Tongan Prop Paula Latu's Debut Start for Dragons Against Edinburgh in Crucial URC Clash

Tonga international Paula Latu makes his first Dragons start against Edinburgh as both teams battle for crucial URC points in Friday night matchup.

Team News and Key Changes

Tonga international Paula Latu (29) will make his maiden start at tight-head prop for Dragons in Friday night's United Rugby Championship (URC) clash against Edinburgh at Hive Stadium. The Pacific Islander replaces injured Chris Coleman after impressing in seven substitute appearances since joining on short-term deal in December.

Dragons' Injury Crisis and Selection

  • Four changes to starting XV after 34-30 Ulster loss
  • Lock duo Matthew Screech (HIA) and George Nott (knee) replaced by Steve Cummins and Joe Davies
  • Loose-head Rodrigo Martinez returns after leg injury Notable milestone: Wing Jared Rosser could make 100th regional appearance off bench

Edinburgh's Six Nations Boost

Head coach Sean Everitt welcomes back five Scotland internationals:

  1. Jamie Ritchie (flanker)
  2. Duhan van der Merwe (wing)
  3. Darcy Graham (wing)
  4. Pierre Schoeman (prop)
  5. Grant Gilchrist (lock)

Match Context and Statistics

  • Dragons seek first URC win since season opener (12-game losing streak)
  • Edinburgh currently 11th, 2 points outside playoff spots
  • Last Scottish victory for Dragons: March 2012
  • Hive Stadium fortress: Edinburgh unbeaten in 7 matches vs Welsh regions

Coaches' Perspectives

Filo Tiatia (Dragons):

"Edinburgh play fast tempo rugby with excellent set pieces. We must apply pressure from the first whistle like we did against Ulster."

Sean Everitt (Edinburgh):

"Dragons' turnover threat makes them dangerous - their performance against Ulster showed they can't be underestimated in the 22."

Predicted Key Battles

  1. Front Row: Latu's scrummaging vs Schoeman's experience
  2. Breakdown: Ritchie/Watson vs Dragons' back row
  3. Wings: Van der Merwe/Graham vs Dyer/Hewitt footrace

Full Team Lineups

Edinburgh Starting XV: Wes Goosen; Darcy Graham, Matt Currie, James Lang, Duhan van der Merwe; Ross Thompson, Ben Vellacott (co-capt); Pierre Schoeman, Paddy Harrison, D'arcy Rae, Marshall Sykes, Grant Gilchrist (co-capt), Jamie Ritchie, Hamish Watson, Magnus Bradbury.

Dragons Starting XV: Huw Anderson; Rio Dyer, Joe Westwood, Aneurin Owen (capt), Ashton Hewitt; Will Reed, Rhodri Williams; Rodrigo Martinez, Elliot Dee, Paula Latu, Joe Davies, Steve Cummins, Shane Lewis-Hughes, Harrison Keddie, Aaron Wainwright.

Match Officials: Referee: Morné Ferreira (SARU) ARs: Jonny Perriam & Rob McDowell (SRU) TMO: Marius van der Westhuizen (SARU)

Live Coverage Details

  • Kickoff: Friday 28 March, 19:35 GMT
  • Venue: Hive Stadium, Edinburgh
  • Broadcast: BBC Two Wales, iPlayer, BBC Sport digital platforms
  • Highlights: BBC Sport website post-match

What to Read Next

Embracing the Now: Pierre Schoeman's Philosophical Take on Lions Eligibility
Rugby

Embracing the Now: Pierre Schoeman's Philosophical Take on Lions Eligibility

Pierre Schoeman discusses his philosophical approach to representing the British and Irish Lions, emphasizing living in the moment and embracing new cultures.

Tom Curry Urges Lions to Stay Resilient and Improve After Dublin Defeat
Rugby

Tom Curry Urges Lions to Stay Resilient and Improve After Dublin Defeat

Tom Curry calls for tough conversations and resilience as the British and Irish Lions prepare for their Australian tour after a defeat by Argentina in Dublin.

