Cardiff Blues A have made eight changes ahead of Saturday’s Celtic Cup home clash against Munster A (KO 2.00pm)
It will be a double-header at the capital, as Richie Rees’ side host the Irish province before Cardiff RFC welcome Bargoed in the Principality Premiership.
Rees has added experience to his backline with Aled Summerhill, Steven Shingler and Lewis Jones recalled to the starting line-up, replacing Dan Fish, Ben Jones and Dane Blacker respectively.
The other change amongst the backs sees Max Llewellyn drafted in at centre, as Harri Millard switches to the bench.
In the pack, there is a new-look front row as Rhys Carré is named at loosehead, fresh from Guinness PRO14 duty against Zebre and Munster.
Carré is joined by Ethan Lewis and Will Davies King, with the final change seeing Ioan Rhys Davies replacing Cai Devine in the back row.
Late calls will be made on Steven Shingler and Sion Bennett, who feature on the bench for tonight’s Guinness PRO14 clash against Toyota Cheetahs, depending on their playing-time for the senior side.
Rees hopes to build upon the positives from last week’s defeat to Ulster A, but expect another tough challenge against Munster on Saturday.
“Last week was certainly an improvement compared to the performance out in Leinster, and it was good to see us in the fight for the full 80 minutes,” said Rees.
“We showed some nice touches throughout, but struggled to adapt to the difficult weather conditions.
“Hopefully the conditions this week will allow us to play a bit more open and attacking rugby, which is the identity we’re trying to set on this team.
“We’re under no illusions that this will be a huge task against Munster A. They’ve performed well in the opening rounds of the Celtic Cup, and we’ll have to be at our best to compete.
“But we have to remember that the focus of this competition is development, and it’s great to be welcome a few older heads into the side who will guide the younger boys throughout the game.
“Boys like Will Davies King and Ioan Rhys Davies have been brought in, and it’s great to be able to give these boys an opportunity to put their hands up ahead of another tough game next week at Galway.”
Further experience have been included on the bench with Keiron Assiratti, Harri Millard and Dan Fish all capable of making impact as replacements.
Cardiff Blues A: Tom Williams; Aled Summerhill, Max Llewellyn, Ben Thomas, Tom James; Steven Shingler, Lewis Jones; Rhys Carré, Ethan Lewis, Will Davies King, Shane Lewis Hughes, James Down, Ioan Rhys Davies, Sion Bennett, Alun Lawrence (C)
Replacements: Liam Belcher, Fraser Young, Keiron Assiratti, Callum Bradbury, Teddy Williams, Dane Blacker, Harri Millard, Dan Fish