Josh Adams will make his long-awaited Cardiff Blues debut as Rey Lee-Lo hits a century against Pau on Saturday (7.45pm).
John Mulvihill has made eight changes for the crucial European Challenge Cup encounter at Cardiff Arms Park with five Wales internationals coming into the starting line-up.
Five of the changes come in an exciting back line with Adams, who made the move from Worcester Warriors in the summer, partnering Owen Lane, who also returns, and Matthew Morgan in the back three.
Ben Thomas makes his first European start alongside, centurion Lee-Lo, who has established himself as a firm crowd favourite during his five seasons at the Arms Park while Tomos Williams and Jarrod Evans get the nod at half-back.
In the pack, Rhys Gill makes his first start of the season and Olly Robinson returns from injury at openside with Will Boyde switching to number eight and captaining the team for the first time.
Mulvihill said: “It is great to have some of our Wales internationals back this week, particularly Tomos Williams and Josh Adams, who make their first appearances of the season.
“Josh enjoyed a brilliant World Cup and we are looking forward to seeing him continue that form in a blue jersey. They have all come in with a spring in their step and brought further confidence to the group.
“For Rey it is a well-deserved milestone. He is one of the very best centres in the competition, is always one of our best performers and a real leader on the pitch. We are delighted for Rey and his family and hope we can cap his 100th game with a win.”
Cardiff Blues require a win to keep alive their hopes in the Challenge Cup, which they lifted in 2018. They are currently second in Pool Five, three points behind Leicester Tigers and a point ahead of Pau.
With Saturday the first of a festive double header against the French outfit, a victory would present a major boost ahead of next week’s trip to Stade du Hameau.
The Blues have faced the French club on three occasions previously, but they boast a wealth of talent with a giant pack and several former All Blacks within their ranks.
Mulvihill added: “It is great to be back at the Arms Park and following a superb result last weekend we have a bit of confidence in the group. The Wales boys returning have added to that and we are looking forward to getting out at CAP and giving a good account of ourselves.
“Will Boyde, who has been one of our signings of the season, leads us and we are all acutely aware of the importance of winning. If we can get over the line on Saturday, we put ourselves right back in the frame and can travel to France with momentum before switching attention to a busy period of Welsh derbies.”
Cardiff Blues: Matthew Morgan; Owen Lane, Rey Lee-Lo, Ben Thomas, Josh Adams; Jarrod Evans, Tomos Williams; Rhys Gill, Kirby Myhill, Scott Andrews, James Ratti, Josh Turnbull, Shane Lewis-Hughes, Olly Robinson, Will Boyde (capt).
Replacements: Ethan Lewis, Corey Domachowski, Keiron Assiratti, Macauley Cook, Alun Lawrence, Lloyd Williams, Jason Tovey, Hallam Amos.
Head down to Cardiff Arms Park as Rugby World Cup top try scorer, Josh Adams makes his debut for Wales' Capital Region in the crucial Challenge Cup clash against Pau. Tickets available NOW!