The No. 8 has been side lined for the past month with a calf injury but will lead a Scarlets team featuring plenty of players looking to impress.
The nature of the LV=Cup means each region’s younger players are given game time and both sides are abiding by that rule this weekend.
Simon Easterby has handed the number 10 jersey to Aled Thomas after a composed performance last weekend helped kick the Scarlets to victory over Ulster.
In the back line, the strong centre partnership of Gareth Maule and Adam Warren will be hoping for better conditions than last weekend with Jordan Williams and Llandovery’s Chris Knight offering firepower on the wings.
Easterby opts to rest some of his pack after an intense and physical past six weeks in both their Heineken Cup and PRO12 campaigns. Phil John, Josh Turnbull, George Earle, Jake Ball and Samson Lee are all given a break this weekend.
Easterby said: “Friday evening will be an important platform for a number of our wider squad players who are eager to take their opportunities in the Scarlets jersey.
“The LV=Cup competition is a great way for young players to stake their claim at regional level and we will be looking forward to seeing how the boys perform in a tough Welsh derby.
“The Dragons have a strong squad to choose from with less international call-ups and it will be a decent test for our players .
“The next two LV=Cup games are closely followed by big away fixtures for us in Connacht and Leinster in the PRO12 and after last week’s winning performance against Ulster, we have all to play for in our league campaign and will need to pick up points on the road to keep our top four ambitions alive.”
Easterby’s shake-up in selection hands opportunities to scrum half Aled Davies, props Shaun Hopkins and Rhodri Jones, second row Richard Kelly, and young back row talent Dan Thomas. The bench carries a number of new faces too including former Ebbw Vale fly half Josh Lewis, as well as Wales Sevens man James Davies.
Dragons Director of Rugby Lyn Jones has made 13 changes to his starting XV. Joe Davies, Tyler Morgan and Scott Matthews all make their first starts for the men of Gwent while forwards Jevon Groves and Adam Jones are the two to remain in the team from last week. Lock Jones, who is joined in the second row by academy player Joe Davies, will also take on the responsibility of captain.
International fly half Kris Burton takes on the number 10 shirt whilst Wayne Evans starts at scrum half. Young gun Elliot Dee starts at hooker while Wales Under 18 wing Ashton Hewitt wins a place on the bench.
Going back to the Scarlets, Easterby added: “It’s important we retain winning momentum during this phase of our season and for a new batch of Scarlets, it’s their chance to take responsibility, put in big performances and take up the mantle for our region at a key time.
“These games will highlight the depth of talent we are building and the ambition and commitment we’ve got throughout our squad as well as the strong and close working partnerships with have with our Premiership clubs which is a real success story for our region.”
