LEWIS Evans will continue at lock in the Dragons’ European Challenge Cup clash against Northampton at Rodney Parade tomorrow (kick-off 7.30pm).

The 31-year-old, the region’s record appearance holder with 213 outings in the back row, made his first appearance in the second row in last week’s 54-17 win against Timisoara Saracens.

Evans keeps his spot and is joined in the boilerhouse by Wales lock Cory Hill, who makes his 100th appearance for the Dragons after being a replacement in Romania.

They will go up against England lock Courtney Lawes, who partners South African David Ribbans in the Northampton second row.

“Lewis did very well in Romania and calling the lineouts is something that he really enjoys,” said coach Hendre Marnitz. “He did a lot of homework and research and was confident with that new role.

“I think he likes to give Cory a bit of lip, saying that he can also do it! Lewis takes the lineouts to heart, he really feels that it is something that he can do in the future.”

Head coach Bernard Jackman makes five other changes with Wales internationals Aaron Wainwright and Rhodri Williams returning at blindside and scrum-half respectively after being rested last week.

The back three is changed with Jordan Williams returning at full-back and former Springbok Zane Kirchner moving to the right wing. Jared Rosser is back from concussion to slot in on the other flank.

Richard Hibbard returns to back up hooker Elliot Dee from the bench while Rhodri Davies is preferred to Tavis Knoyle as scrum-half cover.

Northampton, hammered at home by Clermont Auvergne last week, travel to Wales with a strong side that will have Wales fly-half Dan Biggar pulling the strings.

The back row battle will be fierce with the visitors fielding a trio of Jamie Gibson, Tom Wood and Teimana Harrison while Kirchner will have his hands full with the giant Taqele Naiyaravoro on the wing.

Dragons: J Williams, Z Kirchner, T Morgan, J Sage, J Rosser, J Lewis, R Williams, B Harris, E Dee, L Brown, L Evans, C Hill (captain), A Wainwright, O Griffiths, R Moriarty. Replacements: R Hibbard, A Jarvis, L Fairbrother, M Screech, H Taylor, R Davies, A Warren, W Talbot-Davies.

Northampton: A Tuala, T Collins, A Kellaway, P Francis, T Naiyaravoro, D Biggar, A Mitchell, A Waller (captain), M Haywood, B Franks, D Ribbans, C Lawes, J Gibson, T Wood, T Harrison. Replacements: J Fish, F Van Wyk, E Painter, D Barrow, L Ludlam, C Reinach, J Grayson, L Burrell.

Referee: Mathieu Raynal (France)