THE outside half merry-go-round at Newport Gwent Dragons is set to continue in Sunday's Heineken Cup-tie against Sale at Edgeley Park.
Craig Warlow occupied the role in 11 of the first 12 games this season, the only interruption being the third match against Leinster in Dublin when Warlow was taken ill and young Aled Thomas stepped in at short notice.
All this time rival Ceri Sweeney was either out with a groin problem or playing at inside centre, but that changed when he enjoyed a run of four games in his original outside half position.
He didn't really hit the heights back there, though, and when Warlow went on in the second half against the Ospreys on New Year's Day his tactical kicking changed the course of the game in the Dragons' favour.
So he retained the spot against Connacht last week only to have an off-night himself, missing four kicks at goal and unable to exert an influence in the way he had the week before.
So Dragons coach Paul Turner now looks set to revert to Sweeney in the number ten jersey again for the demanding game at English front runners Sale, who are just one win away from qualifiying for the Heineken Cup quarter-finals.
Thomas could also make the team, but in the full back role he occupied with some success in the back-to-back Heineken Cup-ties against Munster.
The position has become a problem since the loss of Kevin Morgan for the rest of the season.
Sione Tiupulotu has twice given away tries when tried there against Northampton and Connacht, leaving Thomas and Leigh Hinton, a summer signing from Bedford, as the remaining alternatives.
Tiupulotu could remain in the side, though, in his more recognised position of inside centre with Jon Bryant rested after starting the last five matches and playing really well.
Up front, Turner is considering rotating the front row and if the comparatively inexperienced Gethin Robinson comes in at tight head it will be a massive test against Sale and England giant Andrew Sheridan, though Sheridan's effectiveness has been questioned this week by former Pontypool, Wales and Lions great Graham Price.
The Dragons are also waiting on the fitness of Wales lock Luke Charteris, who has missed the last two matches because of a shoulder injury.
And there is a slight doubt about wing Gareth Chapman who is suffering from a foot injury. If he fails to make it he would be denied a start against former England captain Jason Robinson following appearances against Jonah Lomu and Shane Williams.
Dragons squad: A Thomas, L Hinton, G Chapman, R Fussell, H Luscombe, S Tuipulotu, J Bryant, B Breeze, C Sweeney, C Warlow, G Cooper, G Baber, A Black, D Maddocks, S Jones, A Brown, R Thomas, G Robinson, I Gough, B Griffiths, P Sidoli, L Charteris, A Hall, R Oakley, J Ringer, M Owen, J Forster (captain). Kick off 1pm.
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