The Dragons welcome back promising centre Aneurin Owen to the matchday squad to face Ulster for what would be his first appearance of the year.
The uncapped 22-year-old has been out since December after suffering a serious knee injury against the Stormer in Port Elizabeth. But he returns to take up a place on the bench for Friday's trip to Belfast (kick-off: 7.35pm).
Elsewhere, Angus O'Brien returns to the starting side after the birth of his second child, starting at fly-half despite having been preferred at full-back for much of the season.
O'Brien's return is one of six changes, with Ashton Hewitt fit again to take up a place on the wing. Jared Rosser moves from the wing to midfield to line up in the centre alongside Max Clark.
Rhodri Jones, Elliot Dee and Leon Brown pack down in a new-look front-row comprised of Welsh internationals. For Dee, the hooker will make his 100th URC appearance just weeks after signing a new deal to stay at Rodney Parade.
The final change to the team is a recall for second-row Matthew Screech after suspension, with George Nott moving into the back row.
As well as the return of Owen on the bench, there's also homegrown trio Brodie Coghlan, Josh Reynolds and George Young - with the latter in line for a first appearance of the season.
“We knew we had a tough end to the season with Glasgow away, Ulster away and Scarlets at Principality Stadium, but it is a challenge we’ll continue to embrace,” said Flanagan.
“We know what’s coming, there is no surprise. But collectively we just must be better at the fundamentals of the game and make sure we can stay in the fight longer.”
Ulster: Mike Lowry; Craig Gilroy, James Hume, Stuart McCloskey, Jacob Stockdale; Billy Burns, John Cooney; Eric O’Sullivan, Tom Stewart, Tom O’Toole, Alan O’Connor (Captain), Sam Carter, David McCann, Marcus Rea, Duane Vermeulen.
Replacements: John Andrew, Andy Warwick, Jeffery Toomaga Allen, Kieran Treadwell, Nick Timoney, Nathan Doak, Stewart Moore, Ethan McIlroy.
Dragons: Jordan Williams; Rio Dyer, Jared Rosser, Max Clark, Ashton Hewitt; Angus O’Brien, Rhodri Williams (capt); Rhodri Jones, Elliot Dee, Leon Brown, Ben Carter, Matthew Screech, George Nott, Taine Basham, Aaron Wainwright
Replacements: Brodie Coghlan, Josh Reynolds, Lloyd Fairbrother, Sean Lonsdale, George Young, Lewis Jones, Will Reed, Aneurin Owen
READ NEXT:
Cardiff chief makes worrying admission after losing two stars
The battle to be Wales' top region and what each team has left to play for
