NEWPORT Gwent Dragons coach Chris Anderson has controversially chosen an unchanged team for Sunday's must-win Heineken Cup-tie against Edinburgh at Murrayfield.

He has gambled by deciding to keep faith with the side which by and large secured a five-match winning run in the Celtic League prior to last Saturday's first Heineken pool game against Newcastle.

That ignores the fact that Europe is a step up from the Celtic League plus the lack of physical presence up front and the absence of a kicking game against the Falcons.

But Anderson has declined to change and opts for a same again policy, when a defeat could well put them out of contention in the lucrative competition just two games in.

The only concessions he makes are by extending the number of players from which he chooses the replacements.

He brings in 6ft 9ins lock Luke Charteris, who is in the Wales squad, and outside half Craig Warlow, who could improve the ball winning and kicking game situations if they get the chance.

There is also provision to give Percy Montgomery a bigger role in the match, and though he is now back in South Africa preparing for next month's Springbok tour he will take part in Friday's Dragons captain's run before the party leave for Edinburgh on Saturday morning.

The selection of an unchanged team means that scrum half Gareth Cooper is expected to be fit after being taken off near the end of the Newcastle game with a knee injury. He trained yesterday and should make a full recovery by the time of the game.

Two other players who took knocks will be fit - lock Ian Gough, the victim of a fierce assault by rival Luke Gross which got him sent off and number eight Richard Bryan, who was felled by a sneak punch by Phil Dowman, the Dragons surprisingly failing to take any action.

There is consolation for one Dragons player after a miserable season of non-selection.

Back row forward Ross Beattie has been chosen in the Scotland squad for next month's internationals against Australia, Japan and Argentina though he has yet to make a start for the Dragons this season. His appearances have been limited to just three brief outings as a replacement.

Team: K Morgan, G Wyatt, P Montgomery, S Tuipulotu, H Luscombe, C Sweeney, G Cooper, R Snow, S Jones, R Thomas, I Gough, M Owen, J Ringer, R Bryan, J Forster (captain). Replacements from: N Brew, C Warlow, G Baber, A Black, J Richards, C Anthony, L Charteris, P Sidoli, R Beattie. Kick off 1pm.