Ellis Jenkins captains Cardiff as Matt Sherratt makes seven changes for Saturday’s Investec Champions Cup clash against Racing 92.

The open side flanker makes his first European appearance of the season in the final group stage encounter with qualification for both the Champions Cup and Challenge cup knockout stages possible.

Mackenzie Martin steps up from the bench to join Jenkins in the back-row, while Rory Thornton and Efan Daniel also come into the starting XV.

Behind the pack, there are a further three changes with Jacob Beetham handed the number 15 jersey in Cam Winnett’s absence, Aled Summerhill returning from injury and Ben Thomas combining with Rey Lee-Lo in midfield.

Cardiff head coach Matt Sherratt said: “There’s still a huge amount riding on the game and we are in contention to qualify for the last 16 in both competitions.

“To do that would be absolutely brilliant for this group but all we can focus on is Saturday and ensuring we perform to our full potential.

“It is going to be another great experience against another top team, who are currently leading the Top 14 and playing some great rugby. They have some real quality all over the pitch, built on the foundations of a strong power game.

“So we will have to front up to that but also imprint our own game, move the ball and play at pace.

“As I have said previously, the Investec Champions Cup is the best club competition with the best teams and the best players, playing in the best stadiums and Saturday is certainly a great example of that.

“It is an opportunity we are all really excited and we will do everything we can to rise to the challenge.”

Cardiff can quality for the Round of 16 in the European Challenge Cup with a victory over the French giants, while they can also reach the knockout stages of the Champions Cup if other results go their way.

The likes of Seb Davies, Lopeti Timani, Thomas Young and Owen Lane bring experience to the replacements bench, while hooker Dafydd Hughes is set for his first-team debut.

Cardiff Rugby: J Beetham; A Summerhill; R Lee-Lo, B Thomas, M Grady; T de Beer, T Williams; R Carre, E Daniel, K Assiratti, T Williams, R Thornton, A Mann, E Jenkins (c), M Martin

Replacements: D Hughes, R Barratt, R Litterick, S Davies, L Timani, T Young, E Bevan, O Lane.