Wainwright and Carter Return as Dragons Prepare to Face Lions in URC Clash

Wales internationals Aaron Wainwright and Ben Carter return to the Dragons squad as they face the Lions in Johannesburg, aiming for their first away league win since 2022.

Wainwright and Carter Return for Dragons Ahead of Lions Match

Wales internationals Aaron Wainwright and Ben Carter will return to the Dragons squad for Saturday's United Rugby Championship (URC) fixture against the Lions in Johannesburg, kicking off at 14:30 GMT.

Head coach Filo Tiatia has made seven changes to the team following last week's defeat by the Stormers in Cape Town.

Wainwright and Carter rejoin the pack after completing their Six Nations duties, while flanker Thomas Young is also named in the starting lineup.

Hooker Brodie Coghlan is set to make his 50th appearance for the Dragons and will be accompanied in the front row by recalled prop Rodrigo Martinez.

Niall Armstrong will start at scrum half, and Tonga international Fine Inisi will play at outside centre as the Dragons aim for their first away league victory in nearly four years.

Match Venue and Broadcast

The match will take place at Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg. Audio updates will be available on Radio Wales Sport.

Team Performance and Coach's Perspective

After a narrow 29-21 loss to the Stormers, Tiatia's side is seeking their first URC win since January and their first away league win since defeating the Scarlets in April 2022.

"Lions are a good side and they're also a smart team," said Tiatia. "They have different types of kicking plans. Because of the altitude, teams will try and defend the length of the kick, but they've got small, short, little dinks too. They are a challenge.

"They're big men, too, so the physicality won't be any different. We've got to get in the ground, and then it's about how we impose our game, and we need to be physical against them."