Owen Farrell's Sensational Return to Saracens: A New Chapter in Rugby Union
Rugby

Owen Farrell's Sensational Return to Saracens: A New Chapter in Rugby Union

Former England captain Owen Farrell is set to make a dramatic return to Saracens, marking a pivotal moment in Rugby Union.

Can Leinster Redeem Their Season with URC Victory?
Rugby

Can Leinster Redeem Their Season with URC Victory?

Leinster aims to salvage their season by focusing on the United Rugby Championship after a disappointing Champions Cup exit.

Sione Tuipulotu's Comeback and Praise for Ringrose and Russell in Lions' Dominant Victory
Rugby

Sione Tuipulotu's Comeback and Praise for Ringrose and Russell in Lions' Dominant Victory

Sione Tuipulotu reflects on his return to form and lauds the performances of Garry Ringrose and Finn Russell in the Lions' impressive win over Western Force.

Finn Russell's Mastery Shines as Lions Face Western Force in Rugby Showdown
Rugby

Finn Russell's Mastery Shines as Lions Face Western Force in Rugby Showdown

Finn Russell leads the British and Irish Lions against Western Force in a thrilling rugby match, showcasing his strategic brilliance and skill.

James O'Connor Excluded from Australia's Lions Warm-Up Squad: A Detailed Analysis
Rugby

James O'Connor Excluded from Australia's Lions Warm-Up Squad: A Detailed Analysis

James O'Connor misses out on Australia's squad for the Lions warm-up, as Joe Schmidt opts for younger talent. Insights into the squad selection and future prospects.

Sarah Bonar Extends Her Legacy with Harlequins: A New Chapter in Rugby Union
Rugby

Sarah Bonar Extends Her Legacy with Harlequins: A New Chapter in Rugby Union

Scotland's Sarah Bonar renews her commitment to Harlequins, highlighting her impactful career and future ambitions in Rugby Union.

Unforgettable Moments from the 2013 Lions Tour: A Rugby Spectacle
Rugby

Unforgettable Moments from the 2013 Lions Tour: A Rugby Spectacle

Relive the dramatic and spectacular moments of the 2013 British and Irish Lions tour to Australia, a pivotal series in rugby history.

Building the Future: Leicester Tigers' Path to Glory Under New Leadership
Rugby

Building the Future: Leicester Tigers' Path to Glory Under New Leadership

Exploring Leicester Tigers' transition under new head coach Geoff Parling, following Michael Cheika's impactful season and the club's promising future.

Joe Schmidt Defends Wallabies Strategy Against Lions Tour Demands
Rugby

Joe Schmidt Defends Wallabies Strategy Against Lions Tour Demands

Australia's head coach Joe Schmidt discusses the strategic decisions regarding player availability for the British and Irish Lions tour.

Lions' Mack Hansen: Embracing Pressure and Learning from Defeat in Rugby Union
Rugby

Lions' Mack Hansen: Embracing Pressure and Learning from Defeat in Rugby Union

Mack Hansen discusses the pressures and expectations of playing for the British and Irish Lions, reflecting on past lessons and the upcoming challenge against Western Force.

Ffion Lewis Joins Chicago Lions: A New Chapter in Women's Rugby
Rugby

Ffion Lewis Joins Chicago Lions: A New Chapter in Women's Rugby

Wales scrum-half Ffion Lewis signs with Chicago Lions, marking a new chapter in her rugby career after leaving the Welsh professional programme.

James McNabney's ACL Injury: A Major Blow for Ulster and Ireland Rugby
Rugby

James McNabney's ACL Injury: A Major Blow for Ulster and Ireland Rugby

Ulster's James McNabney suffers a severe ACL injury during Ireland training, impacting his participation in upcoming matches and the next season.

Santiago Carreras Aims for Historic Upset Against British and Irish Lions
Rugby

Santiago Carreras Aims for Historic Upset Against British and Irish Lions

Santiago Carreras and Argentina prepare for a rare clash against the British and Irish Lions, aiming for a historic upset in Dublin.

Load More

We use essential cookies to make our site work. With your consent, we may also use non-essential cookies to improve user experience and analyze website traffic. By clicking "Accept," you agree to our website's cookie use as described in our Cookie Policy.