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Returning five give Dragons fitness boost

Dragons could miss out on the services of Hallam Amos this weekend – but are buoyed by the return of five players for the showdown with Edinburgh in the Guinness PRO14 (kick-off 5.30pm).

Amos has today (Tuesday) been officially called up by Wales for the final Test of the autumn series with South Africa at the Principality Premiership on Saturday evening.

However, the Dragons are boosted by the return of Ollie Griffiths, Jared Rosser, Matthew Screech, Arwel Robson and Brandon Nansen, who are all now pushing for places for the big clash on home soil. 

“We have five players back which is really good,” said Jackman. “We have a really good medical team, they get people back before time, and we are in a healthy position.

“Jared (Rosser) being back is great, particularly if Hallam is away. We love Arwel (Robson), he is a young player with a lot of talent. We just want to see him get a consistent run of games.

“We are very lucky to have one of the strongest back rows in Guinness PRO14, in terms of our depth, and Ollie (Griffiths) has probably been the pick of them, in terms of his form.

“We were gutted that he didn’t get picked for November (with Wales) and then he didn’t get to play against Ulster and Connacht.

“The thing with Ollie, he can generally hit form quite quickly. He doesn’t need four or five games to get up to speed, because he looks after himself so well, so he could be crucial for us. He is a big boost.

“It is a big game. We have played Glasgow, Connacht, Ulster and Leinster away. This is a massive game for us and we are definitely very focussed on Edinburgh.” 

Wales coach Rob Howley had earlier revealed Amos was now officially part of the Wales set-up and Jackman admitted Dragons were busy preparing without the Welsh international contingent.

“Hallam has been in and around the Wales camp this autumn quite a bit, especially with his injury, so we are delighted for him - hopefully he will be part of the match day squad,” said Jackman.

“Yes, it would be a blow for us, we want to have current internationals with us. But you can’t have it every way. 

“We’re delighted for them and it was great to see them go so well against Tonga. 

“We had been told they would be in camp for the whole block. There might be some movement as it’s the last week and we play Sunday. 

“We won’t put any pressure on them (Wales). We’ll let them pick their team and bench this week and see if we can get any back.

“We will make a call on it as a coaching staff. We have prepare without them."

Dragons are back on home soil this Sunday as they face Edinburgh Rugby at Rodney Parade (kick-off 5.30pm). To buy online click HERE or visit the Rodney Parade Ticket Office during office hours.

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