Ryan set to unleash big-hitters in Cup bid

JAMIE Roberts and Jonah Holmes make their Dragons richlyanticipated debuts in tonight’s European Challenge Cup quarter-final clash with Bristol Bears at Ashton Gate (7.45pm).

Wales and Lions centre Roberts will link up with Nick Tompkins in midfield, while fellow international Holmes lines up on the wing.

The 94-cap Roberts signed for the Gwent region in late July after a spell playing for the Stormers Super Rugby side in South Africa.

His debut was delayed when he contracted coronavirus, ruling him out of last month’s Welsh derby clashes against the Ospreys and the Scarlets.

But now he’s back for the huge Euro showdown with Bristol.

Former Leicester winger Holmes also makes his bow after sitting out the derbies, while there’s an unexpected return for Jordan Williams.

In all, there are seven changes from the side that started against the Scarlets last time out as the Dragons go all guns blazing in their team selection.

Director of rugby Dean Ryan has gone for a big powerful back row in Ross Moriarty, Aaron Wainwright and Harrison Keddie, with flyer Taine Basham in reserve on the bench.

“We’re all really looking forward to the quarter-final and we’re going to give it everything we’ve got,” he said.

“There is real excitement in the squad and we have some big games players who are determined to make an impression.”

Bristol show no fewer than 14 changes from their last Gallagher Premiership match – a 59-35 defeat to Wasps.

Cardiffian Callum Sheedy wears No.10, with fellow Welshman Dan Thomas on the bench, alongside fit-again Welsh-qualified scrum-half Harry Randall. Dragons: Jordan Williams, Jonah Holmes, Nick Tompkins, Jamie Roberts, Ashton Hewitt; Sam Davies, Rhodri Williams (capt); Brok Harris, Elliot Dee, Leon Brown, Joe Davies, Matthew Screech, Aaron Wainwright, Harrison Keddie, Ross Moriarty. Replacements: Richard Hibbard, Josh Reynolds, Lloyd Fairbrother, Joe Maksymiw, Taine Basham, Luke Baldwin, Josh Lewis, Adam Warren.