Kevin Morgan, Michael Owen and Ceri Sweeney have all been named in the initial 27-man squad for the game but Charvis, who has just been announced as captain for the region, misses the game with a niggling injury.
Head Coach Paul Turner is upbeat despite the recent run of disappointing results. “The players performed well against Munster and gave what should have been a winning performance,” he said.
“The squad remains upbeat and the feeling in the camp is positive, defeat is never easy but we have to be more ruthless when we get into those try-scoring opportunities. It is great to have the international players back, albeit a week earlier than we thought, and they will bring some experience into the team.
“Ulster have won the last two at Rodney Parade and will be a big challenge for the squad. However, we have to get back to winning ways and if we perform for the full 80 instead of the 40 we did against Munster then there is no reason why we cannot get our Magners League campaign back on track.”
The Dragons have a number of injury problems with Martyn Thomas having a fractured hand while Ashley Smith and Andy Williams, who both left the field against Munster, have bone bruising to their knees. Steve Jones is suffering with a hamstring injury while Adam Jones has a groin injury.
“After the disappointment of the World Cup it is great to be back with the Dragons and concentrate on ending the recent run of disappointing results,” said Kevin Morgan, who has just been confirmed as Dragons’ vice captain.
“The performances from the team have been good, however, these need to be sustained over the whole 80 minutes and I am sure once that happens the wins will come.
“The last few games against Ulster have been tough encounters and I am sure it will be the same on Saturday. They will be disappointed with their result against Edinburgh last week and will focus firmly on this game. However, with the passionate Rodney Parade crowd behind us we are confident we can get the result and on a personal note, I cannot wait to hear the Rodney Parade roar once again.”
Ulster have won their last four games against the Dragons but are seeking their first away league win since early April.
Dragons Squad
Kevin Morgan, Gareth Wyatt, Rhodri Gomer-Davies, Ashley Smith, Gareth Maule, Richard Mustoe, Aled Thomas, Ceri Sweeney, Wayne Evans, Andy Williams, Alex Walker, Hugh Gustafson, Adam Black, Rhys Thomas, Ben Daly, Steve Jones, Kieran Crawford, Luke Charteris, Andy Hall, Peter Sidoli, Adam Jones, Dan Lydiate, Jamie Ringer, Joe Bearman, Nic Fitisemanu, Michael Owen, Richard Parks
