HOOKER Rhys Thomas will captain Newport Gwent Dragons in Edinburgh tomorrow evening after Andrew Coombs failed a fitness test.

Wales lock Coombs suffered a blow to the ankle in last Friday’s 15-8 RaboDirect Pro12 win against Ulster at Rodney Parade.

He failed to recover in time for the clash at Murrayfield but should be fine to lead from the front in next Friday’s home derby against the Scarlets.

Thomas deputises, as he did in the pre-season friendly against Bath, and Adam Jones moves to the starting XV from the bench.

Matthew Pewtner replaces Tom Prydie, who also suffered an injured ankle against Ulster on the right wing while loosehead Owen Evans and number eight Netani Talei replace Aaron Coundley and Jevon Groves respectively.

Lions star Toby Faletau will make his first appearance since starring in Australia from the bench.

Edinburgh are skippered by Ross Ford and possess a dangerous back three of Greig Tonks, Nikki Walker and Tim Visser.

Edinburgh: G Tonks, N Walker, D Fife, N De Luca, T Visser, H Leonard, S Kennedy, A Dickinson, R Ford (captain), W Nel, G Gilchrist, I van der Westhuizen, D Basilaia, R Grant, D Denton. Replacements: A Luitui, W Blaauw, G Cross, S Cox, H Watson, S Hidalgo-Clyne, M Tait, J Cuthbert.

Dragons: D Evans, M Pewtner, P Leach, J Dixon, H Amos, J Tovey, R Rees, O Evans, R Thomas (captain), D Way, A Jones, M Screech, L Evans, N Cudd, N Talei. Replacements: H Gustafson, P Price, F Chaparro, R Sidoli, T Faletau, J Evans, K Burton, R Wardle.