Lion Lydiate reaches Dragons landmark at Newcastle

Dan Lydiate helped Warren Gatland's British and Irish Lions beat Australia in 2013

European Challenge Cup: Newcastle Falcons v Dragons

Venue: Kingston Park, Newcastle Date: Sunday,15 December Kick off: 15:15 GMT

Coverage: Live audio and text commentary on the BBC Sport website and app.

Veteran Wales and British and Irish Lions flanker Dan Lydiate makes his 100th Dragons appearance in the European Challenge Cup at Newcastle Falcons on Sunday.

The 36-year-old is one of nine starting changes made by interim boss Filo Tiatia as Dragons seek a win after their opening 18-14 defeat at home against Montpellier last weekend.

Rodrigo Martinez and hooker Brodie Coghlan are back in the front row while Steve Cummins and George Nott combine at lock.

There will be first starts for full-back Huw Anderson and scrum half Che Hope with centre Joe Westwood returning and wing Oli Andrew set for his first appearance of 2024-25.

On the bench, visiting debuts are likely for Evan Minto, Nick Thomas and new prop recruit Paula Latu.

Falcons make just two changes to the team that was beaten in Pau last Sunday in their competition opener.

Scrum-half Sam Stuart returns along with centre Connor Doherty as the English side aim for a fifth straight win at Kingston Park in all competitions.

Given that the north east club are operating with a streamlined squad of 38 players, they have less room for mass rotation.

Kieran Wilkinson again starts at fly-half, with first-choice number 10 Brett Connon on the replacements bench.

Falcons are five-time semi-finalists in the European Challenge Cup, last reaching the final four in 2018. They are currently ninth in the 10-team English Premiership with two wins from seven games.

Dragons are bottom of the United Rugby Championship having lost all six games since winning at home against Ospreys on the opening day of the season. Their best performance in the Challenge Cup was a semi-final defeat to Montpellier in 2016.

Dragons head coach Filo Tiatia said: "Newcastle Falcons are a good team. They are hard-working, blue collar and play the percentages well.

"They played well out in Pau and have a good strong maul, which led to two tries, so we know what is in front of us. They are well coached, hunt for the ball and don't give away too many opportunities, so we have to take them when they come.

"It will be tough, but every game is an opportunity to stamp your authority on it and impose yourself."

Newcastle Falcons consultant director of rugby Steve Diamond told BBC Radio Newcastle: "We're at home and we have to win at home. But Dragons are a good side and the URC is a good competition.

"We respect them, they move the ball around a lot, they've got some really experienced players, a good forward pack, so it will be a real tough game.

"We've not got one eye on Bath (next Premiership game), we're not good enough to do that. All our focus will be on Dragons. If we can win, hopefully we can still progress through this competition."

Newcastle Falcons: Ben Redshaw; Adam Radwan, Alex Hearle, Connor Doherty, Ben Stevenson; Kieran Wilkinson, Sam Stuart; Murray McCallum, Alex Fletcher, Richard Palframan, Kiran McDonald, Sebastian de Chaves, Freddie Lockwood, Tom Gordon, Callum Chick (capt).

Replacements: Bryan Byrne, Mickey Rewcastle, Callum Hancock, Finn Baker, Ollie Leatherbarrow, Hugh O'Sullivan, Brett Connon, Oli Spencer

Dragons: Huw Anderson; Ewan Rosser, Joe Westwood, Aneurin Owen, Oli Andrew; Angus O'Brien (capt), Che Hope; Rodrigo Martinez, Brodie Coghlan, Chris Coleman, Steve Cummins, George Nott, Ryan Woodman, Dan Lydiate, Aaron Wainwright

Replacements: Oli Burrows, Josh Reynolds, Paula Latu, Nick Thomas, Evan Minto, Rhodri Williams, Cai Evans, Harry Wilson.

Referee: Federico Vedovelli (FIR)

Assistant referees: Alberto Favaro & Riccardo Angelucci (FIR)

TMO: Stefano Penne (FIR)