THE Dragons are weighing up whether to give Australian lock Steve Cummins a debut against Benetton in Newport on Saturday night.
The Rodney Parade club will hunt a second United Rugby Championship win of the campaign when they host the Italians (kick-off 7.35pm).
Dai Flanagan’s squad have a six-day turnaround from their 23-19 defeat to the Lions and Cummins could inject some energy into the matchday squad.
The towering Aussie, a summer signing from Pau, has been sidelined since breaking a hand in the first friendly of the summer against Hartpury University RFC at the end of August.
The lock has played a full part in training this week and is a contender to face Benetton while Wales full-back Cai Evans is also nearing a return.
The twice-capped international has been sidelined by a hamstring strain, although the need isn’t as pressing at 15 given the form of Angus O’Brien while Lloyd Evans and Will Reed battle it out for the start at fly-half.
“We have Steve Cummins up for selection while Cai Evans is in the mix if he can complete the mix but it's always tough to put people in for a six-day turnaround because the volume of the week doesn't always fit in with that plan,” said head coach Dai Flanagan.
“Steve would bring experience and would help steady the ship, he is a quality operator who has played at the highest level in this league, the Top 14 and Super Rugby.
“He's been very frustrated and can't wait to get back out there. We’ve now got a bit more padding around the squad, giving options.”
Flanagan revealed after the loss to the Lions that Benetton would be too soon to bring back Wales number eight Aaron Wainwright, who is close to a return from a torn hamstring suffered in Australia in July.
The influential back row forward is likely to be named in Warren Gatland’s squad for the autumn internationals on Monday and could then make his return to action in Galway in the final game of the first URC block.
“Connacht is a realistic target, as long as he can complete these two weeks of training,” said Flanagan.
“We need to make sure he is safe but he has hit every target that has been set for him, and exceeded some.”
While Wainwright is close to a return, Test teammate Elliot Dee remains sidelined by the ankle injury suffered at the end of last season.
“Elliot had a little setback and we won't see him in this block, and he won't be fit for Wales either,” said Flanagan.
With James Benjamin nearing a return from concussion, in-form Brodie Coghlan and Oli Burrows are likely to continue as the hookers against Benetton.
The teams are named at midday on Friday.
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