They face a Leinster side that has won four straight games in all competitions since losing 19-27 to table topping Ulster at Ravenhill on 21st December.
The Leinstermen’s only defeat to a Welsh region in their last five encounters in all competitions was 10-19 at Ospreys in November and they have lost just one of their last twelve clashes with the Blues in all tournaments since 2007.
Speaking ahead of the match Cardiff Blues Director of Rugby, Phil Davies, said,
“I think at the end of the day the aim we have, as a region over the next four to five years, is to build a strong squad.
“I have no doubt that we will be stronger going into the end of this season than we were last year. Next season we will be stronger again.
“Leinster are ahead of us in this process but we are heading in the right direction.
“For me, tomorrow’s game has a bit of pride attached to what we have to deliver.
“Over in Dublin it was not a good performance.
“The second half was creditable but the first half we got hammered. I didn’t enjoy that. I didn’t enjoy the game or what happened afterwards.
“We have to lay a strong marker down on Friday. We have to put in a massive performance against one of the top squads in Europe.
“It is a great challenge for the team. We want to try and win the game and the next few games so we can keep pushing towards the top four.”
Cardiff Blues v Leinster Friday 8 February, 7.30pm kick off. Tickets available by calling 029 2030 2030 or online at www.cardiffblues.com/tickets
15. Jason Tovey 14. Owen Williams 13. Gavin Evans (c) 12. Dafydd Hewitt 11. Harry Robinson 10. Rhys Patchell 9. Lewis Jones
8. Robin Copeland 7. Rory Watts-Jones 6. Michael Paterson 5. James Down 4. Macauley Cook 3. Taufa’ao Filise 2. Rhys Williams 1. Sam Hobbs
16. Marc Breeze 17. Nathan Trevett 18. Scott Andrews 19. Luke Hamilton 20.Josh Navidi 21. Alex Walker 22. Ceri Sweeney 23. Richard Smith
Not available for selection:
Andi Kyriacou- Neck operation return in April
Dan Fish- Suffered shoulder nerve palsy in match against Zebre. Return mid February
Tom James- Fractured sesamoid (big toe). Surgery to remove pin on Wednesday 5thDecember, return in late February.
LONG TERM
Jake Copper- Woolley- right knee ACL injury 4 months
Tom Davies- ACL knee reconstruction this week, 4 months