Dragons team for semi-final showdown

Wing Rio Dyer makes his return as Dragons RFC prepare to face two-time winners Montpellier Herault Rugby at Septeo Stadium in the semi-finals of the EPCR Challenge Cup on Sunday afternoon (kick-off 12.30pm UK).

Head Coach Filo Tiatia makes six changes to the side that defeated Zebre Parma in league last weekend as the Men of Gwent head to France to tackle the top seeds.

Dyer returns out wide while Tonga international Fine Inisi is recalled at centre. Scrum half Niall Armstrong is paired with Tinus de Beer at half back.

Hooker Elliot Dee is back up front alongside prop Chris Coleman. The final change is a recall for back row Ryan Woodman who packs down at blindside flanker.

Experienced prop Wyn Jones and back row Harri Keddie are named among the replacements.

Head Coach Filo Tiatia has called on his Dragons to embrace a first semi-final appearance for the club in a decade.

“The boys are looking forward to this game - as they should be. It’s exciting what is ahead of us,” he said.

“I watched Montpellier play Bordeaux last weekend and they played well.

“They’ve got some big carriers, very similar to the Bulls, and they've got a very good mauling forward pack. They love getting in the 22 and being direct.

“They've got also backs that can strike from anywhere so they’re a good side.

“The outcome will be the outcome against Montpelier,” he added.

“We understand the task ahead of us and you're playing on their home turf. We are going into their town, we're going to be in front of their crowd and their supporters, and they'll be screaming against us.

“We're in for a challenge, but we're up for getting over there and imposing our game. We're looking forward to that.”

Dragons RFC: Angus O’Brien (cc), David Richards, Fine Inisi, Aneurin Owen, Rio Dyer, Tinus de Beer, Niall Armstrong; Rodrigo Martinez, Elliot Dee, Chris Coleman, Levi Douglas, Ben Carter (cc), Ryan Woodman, Thomas Young, Aaron Wainwright

Replacements: Brodie Coghlan, Wyn Jones, Dillon Lewis, Seb Davies, Harrison Keddie, Morgan Lloyd, Fetuli Paea, Huw Anderson

Unavailable: Che Hope, Robert Hunt, Shane Lewis-Hughes, Mackenzie Martin, Jordan Morris, Harry Rees-Weldon, Ewan Rosser