The Rodney Parade playmaker helped lead the Dragons to a 22-14 win over the English side at Kingston Park in last season’s EPCR Challenge Cup competition.
That was in the second round of pool matches and remains the Welsh regions last away victory. The difference in Friday night's rematch (Friday16 January – 8.00pm) is it is at Rodney Parade and there is qualification for the Round of 16 on the line.
Nothing less than a win will suffice for the Dragons, while the Red Bulls – they were the Falcons last season – are unbeaten in their three games to date and are already through.
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After a nasty jolt in Italy against Benetton Rugby last weekend, the Dragons have restored many of their front line players for one last tilt at reaching the knock-out rounds. Co-captain O’Brien is among the cavalry, slotting in at full back.
“It would be huge for us to qualify, although we’re just focusing on winning the game to put us in a position to make it through,” said O’Brien.
“It’s something we haven’t done the last few years and being in the latter stages of European competition is huge. It's a great opportunity for us and it’s one we’re relishing.
“We know what we need to do to put ourselves in the position to do that - it’s a big night and we’re really excited for it.”
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Joining O’Brien in returning to action following the heavy defeat in Trevsio are Wales No 8 Aaron Wainwright, Wales hooker Brodie Coghlan, international flanker Thomas Young and former British & Irish Lions prop Wyn Jones.
Che Hope joins Tinus de beer at half back and Tongan international Fine Inisi is paired up with Aneurin Owen in the midfield.
The Dragons have played 25 games against English clubs in the Challenge Cup since 2006-07 and won six of them – two against Newcastle. Another triumph could give their season another much-needed boost.
“We were obviously disappointed with the result and aspects of the performance in Italy last week but this week has been about learning. Now we we’ve got an opportunity to put things right to try and qualify in Europe,” added O’Brien.
“We’ve got to learn quick and not let it hang over us. We’ve had some good performances this season which we haven’t properly capitalised on results wise.
“Getting the first win was massive for the group in terms of confidence. A massive result against Connacht built momentum and let the boys carry that confidence into games moving forward.”
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Head coach Filo Tiatia will be hoping the Rodney Parade can roar on the ‘Men of Gwent’ to another famous victory.
His side’s best performances this season have come on home soil and the visitors will be aware of how difficult a task they face.
“We're under no illusion of just where they're at and it will be a tough game. We’ve had a good look at them and Newcastle are a good side,” said Tiatia.
“They beat Gloucester and I watched their game against Perpignan last weekend. They have a good maul and love to maul for penalties and territory.
“I love the way they attack, they launch from deep and are not afraid to play. They have some exciting backs to go with a hard-working forward pack."
Dragons RFC: Angus O’Brien (co-captain); David Richards, Fine Inisi, Aneurin Owen, Rio Dyer; Tinus de Beer, Che Hope; Wyn Jones, Brodie Coghlan, Robert Hunt, Ryan Woodman, Ben Carter (co-captain), Harri Keddie, Thomas Young, Aaron Wainwright
Reps: George Roberts, Rodrigo Martinez, Cebo Dlamini, Levi Douglas, Shane Lewis-Hughes, Rhodri Williams, Harri Ackerman, Cai Evans
Newcastle Red Bulls: Elliott Obatoyinbo; Christian Wade, Sammy Arnold, Cameron Hutchison, Alex Hearle; Ethan Grayson, Simón Benítez Cruz; Murray McCallum, George McGuigan (captain), Richard Palframan, Oscar Usher, Jamie Hodgson, Tom Gordon, Tom Christie, Freddie Lockwood
Reps: Ollie Fletcher, Adam Brocklebank, Luan de Bruin, Finn Baker, Reuben Parsons, James Elliott, Rhys Beeckmans, Nathan Greenwood
