Pumas ace Bertanou poised for Cardiff debut after moving from Dragons

DRAGONS scrum-half Gonzalo Bertranou is set to make his Cardiff debut off the bench at Ulster in the United Rugby Championship.

The Argentina international has moved to the Arms Park side on loan until the end of the season.

That effectively ends his time at Rodney Parade because his contract expires this summer and the Dragons are looking for youngsters Morgan Lloyd and Che Hope, who have both signed new deals, to push the senior pair of Rhodri Williams and Dane Blacker.

Betranou has been plagued by injuries since returning from the World Cup and will make just his third club appearance of the season if he comes off the bench in Belfast tomorrow.

Wales number eight Taulupe Faletau, who suffered a broken arm at the World Cup and then had calf trouble, makes his return as a starter at Ravenhill.

“Obviously we’re delighted to have Toby back and starting for us,” said head coach Matt Sherratt ahead of the bid to end a five-game losing streak.

“He’s a world-class talent, who everyone in the squad looks up to and will raise the standards in the team.

“It’s exciting for us to be able to name him in the team to play alongside our younger players like Alex Mann and Mackenzie Martin who will only learn from the experience of playing with a great of the game.

“We come to Belfast on the back of two very good away performances against Glasgow and Munster, but now is the time to turn one point into four.”

Cardiff, in 12th, are nine points ahead of the Dragons despite both Welsh clubs having won three URC fixtures this season.

The Blue and Blacks did the double over Dai Flanagan’s side with their only other win coming against the Stormers.