NATHAN Brew makes his first appearance at outside centre for almost a year for Newport Gwent Dragons against Leinster in tomorrow night's Celtic League clash at Rodney Parade, writes Robin Davey.

Brew has played mainly on the wing for the Dragons, but is equally capable in the number 13 position and the Dragons have had problems filling the position in the absence of Hal Luscombe.

Brew returns after breaking a thumb and he will play alongside Jon Bryant in a new centre partnership. Also back for the Dragons after an absence of almost three months is leading wing Gareth Wyatt, recovered from a dislocated elbow, while Gareth Baber steps in at scrum half for Gareth Cooper, out for the rest of the season with a dislocated shoulder.

There is only one change in the pack where Andrew Hall is at lock in place of Bryn Griffiths, Shawn van Rensberg among the replacements.

Also on the bench, making the 22 for the first time this season, is Chris Anthony who has been out with neck and shoulder injuries.

If Baber gets injured Tuipulotu will deputise while Lee Hinton also gets a rare opportunity in the 22 because of his versatility and place kicking ability.

The Dragons are without Cooper, Luscombe, Ceri Sweeney, Kevin Morgan, Ian Gough, Luke Charteris and Michael Owen and Leinster are missing Brian O'Driscoll, Gordon D'Arcy, Shane Horgan and Malcolm O'Kelly, but still include Girvan Demspey, Denis Hickie, Felipe Contepomi, Guy Easterby, Reggie Corrigan, Will Green, Bryce Williams, Eric Miller and Keith Gleeson plus Lieran Lewis, Jamie Heaslip, Ronan McCormack and Brian Blaney who played for Ireland A last week.

The Dragons need to win to boost their chances of Heineken Cup qualification.

Dragons: A Thomas, G Wyatt, N Brew, J Bryant, B Breeze, C Warlow, G Baber, A Black, S Jones, R Thomas, A Hall, P Sidoli, J Ringer, R Oakley, J Forster (captain). Replacements: A Brown, D Maddocks, C Anthony, B Griffiths, S van Rensberg, S Tuipulotu, L Hinton. Kick off 5.30pm.