Basham back for Pau clash

Wales international back row Taine Basham makes his return as Dragons RFC face Section Paloise in Round Two of the EPCR Challenge Cup in France on Saturday evening (kick-off 5.30pm UK).

Basham returns after serving a suspension as Head Coach Dai Flanagan makes nine changes for the clash at Stade de Hameau against the Top 14 giants.

Props Aki Seiuli and Chris Coleman and hooker Bradley Roberts make a new-look front row while Matthew Screech returns in the second row alongside Joe Davies.

Cai Evans is recalled at fly half and combines with Argentine scrum half Gonzalo Bertranou, who makes his first appearance of the season after his Rugby World Cup exploits with the Pumas.

Centre Aneurin Owen starts – alongside captain Steff Hughes in midfield – and the final change is a spot for Jared Rosser on the wing.

Argentina international Rodrigo Martinez makes his welcome return from injury among the replacements while Brodie Coghlan, Luke Yendle, Lewis Jones, and Ewan Rosser are also named.

“We showed what we're capable of against Oyonnax in that final ten minutes and hopefully that gives us a bit of confidence going into this week,” said Backs Coach, Matt O’Brien.

“Four out of six games in this block are in Europe so it has given us a chance for a fresh start in a different competition.

“It’s also an opportunity for us to build momentum going into the festive derbies and target knockout games in Europe if we get our performances right.

“We got a good win out in Pau last season, but they're a different outfit this year and going really well in the Top 14,” he added.

“I'm not too sure what sort of squad they’ll select, but we're expecting them to go strong with a game in the Top 14 coming up next week.

“Hopefully we can go out there and cause them some problems.”

Dragons RFC: Jordan Williams, Jared Rosser, Steff Hughes (c), Aneurin Owen, Ashton Hewitt, Cai Evans, Gonzalo Bertranou; Aki Seiuli, Bradley Roberts, Chris Coleman, Joe Davies, Matthew Screech, Ryan Woodman, Harri Keddie, Taine Basham

Replacements: James Benjamin, Rodrigo Martinez, Luke Yendle, Sean Lonsdale, George Young, Lewis Jones, Corey Baldwin, Ewan Rosser

Unavailable (11): Leon Brown (calf), Ben Carter (hamstring), Elliot Dee (ribs), Jack Dixon (knock), Ollie Griffiths (pec), Dan Lydiate (ribs), Angus O’Brien (arm), Sio Tomkinson (neck), Josh Reynolds (pec), David Richards (back), Joe Westwood (leg)