NEWPORT Gwent Dragons have been given a huge boost for their New Year’s Day clash against Cardiff Blues at Rodney Parade with Wales and Lions ace Taulupe Faletau declared fit to lead the charge.

The number eight starts after missing the shock 23-17 Boxing Day win in the capital because of an ankle injury.

Director of rugby Lyn Jones makes one other change to the starting line-up with scrum-half Richie Rees getting the nod to face his old side.

The Dragons have suffered a blow with Rhys Thomas unable to feature after suffering a groin injury in the warm-up at the Arms Park with Hugh Gustafson coming onto the bench.

Former Wales and Lions number eight Andy Powell is involved for the first time since November after being named among the replacements.

Cardiff Blues ring the changes after their meek performance with Wales skipper Sam Warburton getting the nod along with Gethin Jenkins, Gareth Anscombe, Tavis Knoyle, Kristian Dacey, Taufa’ao Filise and Filo Paulo.

Dragons: T Prydie, M Pewtner, T Morgan, J Dixon, H Amos, J Tovey, R Rees; P Price, E Dee, B Harris, A Coombs, R Landman (captain), J Thomas, N Cudd, T Faletau. Replacements: H Gustafson, O Evans, D Way, C Hill, A Powell, J Evans, D Jones, GR Jones.

Blues: J Tuculet, R Smith, C Allen, G Evans, L Amorosino, G Anscombe, T Knoyle, G Jenkins (captain), K Dacey, T Filise, J Hoeata, F Paulo, J Turnbull, S Warburton, J Navidi. Replacements: M Rees, S Hobbs, A Jones, M Cook, M Vosawai, L Jones, G Davies, A Thomas.

Referee: Ian Davies (WRU)