NEWPORT Gwent Dragons coach Chris Anderson defends his selection in the opening Celtic League game of the season against Cardiff Blues by picking the same team for Friday night's clash with champions Llanelli Scarlets - with the exception of Michael Owen.

The Wales forward could not be considered because of the after-effects of the facial injury he suffered in the first half at the Arms Park, and his place at lock goes to Peter Sidoli.

Players of the calibre of internationals Gareth Cooper and Ross Beattie are again among the replacements. "We are not jumping off the ship because of one defeat. We thought this was the best team last week and we haven't changed our minds on the back of one loss," said Anderson.

"We are going to cop plenty of barbs, but we'll stick together and stay tight as a squad.

"A lot of people might think that Gareth Cooper should be in the side, but a lot of people are not picking the team.

"Gareth Baber deserves more than one shot at it, you've got to show some faith. We've got a bit more fortitude than to abandon ship after one loss."

But Anderson admitted he has got to become more familiar with the set pieces, the scrums in particular, after the Cardiff setback when the Dragons were in trouble up front.

"It's something I've got to get used to, it's an important part of the psyche," he said.

"It's important we get our whole game right, that's not what beat us on Saturday, but the whole game.

"The big thing is to make our home a fortress again and to be positive, not just expect it but make it happen. "The big emphasis in Australia is on not going away with a negative attitude.

"It's an attitude thing for me, they don't have it in Australia.

"You have got to learn from your defeats and it was a good lesson for us on Saturday.

"We need to bed down, you want to make an impact under pressure.

"In five years they've had five different coaches here so it's going to take a while, but we're working hard." There is one other doubt in the Dragons team for Friday, with Chris Anthony and Rhys Thomas both in contention to play at tight head prop.

Craig Warlow comes in on the bench.

Dragons: K Morgan, G Wyatt, H Luscombe, J Bryant, N Brew, C Sweeney, G Baber, R Snow, S Jones, C Anthony/R Thomas, I Gough, P Sidoli, J Ringer, R Bryan, J Forster (captain). Replacements: S Tuipulotu, C Warlow, G Cooper, A Black, J Richards, L Charteris, R Beattie. Kick off 7.05pm.

l The Dragons have released scrum half Rhodri Jones, the former Swansea player who made just five starts last season.

The presence of Gareth Baber, the vice-captain, and Wales cap Gareth Cooper, would have further restricted his appearances.