Ospreys v Dragons team news as Collins changes position amid hopes of Wales call-up

The Ospreys will face the Dragons in Sunday’s United Rugby Championship clash in Swansea (3pm) on Sunday with Michael Collins at full-back and George North named in the centre.

It will be North’s first start since his year-long absence because of a knee injury.

He had previously featured out wide for the Ospreys, but he made an impact in midfield when he came on as a replacement against the Scarlets last week and now starts in the No. 13 position.

: Stuart Barnes criticises Wales' 'unhealthy obsession'

Usually a centre, Collins will have a run-out as last-line of defence after impressing there in the reshuffle that followed North’s arrival onto the pitch in the Loughor Bridge derby. “He’s played a ridiculous amount of Super Rugby games at full-back,” said Ospreys head coach Toby Booth. “He’s absolutely fine there.”

It’s a selection that could interest Wayne Pivac as he mulls over options for Wales’ tour of South Africa this summer. He is a known admirer of Collins, having signed him during his tenure as Scarlets head coach, and has previously spoken about the player’s ability to play in more than one position.

The Ospreys make one other change from the team that defeated the Scarlets 54-36., seeing Nicky Smith come in at loosehead prop, with Gareth Thomas featuring on the bench.

Toby Booth’s team will be looking for another convincing performance as they try to maintain the pressure on the Scarlets in the battle to win the Welsh Shield and qualify for next term’s Heineken Champions Cup, but they are taking nothing for granted against their east Wales opponents.

“The Dragons are always competitive and a tough team to play against,” said Booth. “They have a lot of good players, especially around the contact aspects of