Aled Brew is counting down the minutes to Newport Gwent Dragons’ clash with Glasgow Warriors after the winger was selected to make his first GUINNESS PRO12 start this season.

The winger returned to Rodney Parade last season, only to endure an injury-hit campaign and make just ten appearances.

Now, after coming off the bench against Leinster earlier this month, the 29-year-old will line up from the start at Scotstoun on Friday night as the Dragons seek a second win on Scottish soil since March 2012.

“I'm feeling quietly confident about myself at the moment,” said Brew. “November is the last time that I started, it's been a long old slog but I've got through it and now I am just raring to go.

“Glasgow play with high tempo, always looking for mismatches with backs against forwards and a great offloading game.

“They are a completely different team to three or four years ago but we have often been a thorn in their side, hopefully that will continue.”

Elsewhere for the Dragons, hooker Elliot Dee returns to the side, while flankers Lewis Evans and Nic Cudd come in to join Ed Jackson in the back row.

In each of the past three years a season's double has been achieved in matches between the two sides – Glasgow taking both encounters in the 2012/13 and 2014/15, but Dragons achieving the same two seasons ago.

And while it has been feast or famine between these two in recent years, Glasgow’s recent form suggests this clash could be a close one.

All three of the Warriors’ matches in the GUINNESS PRO12 so far this season have been decided by a single score.

The Scotsmen, who have lost their last two fixtures against Welsh regions but have not lost three in a row against those opponents since 2006, have handed a debut to Australia international winger Taqele Naiyaravoro.

They have also been boosted by the return of centre Alex Dunbar. The 25-year-old returns to action after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament in March while training with Scotland.

Zander Fagerson comes in for D'arcy Rae at tight-head, while Hugh Blake moves into the back-row and starts at blind-side flanker.

New signings Greg Peterson and Simone Favaro have been named amongst the replacements and could make their competitive debuts for the club.

Warriors head coach Gregor Townsend said: "The games between the sides are normally very competitive and they have played very well in their last two visits to Scotstoun.

"The Dragons have a very settled squad, so we're expecting another tough encounter tomorrow evening.

"It's great to welcome back Alex Dunbar from injury and also see Taqele Naiyaravoro make his debut for the club. Both players will no doubt have a big part to play this season.

"We're expecting another capacity crowd at Scotstoun, which is a real boost and shows just how much rugby is growing in the city."

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At Scotstoun Stadium, 7.35pm.
Referee: Gary Conway (IRFU, 15th competition game)
Assistant Referees: Neil Paterson, Stephen Hart (both SRU)
Citing Commissioner: John Montgomery (SRU)