AHLEY Smith captains Newport Gwent Dragons for the first time in Saturday's EDF Energy Cup-tie against Gloucester at Kingsholm.

It is one of nine changes - four in the backs and five in the pack - from the side who fought so valiantly at Bath in Sunday's Heineken Cup thriller.

Smith partners Rhodri Davies in the centre with Tal Selly on the right wing and Shaun Connor at outside half.

Up front Steve Jones gets a rarre outing at hooker, with regular captain Tom Willis on the bench, Andrew Hall comes in at lock and a new back row features Richard Parks, Grant Webb and Dan Lydiate.

Team: P Dollman, T Selley, R Davies, A Smith (captain), R Fussell, S Connor, W Evans, A Black, S Jones, R Thomas, A Hall, A Jones, D Lydiate, G Webb, R Parks. Replacements: G Maule, J Tovey, T Isaacs, M Murphy, T Willis, J Bearman, J Ringer. Kick off 3pm.