NORTHAMPTON are bringing their big guns to Ebbw Vale with Wales wing George North set to lead the charge against Newport Gwent Dragons tomorrow evening.

The English champions head to Eugene Cross Park with a formidable side as they prepare for next Friday’s Aviva Premiership opener against Gloucester.

North starts on the left wing for the Saints and is joined in the starting XV by England stars Dylan Hartley, Courtney Lawes, Tom Wood, Luther Burrell and Ben Foden.

The Dragons have named an extended squad for the match and director of rugby Lyn Jones said on Tuesday that Wales and Lions number eight Taulupe Faletau will start after sitting out the pre-season wins against Bristol and Lydney.

Dragons: L Byrne, G R Jones, T Prydie, M Pewtner, P Leach, T Morgan, J Dixon, B Nightingale, A Brew, J Tovey, A O’Brien, D Jones, J Evans, R Rees, B Stankovich, O Evans, E Dee, R Thomas, L Fairbrother, D Way, D Young, R Landman, I Gough, M Screech, C Hill, A Coombs, L Evans, N Cudd, S Matthews, A Powell, J Thomas, T Faletau.

Northampton: B Foden, K Pisi, G Pisi, L Burrell, G North, W Hooley, L Dickson, A Cobisiero, D Hartley (captain), S Ma’afu, C Lawes, C Day, C Clark, T Wood, S Manoa. Replacements: R McMillan, A Waller, G Denman, J Craig, C Dolan, T Harrison, J Fisher, J Fotual’i, J Wilson, D Waldouck, J Elliott, H Packman, J Skelcey, S Olver.