Newport Gwent Dragons play Ulster at Rodney Parade as tenth hosts fourth in Round 18 of the Guinness Pro12. Ulster will look to maintain their push for the top four and a semi-final berth, while Dragons will hope to bounce back from a 47-17 defeat to Glasgow Warriors last time out. What’s at stake? Dragons could climb one place to ninth with a victory, depending on Edinburgh’s result against Leinster while visitors Ulster can further secure their place in the top four with a win and put pressure on third-placed compatriots Munster. Dragons have lost their last four matches with their most recent victory coming against Benetton Treviso in Round 12. Ulster, on the other hand, are red-hot having won their last five Pro12 matches since losing 16-13 to Scarlets in Round 11. Newport Gwent Dragons team news Dragons skipper Lewis Evans is set to make his 200th appearance for the region, he plays at No.8 joining Ollie Griffiths and Nic Cudd in the back row. Nick Crosswell returns in the second row to take his place alongside Rynard Landman in the engine room. Carl Meyer returns at full-back with Tom Prydie moving to wing, and the two are joined by the returning Adam Hughes to make up the back three. The centre partnership remains unchanged with Sam Beard named alongside Tyler Morgan while Angus O’Brien and Charlie Davies steer the ship from half-backs. Ulster team news Centre Luke Marshall will win his 100th appearance for the Ulsterman when he runs out at Rodney Parade as the Irish province look to secure back to back wins at Rodney Parade for the first time since 2005-06. Marshall lines up alongside Darren Cave in an experienced Ulster midfield with 291 caps between them. Full-back Jared Payne and back-rower Iain Henderson return from Ireland duty to take their place in the starting line-up, with the returning Paddy Jackson among the replacements. Stuart Olding continues at fly-half after Ulster’s record-breaking ten-try victory over Zebre last time out, he is joined by Ruan Pienaar in the half-backs. Talking points Dragons centre Sam Beard believes the week’s rest last week has rejuvenated his side ahead of their clash with Ulster. “It was a first proper break we’ve had since pre-season, and you could tell the boys were mentally tired. Everyone seems fresh now so hopefully it will be a good thing,” said Beard. “I’ve really enjoyed it (first season with Dragons) and everyone’s been welcoming. We all know a few results haven’t gone our way but that’s the way it is sometimes. “We’ve been creating opportunities but not quite finishing them. We’ve been letting teams off the hook then they’ve scored points against us. We need to get points on the board and put pressure on teams.” Key battle: Tyler Morgan v Luke Marshall Luke Marshall was exceptional in Ulster’s huge win over Zebre in Round 17, dotting down for a brace of tries in a 68-21 victory. And Marshall’s powerful running and subtle lines will be key to Ulster’s go-forward at Rodney Parade. Opposite man Tyler Morgan has not enjoyed the same try-scoring season as Marshall and will need to stop Marshall at source if he is to keep the Ulsterman quiet. Key stat: Dragons only victory over an Irish province in the last 14 months was 21-16 at home to Connacht in round 8 this season. Did you know? Ulster have won their last five matches in the Guinness PRO12 since they were beaten by Scarlets in Llanelli in round 13. That reversal to Scarlets ended a five-game winning run against Welsh regions in the tournament. Newport Gwent Dragons top points scorer: Angus O’Brien 91 points Top try scorer: Pat Howard and Sarel Pretorius 4 Ulster top points scorer: Ruan Pienaar 93 points Top try scorer: Jacob Stockdale 8 Overall Guinness PRO12 head to head record: Played 27, Dragons won 10, Ulster won 16 and 1 game drawn. At Rodney Parade, 7.35pm Live on BBC SPORT NI Referee: Mike Adamson (SRU, 5th competition game) Assistant Referees: Sam Grove-White (SRU), Dan Jones (WRU) Citing Commissioner: Gwyn Bowden (WRU) TMO: Jim Yuille (SRU)
