Director of coaching David Young has rung the changes in the team that opened the Celtic League campaign with a disappointing draw against Leinster last weekend.
For the visit of Newport Gwent Dragons to Cardiff Arms Park on Saturday (kick-off 5.30 pm) the BluesÂ’ starting line-up includes five newcomers. Tom Shanklin, Lee Thomas and Gethin Jenkins all featured as replacements at Donnybrook while Craig Quinnell and Jonny Vaughton return to duty.
Martyn Williams leads the side in his 98th game for Cardiff and the Blues.
Among those not available for selection were Andrew Lewis (jaw), Nathan Budgett (neck), Fereti Tuilagi (knee), Nick Robinson (leg), Dan Baugh (ankle), Ryan Powell (shoulder) and Jamie Robinson (knee).
Hooker Rhys Thomas completes a suspension period next week and will be available for the next home fixture against Connacht on 24 September. In the meantime Michael Leaman covers the hooker position on the replacementsÂ’ bench.
Lock Heino Senekal has returned to the training squad this week after playing for South Western Districts in the Currie Cup competition in South Africa.
Blues team: Rhys Williams; Jonny Vaughton, Tom Shanklin, Tristan Davies, Craig Morgan; Lee Thomas, Richard Smith; Gethin Jenkins, Gareth Williams, Ben Evans, Craig Quinnell, Robert Sidoli, Nathan Thomas, Kort Schubert, Martyn Williams (captain)
Replacements: John Yapp, Michael Leaman, Martin Jones, Deiniol Jones, Mark Lewis, Dean Dewdney, Nick Macleod
Referee: Alain Rolland (Ireland)