Cory Hill is expecting a tough test from GUINNESS PRO12 strugglers Zebre when Newport Gwent Dragons visit the Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi on Sunday.

Zebre have lost their last six league matches, last picking up an 18-12 victory against Edinburgh in November, while the Dragons have only won once in four league games since the turn of the year.

The Italians have struggled against Welsh opposition so far this campaign, losing all four fixtures, but the Dragons are without successive away wins since March 2012.

Zebre haven’t won in five previous encounters between the sides, but second-row Hill expects a tough test from a team who can play without fear – inspired by their talismanic Kiwi scrum-half, Brendon Leonard.

“We know that Zebre will have a big scrum and driving lineout so we’ve got to front up to them there,” he told the South Wales Argus.

“They have a big, physical pack, you know what’s coming for you so just have to switch the mind on and get the job done.”

“I like Zebre, I think they are positive and play without fear. Brendon Leonard has been a huge influence for them and they’ve caused teams a lot of bother this year.

“They are bottom of the league at the moment but can be a tough nut to crack. They have an effective driving maul and scrummage, as you’d expect from an Italian side, and someone like Leonard is a catalyst.”

Geraint Rhys Jones returns to the starting XV, replacing Jason Tovey who is out with a sprained ankle suffered against Connacht in last weekend’s loss at Rodney Parade. Jones will be joined in the back three by international wings Tom Prydie and Hallam Amos.

Centres Jack Dixon and Ashley Smith retain their spots, along with fly-half Dorian Jones and scrum-half Jonathan Evans.

The Dragons front row remains untouched props Boris Stankovich and Brok Harris joined by hooker and this weekend’s captain Rhys Thomas.

Ian Gough starts after making his 100th appearance from the bench last week and is joined in the second row by Hill. Flankers James Thomas and Nic Cudd make up the back row with No.8 Nick Crosswell.

Matthew Screech, Luc Jones and Ashton Hewitt are three new additions to the Men of Gwent’s replacements bench alongside Rhys Buckley, Lloyd Fairbrother, Dan Way, James Benjamin and Matthew Pewtner.

Zebre are without ten Italian international players for this weekend as the Azzurri face Scotland, but can rely on six permit players.

No.8 Maxime Mbandà, from Italian champions Rugby Calvisano, will earn his first starting place in the GUINNESS PRO12, while the five others have received caps previously.

The Italians are also without the likes of Marco Bortolami, Quintin Geldenhuys, Luciano Orquera and Leonardo Sarto through injury.

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At Stadio Lanfranchi, 6pm (5pm UK & Ireland) Live on Nuvolari
Referee: Gary Conwy (IRFU, 9th competition game)
Assistant Referees: Elia Rizzo, Stefano Penne (both FIR)
Citing Commissioner: Roberto Carra (FIR)
TMO: Stefano Roscini (FIR)