ANDREW Coombs and Rhys Thomas have passed late fitness tests to feature in the Newport Gwent Dragons pack in the Boxing Day derby against Cardiff Blues.
Lock Coombs and hooker Thomas will start in the capital after overcoming leg and hip bumps suffered in last Sunday’s much-needed 25-11 win against Zebre at Rodney Parade.
As expected Tyler Morgan replaces Ross Wardle (shoulder) in midfield and Lewis Evans comes in for Taulupe Faletau (ankle) at number eight.
They are the only two changes to the starting XV but former Wales lock Ian Gough should provide some oomph from the bench after almost three months out with a shoulder problem.
Cardiff Blues start with Gareth Davies at fly-half with recent recruit and Wales hopeful Gareth Anscombe among the replacements.
Wales loosehead prop Gethin Jenkins is also on the bench while openside Ellis Jenkins replaces Sam Warburton, who suffered a blow to the shoulder in the Blues’ 21-9 win against the Scarlets last weekend.
Former All Blacks lock Jarrad Hoeata gets the nod ahead of Filo Paulo, Matthew Rees captains the side from hooker in place of Kristian Dacey and Gavin Evans is in for Adam Thomas at inside centre.
Blues: J Tuculet; A Cuthbert, C Allen, G Evans, L Amorosino; G Davies, L Jones; S Hobbs, M Rees (captain), A Jones, J Hoeata, L Reed, J Turnbull, J Navidi, E Jenkins. Reps: K Dacey, G Jenkins, T Filise, M Cook, M Vosawai, T Knoyle, G Anscombe, A Thomas.
Dragons: T Prydie, M Pewtner, T Morgan, J Dixon, H Amos, J Tovey, J Evans, P Price, R Thomas, B Harris, A Coombs, R Landman (captain), J Thomas, N Cudd, L Evans. Replacements: E Dee, O Evans, D Way, C Hill, I Gough, R Rees, D Jones, R Jones.
Referee: Leighton Hodges (Bridgend)
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