HARRI Keddie will make his first start for Newport Gwent Dragons in the European Rugby Challenge Cup clash against Enisei in Russia.

The 20-year-old from Llanvaches will slot in at number eight in Krasnodar on Saturday (kick-off 1pm) in the absence of captain Lewis Evans, who is struggling with an elbow injury, and ahead of Ed Jackson.

Keddie was one of the stars of the Wales Under-20s side that won the Six Nations Grand Slam last season and has made four regional appearances off the bench.

Head coach Kingsley Jones believes the time is right to hand the bright prospect a start and he will slot into a back row featuring openside Nic Cudd and blindside James Thomas.

"He is growing in confidence," he said. "His physicality at his age group was there for all to see and he is bringing that now at this level.

"I said last year that I've got to manage him correctly, let's not go over the top and spoil it for him before it starts, and Harri has been patient and taken his opportunities.

"I feel this is the time for him to start; he is not going to go there and care about the environment, he will just want to show what he can do."

The Dragons made the perfect start to Pool Three with a bonus-point victory against Brive while Enisei stunned Worcester in Moscow.

Jones is going to tinker with his side with New Zealander Nick Crosswell captaining the side from lock while Wales duo Hallam Amos and Tyler Morgan will not make the trip to Russia.

Jack Dixon and Sam Beard are likely to be paired in midfield outside fly-half Angus O'Brien while Pat Howard and Adam Warren are set to be on the wings to provide a physical presence.

South African prop Brok Harris will be rested with Lloyd Fairbrother and Craig Mitchell sharing the duties at tighthead while Phil Price, who made his return from shoulder surgery with an impressive cameo against Brive, will get the nod at loosehead.

"It's going to be a really strong team, experienced and mentally tough," said Jones. "It's a mental challenge and we have to do a professional job.

"This is critical. It's an important opportunity to get one foot in the door (towards qualification) and put a marker down in the group."

The Dragons fly to Krasnodar from Heathrow via Moscow on Thursday night and will have a team run at Trud Stadium on Friday.