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Wales Online
Wales Online
Sport
Ben James

Stormers v Dragons team news as Wales international thrown into starting XV for South African test

Wales international Bradley Roberts returns to start for the Dragons in their URC clash with the Stormers on Saturday.

The hooker had linked up late with Dai Flanagan's side after being part of the Wales squad this autumn, but goes straight into the starting XV as the Dragons head coach tinkers with his side after last weekend's 33-25 defeat to the Lions.

Max Clark starts at inside centre, Jordan Williams replaces David Richards on the wing and Rhodri Williams and JJ Hanrahan are the choices at half-back. In the pack, Roberts starts in the front-row, while Matthew Screech makes his first start since rejoining the Dragons on loan from Cardiff and Huw Taylor gets the nod at blindside flanker.

Flanagan said: "We are most certainly going up a level against the Stormers. Their squad is very strong. They had a lot of development players in the side against the Scarlets, but it didn't change the way they play.

"They have a DNA and they challenged the Scarlets a lot; they have line speed in defence and play a bit more with their back line than then opposition we faced last week.

"We are preparing for the very best Stormers team, and we have to be ready."

Stormers: Clayton Blommetjies; Tristan Leyds, Ruhan Nel, Dan du Plessis, Leolin Zas; Manie Libbok, Herschel Jantjies; Kwenzo Blose, Joseph Dweba, Neethling Fouche, Salmaan Moerat (capt), Marvin Orie, Nama Xaba, Willie Engelbrecht, Hacjivah Dayimani.

Replacements : JJ Kotze, Brok Harris, Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, Connor Evans, Deon Fourie, Paul de Wet, Kade Wolhuter, Mnombo Zwelendaba.

Dragons: Angus O’Brien; Sio Tomkinson, Steff Hughes, Max Clark, Jordan Williams; JJ Hanrahan, Rhodri Williams; Aki Seiuli, Bradley Roberts, Lloyd Fairbrother, Matthew Screech, Sean Lonsdale, Huw Taylor, Aaron Wainwright, Ross Moriarty (capt).

Replacements: James Benjamin, Josh Reynolds, Chris Coleman, Harri Keddie, Ben Fry, Lewis Jones, Will Reed, Aneurin Owen.

Referee: Frank Murphy (IRFU)

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