INTERIM head coach Ceri Jones has recalled five Wales internationals to the Dragons side for tomorrow’s daunting trip to French giants Clermont Auvergne in the European Challenge Cup.

Jones said on Thursday he expects the Pool One tie at the Stade Marcel-Michelin to be his only game as caretaker boss before a successor to Bernard Jackman is appointed on Monday.

Captain Cory Hill is one of seven changes to the starting line-up from the 48-14 drubbing by Northampton last weekend, with the Wales ace packing down at blindside rather than lock.

He forms an all-Wales back row with openside Aaron Wainwright and Ross Moriarty, who also return to the team after sitting out the Franklin’s Gardens defeat.

Wales hooker Elliot Dee is also recalled and lock Matthew Screech replaces Lewis Evans to partner Brandon Nansen in the second row.

Prop Aaron Jarvis starts against his former team as Lloyd Fairbrother misses the game through injury.

The one change in the back line sees a return for centre Tyler Morgan, with Adam Warren replacing Dafydd Howells on the right flank, Hallam Amos switching to the left and Zane Kirchner moving to full-back.

Gerard Ellis could make his first senior appearance this season from the bench where there also returns for scrum-half Rhodri Williams and fit-again fly-half Gavin Henson.

Forwards Richard Hibbard and Harri Keddie were not considered for selection following head injuries against Northampton.

Ollie Griffiths could miss the festive period with a knee injury, also picked up in the Dragons’ last outing.

Jones said: “It is a huge challenge away at Clermont, one of the in-form teams in European rugby who boast a strong home record.

“We welcome back our Welsh internationals, who will give the team a lift, and the squad is determined to put in a big performance as we look to build momentum before the derby games."

Mathematically, the Dragons can still qualify for the last eight, but progressing is highly unlikely.

Dragons: Z Kirchner; A Warren, T Morgan, J Dixon, H Amos; J Lewis, T Knoyle; R Bevington, E Dee, A Jarvis, B Nansen, M Screech, C Hill (capt), A Wainwright, R Moriarty. Reps: R Lawrence, G Ellis, N Thomas, H Taylor, J Benjamin, R Williams, G Henson, J Williams.

Clermont: I Toeava; P Betham, A Naqalevu, W Fofana, R Grosso; C Lopez, G Laidlaw; L Uhila, Y Beheregaray, M Simutoga, P Jedrasiak, S Vahaamahina, A Iturria, J Cancoriet, F Lee (capt). Reps: J Ulugia, E Falgoux, S Falatea, S Timani, M Lemardelet, C Cassang, P Fernandez, D Penaud.