COACH Ian Evans says his Dragons are playing for Guinness PRO14 action when they take on Russia in Bedwas on Friday (kick-off 7.35pm), writes Chris Kirwan.

The Rodney Parade region lock horns with the World Cup-bound Bears at Bridge Field with a raft of senior figures eyeing starting spots for the return of the league against Edinburgh in Newport on Sunday, November 25.

Centre Jack Dixon captains the team and is one of 10 members of the starting XV to have played senior rugby this season.

A strong tight five has been selected with Wales props Ryan Bevington and Aaron Jarvis either side of hooker Rhys Lawrence while Joe Davies and Rynard Landman are paired in the second row.

Huw Taylor and James Benjamin are joined in the back row by Ben Fry, who represented Wales at last summer's World Rugby U20 Championship.

Rhodri Davies and Josh Lewis are paired at half-back while Wales international Dafydd Howells is on the wing, providing some experience to aid Carwyn Penny and Deon Smith.

"It will be a good test for our players to go up against internationals," said former Wales lock Evans, who is holding the reins with skills coach Alan Kingsley for the fixture.

"There is a good mixture of experience and youth, with the experience players trying to get momentum into the game and put themselves in the shop window for Edinburgh.

"Russia will have a beefy pack that is very physical, so we are fortunate enough to have an experienced front five to go head-to-head with them."

"It's a great opportunity after a break in the season and it's nice to have a hit-out."

Davies and Landman will be trying to impress head coach Bernard Jackman after enduring frustrating starts to the campaign.

Both players have featured just twice this term and, with Samoan international Brandon Nansen nearing a return from concussion, have to catch the eye.

"Joe is a physical player and will be the first to admit he needs a couple of games under his belt to get momentum," said Evans.

"There's no better way to get your physicality up than going up against a strong Russian pack.

"It's the same with Rynard, who is an experienced player and a good lineout caller. He will want to get himself about with the ball in hand, imposing his presence.

"I suppose if you are not getting selected it can make you frustrated but when you get your opportunity you have to take it. Hopefully both locks will make it a bit of a selection headache for next week."

Dragons: C Penny, D Howells, T Hoppe, J Dixon (captain), D Smith, J Lewis, R Davies, R Bevington, R Lawrence, A Jarvis, J Davies, R Landman, H Taylor, B Fry, J Benjamin. Replacements: E Shipp, G Ellis, C Coleman, J Thomas, L Greggains, D Babos, E Lloyd, L Smith.