CERI Sweeney has spoken up in favour of Newport Gwent Dragons coach Paul Turner's team selection for tomorrow's Powergen Cup-tie at Northampton.

So far some English clubs and coaches have been criticised for taking a less than serious approach to the revamped competition involving the 12 Guinness Premiership teams and four Welsh regions.

But for the second round of pool matches this weekend the same accusation could be levelled at the Dragons with Kevin Morgan, Gareth Cooper, Craig Warlow, Ian Gough, Adam Black and skipper Jason Forster all on the bench.

But Wales player Sweeney, who switches from centre to outside half, defends the policy.

"Last year we had the same team virtually every week which was hard on those not playing," he said. "We've got the balance right now, the boys are playing well which means you can rotate.

"It's good for all of us because the number of games takes its toll. We want to be constant all through the season, not fade away like last year.

"We've got to keep the momentum going, we've got a good squad and even when we're losing we're not being soundly beaten."

Turner explained: "I know we've got four internationals on the bench, but we've got a tough couple of weeks coming up with Edinburgh away in the Celtic League and Castres away and Sale at home in the Heineken Cup.

"We've had a difficult week with players away training with Wales and we've got to manage quite a small squad which is why the changes have been made. It also shows faith in the rest of the squad which is why they're there. I'm confident they can perform."

Turner believes the English teams will target this weekend's games, having lost to Welsh opposition in three out of four cross-border fixtures last week, Leicester being beaten by the Dragons, Saracens by Cardiff Blues and Leeds by Llanelli Scarlets.

"The English media have got to their clubs after some of them returned across the bridge empty handed. There will be a number of English sides targeting this weekend and we could see them start to come through," he said.

"Leicester are still a threat and Northampton will be up for it. Having been there for the last 10-12 years, they'll be a tough nut to crack with their fervent following as well, so it's going to be a big challenge for us."