Lyn Jones’ side will be looking to keep their unbeaten home record intact following previous Rodney Parade victories over Ulster and the Scarlets.
On the road, it’s been a different story with defeats to Edinburgh and most recently, Munster. That aside, it’s been a pleasing start to the season for the Dragons.
Attentions now turn to Italian side Zebre, their recent victory over the Cardiff Blues a reminder of their recent improvement.
Sidoli said: “We need to put everything in place and perform. Zebre have improved a lot. I think they are a genuine threat as they had a really good result against the Blues.
“They have some really good individuals and their core basics are very strong. They will have good driving line outs and a solid scrum so those are the things we need to get up to speed on.”
With Zebre on the horizon, there are a few changes to the starting XV. Adam Hughes and Cardiff University student Hallam Amos both return to the side and start on the right and left wing respectively.
Scrum half Richie Rees and fly half Jason Tovey feature at half back after being rested for the trip to Munster. Jonathan Evans and Kris Burton, who started in Ireland, are on the bench.
Elsewhere, British & Irish Lions star Toby Faletau returns to the No. 8 jersey and is joined by Netani Talei and Lewis Evans in the back row.
There is also a reshuffle in the front row with Owen Evans and Sam Parry stepping in alongside Franciso Chaparro. Skipper Andrew Coombs partners Sidoli at lock.
After guiding Zebre to a win over the Blues, Kiwi scrum half Brendon Leonard will be the main threat to a home win. Zebre skipper and Italian lock Marco Bortolami, said :”The last three games have shown we can achieve points against any opponent if we take the field at 100 per cent. We must have the attitude to put pressure on any team.”
