FIVE newcomers, all from the Celtic Warriors, make their Celtic League debuts for Newport Gwent Dragons as the business end of the season under new coach Chris Anderson gets under way against Cardiff Blues at the Arms Park on Saturday night.

At the first time of asking in a meaningful game Anderson hands league debuts to full back Kevin Morgan, wing Gareth Wyatt, centre Jon Bryant, outside half Ceri Sweeney and number eight Richard Bryan, all from defunct Warriors.

But the Dragons side is not without its surprises as Anderson omits Wales scrum half Gareth Cooper and forwards Adam Black, Peter Sidoli and back row forward Ross Beattie, who were pretty much regulars last season, Black and Sidoli both playing in all 29 matches.

Cooper has missed all three of the Dragons friendlies while he has been recovering from a shoulder operation. Gareth Baber, who is the vice-captain, starts instead with Cooper a replacement.

"Gareth has been training through the pre-season building up after a shoulder operation," explained team manager Jim McCreedy.

"He had the all-clear to resume playing this week and obviously missed the pre-season games whereas Gareth Baber played in them all."

Anderson goes for Rod Snow at loose head prop, Michael Owen is at lock rather than number eight and Jamie Ringer is at blindside flanker with Bryan at number eight.

"We are fortunate we've got two players of the calibre of Rod and Adam," said McCreedy.

"Rod has got the nod this week, but I'm sure Adam will play during the game.

"Michael Owen started his pre-season late after the Wales tour and has worked hard, but I'm sure the coach will use Peter Sidoli in the game."

Anderson goes in with five forwards and two backs on the bench, one of them Sione Tuipulotu, who has only been back in the country a week because of visa problems. But his versatility counts heavily.

Black, Sidoli and Beattie are all on the bench along with Rhys Thomas and Jamie Richards.

Team: K Morgan, G Wyatt, H Luscombe, J Bryant, N Brew, C Sweeney, G Baber, R Snow, S Jones, C Anthony, I Gough, M Owen, J Ringer, R Bryan, J Forster (captain). Replacements: S Tuipulotu, G Cooper, A Black, J Richards, R Thomas, P Sidoli, R Beattie. Kick off 5.30pm.