Cardiff Rugby have made four changes for Saturday’s BKT United Rugby Championship encounter with Leinster at the Aviva Stadium (15:00).

The Blue & Blacks go into the encounter on the back of a slender defeat to Connacht and are targeting a first win over the Irish province since 2022.

All four changes come in the pack, with Danny Southworth given the nod in the front-row alongside Liam Belcher and Rhys Litterick.

Rory Thornton makes his first start of the season in the second-row, while Ben Donnell and Thomas Young come into the back-row. 

Gethin Jenkins, who is leading Cardiff alongside Corniel van Zyl in the absence of Matt Sherratt, said: “Leinster have played 15 games this season and have 15 wins. The challenge for us is creating belief in our squad that we can go there and put them under pressure.

“The Ospreys showed last week, as well as Connacht and the Dragons, earlier in the season, showed you can compete against them. They are missing their Ireland players but they are a very strong team. 

“The challenge for us is creating the belief and having real clarity in what we do to give us the best chance of performing on the weekend. 

“We have prepared well this week and we are just looking forward to testing ourselves at the Aviva. 

“As coaches we are pleased with some of the character we have shown so far this season, but as a group we are determined to fight through the second-half and build on our league position.”

Ellis Bevan lines up on the bench after being made available for selection for Wales, while Tinus de Beer and Regan Grace also return. 

Cardiff Rugby: Cam Winnett (Treorchy RFC), Gabriel Hamer-Webb (Bath Youth), Rey Lee-Lo (Karaka Rugby Club), Rory Jennings (Salisbury RFC), Harri Millard (Mountain Ash RFC), Callum Sheedy (St Peters RFC), Johan Mulder (University of Pretoria Tuks); Danny Southworth (Barnstaple), Liam Belcher (c) (Porth Harlequins), Rhys Litterick (Worthing College), Josh McNally (Royal Air Force), Rory Thornton (Bonymaen), Ben Donnell (Winchester), Thomas Young (Aberdare RFC), Alun Lawrence (Llantrisant RFC)

Replacements: Efan Daniel (Treherbert RFC), Rhys Barratt (Llantwit Fadre RFC), Will Davies-King (Chepstow RFC), Seb Davies (Pentyrch RFC), Alex Mann (Aberdare RFC), Ellis Bevan (Old Silhillians), Tinus de Beer (Harlequins Pretoria), Regan Grace (Aberavon Harlequins)