EBBW Vale back row forward Gareth Green is out for another few weeks and misses Saturday night's tough European Shield game at Agen
Green had only just recovered from an ankle injury when he suffered knee ligament damage.
He has been to hospital for a scan and is forced to miss the start of Vale's European campaign, also out of the home game against Rovigo next week.
Two other back row forwards ruled out are Kati Tuipulotu, whose wife is due to give birth, and Rhys Williams, who took a knock playing for the under-21s last night.
That means Vale have to press skipper Chay Billen into service at blindside flanker, a position he has occupied before.
And it means South African lock Ockert Booyse makes his second start of the season, having played in Leinster. He has now recovered from a foot injury.
Another player out of the Agen clash is centre Rhys Shorney. He has gone part-time to take a physiotherapy course and can't get time off from college.
Versatile Paul Matthews will ocuupy the outside centre position. At scrum half will be experienced Kevin Ellis in place of Gareth Betts.
"He came on in the second half against Bridgend and did really well, so we'll give him a run and see what he can do," said coach Mike Ruddock.
A boost to the team is the return of wing Andrew Wagstaff, who has been out with injured ribs.
Under-21 backs Ross Watts and Tim Bagg are among the replacements. Team: M James, G Cull, P Matthews, D Weatherley, A Wagstaff, S Mitchell, K Ellis, I Thomas, L Phillips, M Jones, O Booyse, N Edwards, C Billen (captain), W Thomas, P Williams. Replacements from: A Takarangi, R Watts, T Bagg, G Betts, D Penisini, J Evans, G Evans, A Rogers or R Williams. Kick-off 7.30pm.
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