Wales wing returns as one of six Dragons changes for French powerhouse

Rio Dyer is back in Dragons colours as the Welsh region make six changes for Sunday’s EPCR Challenge Cup semi-final against Montpellier at the Septeo Stadium.

The Wales wing is restored out wide as Head Coach Filo Tiatia freshens his side following last weekend’s URC win over Zebre Parma.

The Dragons heading to France with a mountain to climb as they face the two?time champions and top seeds.

Fine Inisi returns to the midfield, while Niall Armstrong and Tinus de Beer are paired together in the half-backs. Up front, Elliot Dee comes back in at hooker alongside prop Chris Coleman, and Ryan Woodman is recalled to start at blindside flanker.

Wyn Jones and Harri Keddie both named among the replacements.

Fixture

Challenge Cup

Montpellier

18 - 12

Full-time

Dragons RFC

All Stats and Data

With Dragons preparing for their first European semi-final appearance in a decade, Tiatia made clear his side are under no illusions about the challenge they face.

“I watched Montpellier play Bordeaux last weekend and they played well,” he said. “They’ve got some big carriers, very similar to the Bulls, and they’ve got a very good mauling forward pack. They love getting in the 22 and being direct.

“They’ve got also backs that can strike from anywhere so they’re a good side.

“The outcome will be the outcome against Montpelier,” he added. “We understand the task ahead of us and you’re playing on their home turf. We are going into their town, we’re going to be in front of their crowd and their supporters, and they’ll be screaming against us.

“We know we’re in for a challenge, but we’re up for getting over there and imposing our game. We’re looking forward to that.”

Montpellier Hérault Rugby: 15. Tom Banks, 14. Donovan Taofifenua, 13. Auguste Cadot, 12. Lennox Anyanwu, 11. Melvyn Rates, 10. Thomas Vincent, 9. Alexis Bernadet, 1. Baptiste Erdocio, 2. Ricky Riccitelli, 3. Valentin Welsch, 4. Adam Beard, 5. Tyler DuGuid, 6. Marco Tauleigne, 7. Alex Becognee, 8. Lenni Nouchi (c)

Replacements: 16. Lyam Akrab, 17. Nika Abuladze, 18. Mohamed Haouas, 19. Yacouba Camara, 20. Alex Masibaka, 21. Tom Baraer, 22. Domingo Miotti, 23. Thomas Darmon

Dragons RFC:15. Angus O’Brien (c), 14. Dai Richards, 13. Fine Inisi, 12. Aneurin Owen, 11. Rio Dyer, 10. Tinus de Beer, 9. Niall Armstrong, 1. Rodrigo Martinez, 2. Elliot Dee, 3. Christian Coleman, 4. Levi Douglas, 5. Ben Carter (c), 6. Ryan Woodman, 7. Thomas Young, 8. Aaron Wainwright

Replacements: 16. Brodie Coghlan, 17. Wyn Jones, 18. Dillon Lewis, 19. Seb Davies, 20. Harrison Keddie, 21. Jac Lloyd, 22. Fetuli Paea, 23. Huw Anderson