FULL-BACK Carl Meyer has given Newport Gwent Dragons a fitness boost ahead of Saturday’s crunch European Rugby Challenge Cup clash at Brive, writes Chris Kirwan.

The 25-year-old South African was forced off after 50 minutes of last weekend’s 34-10 victory against Enisei-STM at Rodney Parade with a shin/ankle injury.

However, yesterday he went to get a visa for the trip to France and is set to wear 15 at the Stade Amedee-Domenech.

Wing Ashton Hewitt missed training through illness on Tuesday but is expected to be fine, with Pat Howard and Adam Hughes alternatives, while centre Tyler Morgan has a stiff ankle with Sam Beard ready to deputise.

The Dragons are likely to go with a split of six forwards and two backs on their bench given the power of their hosts up front.

Flankers Ollie Griffiths and Lewis Evans are likely to return to the 23 after sitting out the Enisei game while bright prospect Harri Keddie is set to feature after a two-try cameo against the Russians.

Nick Crosswell is likely to return to the second row after starting at blindside last week while Angus O’Brien will get the 10 jersey back from Dorian Jones.

“The group are seeing it as starters and finishers,” said head coach Kingsley Jones. “It’s going to take all 23 of us over there.

“We did it last time we played Brive, finishing really strongly after emptying the bench with 20 minutes to go.”

The Dragons, who won 37-16 when the teams met in Newport in October, need to win on their travels for the first time this season to make the quarter-finals.

They must either beat Brive while denying their hosts a bonus point or score five tries while limiting the Frenchmen to a solitary consolation to claim Pool Three top spot.

Tighthead Craig Mitchell will be travelling reserve in France because Leon Brown needs surgery on his right ankle after being injured playing for Cross Keys at Ebbw Vale the weekend before last. It isn’t expected to be season-ending for the promising 20-year-old.