Owen missed out on a trip to the World Cup because of a nagging back problem and has been restricted to three replacement appearances for his new team after joining the Gwent region from Pontypridd in the summer.
He takes over from Ian Gough, who has played in all previous 13 games for the Dragons, and will join Peter Sidoli in the boilerhouse of a pack that will be led by Jason Forster, who takes over the captaincy from Andy Marinos, who is among the replacements.
Former Springbok star Percey Montgomery reverts to his favourite position of full back after figuring at outside half in recent games. Lee Jarvis regains the No 10 jersey.
Dragons coach Mike Ruddock says he will not abandon the option of playing Montgomery at No 10, although the player has asked to be considered in his favoured full back role.
“This is a target game for us. We’re confident and intend attacking them in the pack, which is our biggest strength. We’ll attack them in the set pieces and try to find holes in their back line,” said Ruddock.
“It’s going to take a big performance and we’ll have to work hard, but we’re capable of doing it.”
As for The Borders, they will have to get used to life without the inspirational Gregor Townsend, who is heading to South Africa to play for the natal Sharks in the Super 12 tournament.
His place at outside half is taken by the Samoan internaitonal Tanner Vili.
Borders: G Morton; N Walker, J Stuart, K Utterson (captain), C Moir; T Vili, C Cusiter; K Todd, R Ford, B Douglas, S MacLeod, C Stewart, C Feather, D Kane, S Sititi.
Replacements: S Scott, G Cross, D Weir, T Walker, I Fairley, C Laidlaw, C Murray.
Dragons: P Montgomery; G Arasa, H Luscombe, S Winn, B Breeze; L Jarvis, G Baber; A Black, P Young, C Anthony, M Owen, P Sidoli, J Ringer, R Beattie, J Forster (capt).
Replacements: S Tuipulotu, A Marinos, R Jones, R Snow, K Crawford, I Gough, S van Rensburg.
Referee: Simon McDowell (Ireland)
