LEWIS Evans will take over at the top of Newport Gwent Dragons’ all-time appearances list when he leads out the side against Zebre in the Guinness Pro12 tomorrow evening.

The back row forward will make his 181st appearance when he captains the Dragons against the Italians at Rodney Parade (kick-off 7.15pm).

The 29-year-old currently shares the honour with Steve ‘Jabba’ Jones, who was a member of the squad that played the Scarlets in the region’s first game in September 2003.

Argus columnist Evans, who made his Dragons debut against the Scarlets as a replacement in 2006, is one of six changes from the XV that lost 29-8 to Ulster on opening weekend.

He replaces Ollie Griffiths (shoulder) at blindside while head coach Kingsley Jones brings in Wales internationals Hallam Amos and Tyler Morgan at full-back and outside centre respectively.

Prop Thomas Davies makes his first start at loosehead following his summer move from Cardiff Blues while Brok Harris is back from a shoulder injury at tighthead and Nick Crosswell comes into the second row for Cory Hill, who suffered a cut ear in Belfast.

Dragons: H Amos, A Warren, T Morgan, S Beard, P Howard, N Macleod, S Pretorius, T Davies, R Thomas, B Harris, R Landman, N Crosswell, L Evans (captain), N Cudd, E Jackson.

Replacements: R Buckley, S Hobbs, L Fairbrother, M Screech, J Thomas, C Davies, A O’Brien, GR Jones.

Zebre: K Baker, L Greeff, G Bisegni, T Boni, G Di Giulio, C Canna, G Palazzani, A De Marchi, O Fabiani, P Ceccarelli, Q Geldenhuys, G Biagi (captain), J Sarto, M Mbanda, A Van Schalkwyk.

Replacements: C Festuccia, G Roan, D Chistolini, G Koegelenberg, F Ruzza, C Engelbrecht, M Pratichetti, E Padovani

Referee: Lloyd Linton (Scotland)