Wales duo Ben Carter and Sam Costelow will make their return for the United Rugby Championship (URC) match between Dragons and Scarlets at Rodney Parade on Saturday at 15:00 BST.

Dragons co-captain Carter leads a revamped side featuring five changes after their opening match ended in a 19-19 draw against Benetton. The lineup sees the return of:

• Hooker Elliot Dee
• Tight-head Rob Hunt
• Blind-side flanker Shane Lewis-Hughes
• Fit-again number eight Harri Keddie
• Dillon Lewis back as a replacement.

On the other side, Scarlets fly-half Costelow rejoins following a 21-15 defeat to Cardiff, marking one of five changes made by the team. Director of rugby Nigel Davies expressed enthusiasm, stating, "It's great to have Sam back... he's probably in and around the start of his peak."

The Scarlets' pack will feature:

• Prop-duo Kemsley Mathias and Harri O'Connor
• New lock signing Alex Groves
• Flanker Dan Davis

Notably, Sam Lousi transitions to the second row, and captain Josh Macleod shifts to blind-side flanker. The bench also welcomes back Gareth Davies and Johnny Williams.

Dragons aim to replicate last season's success against Scarlets, having won 28-5 in their last encounter on New Year's Day. Coach Tiatia acknowledged the challenges posed by a different Scarlets team this year, emphasizing the quality of the opposition.

The match marks the first of two home derbies for Dragons in six days, with Ospreys following next Friday. Rhodri Williams will captain the Dragons in his 150th game, expressing the significance of the occasion, especially as he leads out the team alongside his daughters. "It's going to be a big occasion for the family," he remarked, reflecting on his past memories with Scarlets.