JAMES Thomas will attempt to grasp his unexpected chance when he lines up at lock for Newport Gwent Dragons against Newcastle this evening.

The 24-year-old from Blackwood came on when Wales international Andrew Coombs injured his knee in the opening stages of last Saturday's stunning 38-22 win against Stade Francais in Paris.

Thomas, who is a blindside flanker by trade, impressed alongside Rynard Landman and is preferred to former Wales number eight Andy Powell as a makeshift lock for this evening's European Rugby Challenge Cup encounter (kick-off 7.30pm).

Coombs is deemed fit enough to be on the bench but the Dragons are currently without Ian Gough (shoulder), Cory Hill (ankle), Matthew Screech (shoulder) and Joe Davies (shoulder) and Thomas is happy to deputise.

"It was a bit unexpected but I am excited to start for the Dragons," said the former Wales Under-20s captain, who was given a professional after impressing in the Premiership with Bedwas.

"I am very happy to be getting the game time, even if it is in the second row rather than the back row.

"Playing alongside the likes of Rynard, you are able to learn a lot from someone like that, and I am looking forward to the game."

The Dragons' lock crisis has provided head coach Kingsley Jones with plenty of headaches but he has been delighted with the way that Thomas has performed.

"As coaches you whinge about injuries but what is does is allow other players to develop and prove their worth," said the former Wales flanker.

"James Thomas has been a really positive addition for us, he has been playing at a lower level and is catching up very quickly. There is an improvement in his game every week.

"At this level he is more of a six but has stepped up to the second row admirably."

The only other change to the XV sees Dan Way get the nod at tighthead with Lloyd Fairbrother dropping down to the bench where he is joined by loosehead Phil Price, who is set for a first appearance of the season after a summer foot operation.

Dorian Jones is preferred to Jason Tovey among the replacements following the fly-half's passport mishap that meant he was unable to travel to Paris.

Tovey will start for Cross Keys in their British and Irish Cup clash against the Cornish Pirates in Penzance on Sunday.

Dragons: L Byrne (captain), M Pewtner, T Prydie, A Smith, H Amos, A O'Brien, R Rees, B Stankovich, E Dee, D Way, J Thomas, R Landman, L Evans, N Cudd, T Faletau. Replacements: R Thomas, P Price, L Fairbrother, A Coombs, A Powell, J Evans, D Jones, A Brew.

Newcastle: S Hammersley, A Tait, T Penny, C Harris, L Smith, R Clegg, R Tipuna, R Vickers, R Hawkins, K Brookes, S MacLeod, S Robinson, W Welch (captain), A Saull, M Wilson. Replacements: A Rogers, E Fry, O Tomaszczyk, W Witty, D Temm, A Davies, C Willis, T Catterick

Referee: Alexandre Ruiz (France)