THE Dragons have traditionally been spoilt for choice in the back row but a shortage of fit flankers could lead to them going big with a pair of extra locks against Glasgow on Saturday.
The Rodney Parade club have prospered from talent in the 6, 7 and 8 jerseys through the years with alumni featuring Taulupe Faletau, Dan Lydiate, Colin Charvis, Joe Bearman, Lewis Evans, Nic Cudd, Michael Owen, Jason Forster, Jamie Ringer.
The current crop aren’t too shabby but head coach Dai Flanagan is faced with a selection headache for Glasgow in the United Rugby Championship this weekend (kick-off 3pm).
Aaron Wainwright is away with Wales, Ross Moriarty is out with concussion, Ollie Griffiths has a pectoral injury and Harri Keddie is sidelined by a hamstring strain.
It leaves the Dragons stretched and they could opt to go for a hefty combination.
Wales international Taine Basham, who returned this month from a dislocated elbow suffered in October, is sure to start and be asked to bring some dynamism, ball carrying and breakdown threat.
Flanker Ben Fry, who has made three starts and five appearances off the bench, is a candidate along with Huw Taylor, a blindside and occasional lock, and fit-again Lennon Greggains.
However, the Dragons could opt to go big and field a pair of players that have previously thrived in the boilerhouse in the physical English Premiership.
Sean Lonsdale has predominantly played at blindside after being a lock with Exeter last season while George Nott moved back from the second row against the Lions on Sunday.
Wales international Ben Carter will start at lock against the Warriors and Matthew Screech could be his partner after Joe Davies suffered a knock last weekend.
Head coach Dai Flanagan and his management team have mulled over the prospect of fielding both 6ft 4ins Lonsdale and 6ft 5ins Nott as flankers.
“We’ve got good players available with Ben Fry champing at the bit and we also have the ability to pick big,” said the boss.
“We are in Gwent, so why not be big and physical? We have the potential to play some second row forwards in the back row with a smaller, quicker number eight.
“We also could pick two sevens in the back row and really go after the ball on the floor. It’s great having choices and you can find out on Friday which route we have taken!”
READ MORE: Lonsdale up for the fight with back rowers
Flanagan wants to play a high-tempo game and feels that the back-row presence of Lonsdale and Nott, who have played a big part in their strong lineout, wouldn’t necessarily turn the Dragons into a plodding team.
“It purely works because of the work rate that they both have,” said the head coach on using them as blindsides.
“More traditional second row forwards are heavy and hit things but those that we have – and even Matthew Screech and Ben Carter can play six – have the ability to move and play quickly.”
The Dragons name their team at midday on Friday with at least four changes necessary after the loss to the Lions.
Number eight Moriarty and lock Davies are out injured and hooker Bradley Roberts and wing Rio Dyer are on Wales duty, with Brodie Coghlan and Sio Tomkinson their likely replacements.
Flanagan could also hand starts to scrum-half Rhodri Williams, fly-half JJ Hanrahan and centre Jack Dixon after they impressed off the bench against the Lions, with Dixon also providing an extra breakdown threat to go along with his hard running.
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