United Rugby Championship: Dragons vs Bulls on Friday night at kick-off 7.35pm

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After losing their last three matches in all competitions, the Bulls will be determined to return to winning ways in Friday’s United Rugby Championship (URC) encounter with the Dragons at Rodney Parade on Friday night.

Ollie Griffiths will make his first appearance of the season as the Dragons take on final yr’s crushed finalists Vodacom Bulls at Rodney Parade on Friday night time (kick-off 7.35pm)

The one-cap Wales flanker is one in all five changes made through Dai Flanagan as they pass in search of a first win because the hammering of Zebre on the stop of October.

Griffiths is one in every of changes in the p.C., as Sean Lonsdale packs down on the blindside. In the backs, Sam Davies begins at fly-half, partnering Lewis Jones at half-returned in what is going to be the scrum-1/2’s 100th look in the URC.

Dragons vs Bulls on Preview

The guys from Pretoria fielded an understrength team towards Exeter Chiefs inside the Champions Cup however suffered a humiliating forty four-14 defeat.

There are also dedicated posts to Six Nations fixtures and Women’s Six Nations fixtures.

Several in their first-desire players back for his or her URC suits in opposition to the Stormers and Sharks, but they suffered 37-27 and forty seven-20 losses in the ones respective suits.

Bulls breakdown teach Nollis Marais confirmed that they are able to sick find the money for some other reversal this weekend but stated they anticipate a tough assignment in opposition to their Welsh hosts.

Centre Max Clark comes into the group, with Sio Tomkinson transferring to wing, even as the final alternate is a start at full lower back for Jordan Williams.

Argentina worldwide scrum half of Gonzalo Bertranou returns from harm to take his place some of the replacements with prop Lloyd Fairbrother, lock Huw Taylor and fly 1/2 Will Reed.

Flanagan said: “We’re sincerely looking ahead to the venture of going through the Bulls on domestic soil. Their performances had been suitable in latest weeks; they will just be disappointed with the outcome of video games. They are coming here absolutely loaded due to the fact they want consequences like we want results.

“They have such skills of their squad. They are physical, they received’t take a step lower back, so we need to in shape that.

“You observe the back three too, they could mild up if we aren’t on our recreation and we don’t manipulate the sport. They are made of hard stuff. We recognize what is coming in and we’ve got to be prepared.

“It’s home, it is Friday night in Newport and it’s Rodney Parade. It’s a massive test and one we want to fulfill head on.”

Still adapting to European challenges

Marais, who was the Bulls’ head coach in 2016 and 2017, believes some of the South African teams are still adapting to the challenges – especially the weather conditions – of playing European opposition on their home turf.

However, he said they are well prepared for the Dragons’ onslaught.

“Super Rugby was fast, we knew what was coming,” explained Marais.

“In the URC conditions mean there are more focus points, and every team has their own unique style.

“That said, we know what’s coming from the Dragons. They like to slow the game down, they target the breakdowns, and they kick a lot.

“They play a spoiling game, too, but we’re focusing on us … and we’re going to have to be accurate and all be on the same page.”

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