COLIN Charvis makes his first start of the season for Newport Gwent Dragons in today’s Heineken Cup clash against Glasgow at Rodney Parade.

Wales’ most capped forward who captained the Dragons last season has been largely confined to a coaching role this season, new territory for him, specialising in defence which has looked meaner with each game.

The 35-year-old has also been suffering from a minor knee injury, but he featured as a replacement against former club Newcastle Falcons in last week’s EDF Energy Cup-tie at Rodney Parade.

And he made such an impact when he went on as a 53rd replacement, setting up the match winning try for scrum half Tom Isaacs, that head coach Paul Turner puts him into the fray against Glasgow from the off.

He can play anywhere in the back row, but he is brought in at openside against the Scottish team with Richard Parks making way.

Lewis Evans is at number eight with fit-again Joe Bearman at blindside and Grant Webb on the bench with Parks, Jamie Ringer and Dan Lydiate missing out altogether in a congested area.

“Colin showed us when he went on last week that he is right on the button, his leadership qualities were evident and he is also a great lieutenant for Tom Willis,” said Turner.

Willis and lock Adam Jones have both sung Charvis’ praises this week, Willis saying, “It’s fantastic to have him back out there. Anyone who has played as much rugby as he has, particularly at that level, is bound to have useful and important things to say.

“The guys respect him, they listen to him and when he played there last week he led by example. He’s got the ability to remain composed and relaxed regardless of the situation and to give clear direction.

“Off the field he’s taken a bit of pressure off me in terms of me not being the one voice who is guiding and directing so I have really appreciated that.”

And Jones said, “To have Colin back is a big boost for morale, especially for the younger players. He’s had so much experience, it’s always good to have him there to fall back on and rely on in tough situations. Everyone had sort of written him off, but he’s there to prove he can still do it.”

Turner added, “The back row and the centres are on fire and Charv has added to that.” He was also referring to the other highly competitive area in the side - at 12 and 13 where he has gone for the all-Australian partnership of Rory Sidey and Marc Stcherbina, with Ashley Smith on the bench and Rhodri Davies out of the 22.

New Zealander James Arlidge returns at outside half with Shaun Connor on the bench and Jason Tovey, last week’s 15-point hero against Newcastle, furthering his development for Newport at Premier Division champions Neath.

Wing Richard Fussell, scrum half Wayne Evans, prop Rhys Thomas and lock Luke Charteris all return after sitting out the Newcastle game, and loosehead prop Adam Black starts after coming on as an 18th minute replacement in that match.

But with four props unable to play because of injury and others not registered for Europe the Dragons have 18-year-old Aaron Coundley on the bench for the first time. He has been playing for Ebbw Vale and impressed against Wales prop Adam Jones, who was playing for Bridgend, a few weeks ago.

Dragons team: P Dollman, G Wyatt, R Sidey, M Stcherbina, R Fussell, J Arlidge, W Evans, A Black, T Willis (captain), R Thomas, A Jones, L Charteris, J Bearman, L Evans, C Charvis. Replacements: S Jones, A Coundley, A Hall, G Webb, A Smith, S Connor, R Lewis. Kick off 2.30pm.