Cardiff Blues have made eight changes as they return to European Challenge Cup action with a double-header against Sale Sharks.
Danny Wilson’s men sit at the top of Pool Two having notched up notable victories over Lyon and Toulouse in the opening block of fixtures.
But they are without several regulars for the trip to AJ Bell Stadium with injuries and unavailability limiting Wilson’s options.
Four of the changes come up front with Matthew Rees returning at hooker and Anton Peikrishvili replacing the suspended Taufa’ao Filise to pack down with Brad Thyer.
James Down comes into the second-row and Seb Davies starts at blindside flanker, following his international exploits, with Josh Turnbull moving to the openside after Olly Robinson returned to Bristol following his loan move.
In the backs, Matthew Morgan has been passed fit to start at full-back, Rey Lee-Lo replaces Willis Halaholo, Aled Summerhill comes in for Blaine Scully, who is named on the bench, and Lloyd Williams starts at scrum-half.
Wilson said: “The first reminder to the boys is that we’re top of the group with nine points.
“We had a good start with a bonus point win and an away win at Toulouse, which was a massive lift for all of us at the time, which led to confidence in the PRO14 and a few good wins.
“Sale are a side that are going pretty well in the Aviva Premiership at the moment, they’ve had some good results and we know, given the firepower and squad depth they’ve got, that it’s going to be a big ask but one we’re certainly motivated and confident for.
“There are certain positions where we’re a little bit thread-bare and in other positions we’ve got depth and competition.”
The Blues are currently just a point ahead of four-time former Heineken Cup winners Toulouse, but have a game in hand.
Following tomorrow’s encounter in Salford, Cardiff Blues will welcome the Sharks to Cardiff Arms Park on Sunday, December 17 (3.15pm) with tickets available here.
The two teams have met three times previously in European competition with Wales’ Capital Region winning two of the matches and losing the other by a single point.
Cardiff Blues: Matthew Morgan; Owen Lane, Garyn Smith, Rey Lee-Lo, Aled Summerhill; Gareth Anscombe, Lloyd Williams; Brad Thyer, Matthew Rees (C), Anton Peikrishvili, George Earle, James Down, Seb Davies, Josh Turnbull, Nick Williams
Replacements: Kirby Myhill, Corey Domachowski, Keiron Assiratti, Damian Welch, Sion Bennett, Tomos Williams, Jarrod Evans, Blaine Scully
The following players were unavailable for selection:
Kristian Dacey
Tom James
Willis Halaholo
Taufa’ao Filise
Sam Warburton
Dan Fish
Rhun Williams
Alex Cuthbert
Rhys Gill
Ellis Jenkins
Gethin Jenkins
Steve Shingler
Jim Botham
Jack Roberts