LEWIS Evans returns to the Newport Gwent Dragons starting XV for their European Rugby Challenge Cup opener against Sale on Sunday with Taulupe Faletau among the replacements.

The Wales number eight will take his place on the bench subject to a late fitness test after suffering a blow to the knee in last weekend’s 19-12 home loss to Ulster in the Guinness Pro12.

Director of rugby Lyn Jones keeps faith with the side who produced a spirited display only to be let down by their finishing, Evans’ return leading to Ed Jackson returning to his favoured number eight position.

Sale ring the changes for Europe with no place in their 23 for England fly-half Danny Cipriani.
Boss Steve Diamond is giving fringe players a chance, although they do field the imposing tighthead Brian Mujati in a powerful pack.

Dragons: C Meyer, A Hewitt, A Hughes, A Warren, N Scott, D Jones, S Pretorius, B Stankovich, E Dee, S Knight, C Hill, R Landman (captain), L Evans, O Griffiths, E Jackson. Replacements: R Buckley, P Price, B Harris, M Screech, T Faletau, C Davies, J Tovey, R Wardle.

Sale: T Jeffers, T Brady, M Jennings, S Bedlow, C Ingall, N MacLeod, J Mitchell, J Flynn, N Briggs, B Mujati, J Mills (captain), A Ostrikov, M Lund, A Hughes, V Fihaki. Replacements: C Neild, J Pope, R Harrison, G Nott, J Beaumont, J Ford, J O’Donnell, N Edwards.

Referee: Alexandre Ruiz (France)