Ospreys at home last weekend.
Jared Rosser makes his first start of the season on the opposite wing while Tinus de Beer switches to full back to allow Jac Lloyd to come in at No 10. A new-look front row sees Rhodri Jones, Brodie Coghlan and Owain James pack down and lock Barny Langton-Cryer is called-up to play alongside captain Ben Carter in the second row.
“Rio is an excitement machine. He’s matured massively, even in the 12 months I’ve been here, and you can see that his game’s growing,” said senior coach Dale MacLeod.
“His high ball work on kick-off, his ability to go and get the ball back for us. What we’re probably lacking now is a bit of ball in his hands because we know the more we can get the ball to him in space, the more he’s going to rip teams to bits.
“He’s still a young man, when you think of the number of games he’s played, and he’s really excited by the opportunity in front of him.
“He’s healthy, which is good for him, because the more he plays, the better he gets. I’m excited to see him get the century and I hope he gets a few meat pies on Friday night.”
Perpignan are sitting ninth in the Top 14 with three wins in their six games to date. They are led by Argentine centre Jeronimo de la Fuente, who is joined in midfield by former All Black Sevu Reece.
Former Ireland and Leinster scrum half Luke McGrath is joined at half back by Australian Jake McIntyre.
“Like all French teams they will be big, they will be physical and they will be skilful. You give them a sniff, let them in to your 22, they’ll kick the door down and truck over,” said MacLeod.
“If they get on top, they get excited and express themselves. It’s a new competition and a chance to put a stake in the ground and build some momentum and some excitement in our programme.”
TEAMS
Dragons: Tinus de Beer; Rio Dyer, Fine Inisi, Aneurin Owen, Jared Rosser; Jac Lloyd, Che Hope; Rhodri Jones, Brodie Coghlan, Owain James, Barny Langton-Cryer, Ben Carter (captain), Shane Lewis-Hughes, Harry Beddall, Harri Keddie
Reps: Elliot Dee, Wyn Jones, Dillon Lewis, Matthew Screech, Evan Minto, Rhodri Williams, Fetuli Paea, Anzelo TuitavukiPerpignan: Tristan Tedder; Seta Toganiyadrava, Sevu Reece, Jeronimo de la Fuente (captain), Maxim Granell; Jake McIntyre, Luke McGrath; Lorencio Boyer-Gallardo, Sama Malolo, Marco Riccioni, Bastien Chinarro, Mathieu Tanguy, Jaco van Tonder, Jules Coulon, Andro Dvali
Reps: Mathys Lotrian, Giorgi Tetrashvili, Brad Amituanai, Lucas Velarte, Simon Taty, Posolo Tuilagi, Antoine Aucagne, Diego Mascarenc