Rio Dyer Returns as Dragons Make Six Changes — Montpellier Vs Dragons
Rio Dyer is back in the Dragons side for montpellier vs dragons, one of six changes Filo Tiatia has made for Sunday’s EPCR Challenge Cup semi-final at the Septeo Stadium. The visitors arrive after last weekend’s URC win over Zebre Parma, but this is a far bigger test against the two-time champions and top seeds.
Rio Dyer Returns for Dragons
Dyer comes into the back three, giving Dragons a pace option for a match that will be played on Montpellier’s home turf. Fine Inisi also returns in the midfield, while Niall Armstrong and Tinus de Beer are paired at half-back.
Elliot Dee is back at hooker alongside prop Chris Coleman, and Ryan Woodman has been recalled to start at blindside flanker. Wyn Jones and Harri Keddie are among the replacements, giving Tiatia depth across the pack and back line.
Montpellier Stack Their Side
Montpellier Hérault Rugby have named Tom Banks at fullback, Lenni Nouchi as captain and Adam Beard at lock. For Dragons, Angus O’Brien leads the side from fullback and Ben Carter is captain at lock, setting the match-up inside the spine of the two teams.
Tiatia was blunt about the size of the task. “I watched Montpellier play Bordeaux last weekend and they played well,” he said ahead of the semi-final. “They’ve got some big carriers, very similar to the Bulls, and they’ve got a very good mauling forward pack.”
Dragons Face A French Test
He added: “They love getting in the 22 and being direct. They’ve got also backs that can strike from anywhere so they’re a good side.” The Dragons coach also pointed to the setting in France: “We understand the task ahead of us and you’re playing on their home turf.”
For Dragons, the semi-final carries the weight of a decade away from this stage in Europe. They are back in a European semi-final for the first time in a decade, and Sunday’s trip to the Septeo Stadium hands them a direct shot at the competition’s top seed.
Tiatia said his side is not going over to make up the numbers. “We are going into their town, we’re going to be in front of their crowd and their supporters, and they’ll be screaming against us,” he said. “We know we’re in for a challenge, but we’re up for getting over there and imposing our game.”
