TALISMAN skipper Tom Willis will not be rushed back into actiion by Newport Gwent Dragons for Friday’s LV Cup opener with Sale at Rodney Parade.

The hooker injured his calf in the first game of the season against Ulster and played just 20 minutes before aggravating the problem on his return against the Scarlets.

The 30-year-old underwent tests and the Dragons hope he will be back leading the side soon, though the autumn internationals mean he has plenty of time before the Magners League returns with Leinster’s trip to the Parade on December 6.

Knee injuries forced loosehead prop Huw Gustafson and tighthead Pat Palmer from the field in Sunday’s heroic win in Edinburgh. Both are okay, though the former may be rested against the Sharks.

Kiwi scrum-half Danny Lee, who has had to bide his time behind in-form Wayne Evans, is poised for a run out while promising flanker Toby Faletau is set for more game time.

The powerful 18-year-old made his debut as a replacement at Murrayfield and had a golden chance to mark it with a try only to knock the slippery ball on with the line at his mercy.

However, Faletau has made a big impact playing for Cross Keys in the Premiership and is set to go up against the Sharks.

The Dragons will be taking the Anglo-Welsh tournament seriously and not only will head coach Paul Turner be looking to put one over his old club but he will be hoping for more players to give him selection headaches.

“Two of our better away performances in Leinster and Edinburgh have proved that our squad is very competitive,” he said.

“People seem to be taking their chances and that is pleasing to see as a coach.”

The Dragons are protecting a 100 per cent record at the Parade this season while Sale have lost three and drawn one of their games away from Edgeley Park.