Tongan Prop Paula Latu's Debut Start for Dragons Against Edinburgh in Crucial URC Clash

Team News and Key Changes

Tonga international Paula Latu (29) will make his maiden start at tight-head prop for Dragons in Friday night's United Rugby Championship (URC) clash against Edinburgh at Hive Stadium. The Pacific Islander replaces injured Chris Coleman after impressing in seven substitute appearances since joining on short-term deal in December.

Dragons' Injury Crisis and Selection

• Four changes to starting XV after 34-30 Ulster loss
• Lock duo Matthew Screech (HIA) and George Nott (knee) replaced by Steve Cummins and Joe Davies
• Loose-head Rodrigo Martinez returns after leg injury Notable milestone: Wing Jared Rosser could make 100th regional appearance off bench

Edinburgh's Six Nations Boost

Head coach Sean Everitt welcomes back five Scotland internationals:

1. Jamie Ritchie (flanker)
2. Duhan van der Merwe (wing)
3. Darcy Graham (wing)
4. Pierre Schoeman (prop)
5. Grant Gilchrist (lock)

Match Context and Statistics

• Dragons seek first URC win since season opener (12-game losing streak)
• Edinburgh currently 11th, 2 points outside playoff spots
• Last Scottish victory for Dragons: March 2012
• Hive Stadium fortress: Edinburgh unbeaten in 7 matches vs Welsh regions

Coaches' Perspectives

Filo Tiatia (Dragons):

"Edinburgh play fast tempo rugby with excellent set pieces. We must apply pressure from the first whistle like we did against Ulster."

Sean Everitt (Edinburgh):

"Dragons' turnover threat makes them dangerous - their performance against Ulster showed they can't be underestimated in the 22."

Predicted Key Battles

1. Front Row: Latu's scrummaging vs Schoeman's experience
2. Breakdown: Ritchie/Watson vs Dragons' back row
3. Wings: Van der Merwe/Graham vs Dyer/Hewitt footrace

Full Team Lineups

Edinburgh Starting XV: Wes Goosen; Darcy Graham, Matt Currie, James Lang, Duhan van der Merwe; Ross Thompson, Ben Vellacott (co-capt); Pierre Schoeman, Paddy Harrison, D'arcy Rae, Marshall Sykes, Grant Gilchrist (co-capt), Jamie Ritchie, Hamish Watson, Magnus Bradbury.

Dragons Starting XV: Huw Anderson; Rio Dyer, Joe Westwood, Aneurin Owen (capt), Ashton Hewitt; Will Reed, Rhodri Williams; Rodrigo Martinez, Elliot Dee, Paula Latu, Joe Davies, Steve Cummins, Shane Lewis-Hughes, Harrison Keddie, Aaron Wainwright.

Match Officials: Referee: Morné Ferreira (SARU) ARs: Jonny Perriam & Rob McDowell (SRU) TMO: Marius van der Westhuizen (SARU)

Live Coverage Details

• Kickoff: Friday 28 March, 19:35 GMT
• Venue: Hive Stadium, Edinburgh
• Broadcast: BBC Two Wales, iPlayer, BBC Sport digital platforms
• Highlights: BBC Sport website post-match