Ospreys head coach Steve Tandy is excited about growing his side’s squad depth after naming a much-changed side for their Guinness PRO12 clash with Newport Gwent Dragons.

Wales’ first autumn international is against Australia next weekend but Dan Lydiate and Scott Baldwin have been released from the training camp and will start against their Welsh rivals.

The Dragons have not claimed local bragging rights over their neighbours since their last victory back in 2012 and they have not won at the Liberty Stadium since 2010.

But Tandy knows his much-changed side will need to be at their best on Saturday – and he is looking forward to seeing the next generation show their hand.

“Our development pathway keeps on producing young talent and we are immensely proud of what we do, continually leading the way in terms of players going through to the national squad,” he said.

“The consequences of that success are clear, and we realise that we are the hardest hit of all four regions again this weekend.

“That’s a fact of life that we are used to now, we have to prepare for it over the course of a season and deal with it. Until the season structure changes, there’s nothing we can do about it so we have to front up, as the Ospreys do.

“We’ve talked about growing squad depth and we’ve seen evidence of that this season. We’ve got to go to the next level on Saturday against a side that hasn’t been so badly hit, but it’s exciting. When you look at the young talent that will be pulling on the shirt this weekend, supplemented by some huge experience, it’s a good blend and we are looking forward to the game.

“It’s a derby match, regardless of who is out there, so it’s going to be tough, it’ll be physical, and the supporters will no doubt help to create a pretty special atmosphere. We are playing at 3 o’clock on a Saturday afternoon as well, which is a rarity in itself, so it should be a good occasion for everyone.”

Wales international Tavis Knoyle will make his first start for the Dragons and is joined in the half-backs by experienced fly-half Nick Macleod.

The centre partnership remains unchanged as Jack Dixon and Sam Beard retain their positions, whilst there is a change in the back three at full-back as Tom Prydie steps in alongside wings Pat Howard and Adam Warren.

The front row is all change as hooker Thomas Rhys Thomas returns to the starting XV alongside props Sam Hobbs and Brok Harris. The second row sees Nick Crosswell and Rynard Landman named, whilst the back row sees skipper Lewis Evans return with Nic Cudd keeping his place at flanker and Ed Jackson returning to No.

And Kingsley Jones has called on his side produce their best and claim a first win over a Welsh regional rival since 2014 and a first away win in the league since March of last year.

But to do that they will need to show a response from back-to-back losses in Europe over the past fortnight – including last weekend’s loss in Russia to Enisei STM.

“I don’t think you’ll see the same thing this weekend, we’ve got to move forward quickly. It’s all in the top two inches, the mental approach to the game, so let’s hope we get a reaction this weekend,” he said.

“There’s no better place for the players to prove it was a one-off bad day, no better challenge mentally than to go the Liberty.”

Overall Guinness PRO12 head to head record:
Played 26, Ospreys won 17, Dragons won 9.

At Liberty Stadium, 3pm Live on S4C and Sky Sports
Referee: Ben Whitehouse (WRU, 31st competition game)
Assistant Referees: Wayne Davies, Robert Price (both WRU)
Citing Commissioner: Gwyn Bowden (WRU)
TMO: Gareth Simmonds (WRU)