Flanker Josh Navidi will captain much-changed Cardiff Blues as they face Benetton Treviso in the RaboDirect PR012 at the Arms Park on Saturday afternoon (kick-off 2.30pm).
Director of Rugby Phil Davies makes a total of ten changes from the side that was defeated away at Ravenhill to Ulster Rugby last week with many of the squad now away on international duty with Wales.
A new-look front row sees Sam Hobbs, Kristian Dacey and Taufa’ao Filise pack down while Lou Reed is called up to partner Filo Paulo in the second row.
Navidi will lead the side from the back row where a fit-again Andries Pretorius comes in at blindside flanker.
The back division will see Lewis Jones and Gareth Davies, the late try hero of the last home game with Toulon, combine at half back.
Chris Czekaj and Tom Williams will aim to provide the firepower out wide while Dan Fish will be keen to reproduce his recent try-scoring exploits in the Principality Premiership as he is named at full back.
The replacements bench sees call-ups for Aled Summerhill, Alex Walker, James Down and Tom Davies.
“Our challenge is to pick up where we left off at Cardiff Arms Park against the European champions Toulon,” said Davies.
“Two weeks ago we produced a magnificent display full of passion, character and real determination to secure a fantastic result. Only a repeat will be good enough against a talented Benetton Treviso side.
He added: “This period now presents a big opportunity to a number of players within our squad to step up and stake a claim for more regular rugby. We are excited by seeing the strength within the Blues set-up during these upcoming fixtures.”
Tickets remain on sale for the clash with Benetton Treviso. Call the Ticket Office on 02920 302030 or click on www.cardiffblues.com
Cardiff Blues: 15 Dan Fish, 14 Tom Williams, 13 Richard Smith, 12 Dafydd Hewitt, 11 Chris Czekaj, 10 Gareth Davies, 9 Lewis Jones; 1 Sam Hobbs, 2 Kristian Dacey, 3 Taufa’ao Filise, 4 Lou Reed, 5 Filo Paulo, 6 Andries Pretorius, 7 Josh Navidi, 8 Robin Copeland.
Replacements: 16 Marc Breeze, 17 Thomas Davies, 18 Benoit Bourrust, 19 James Down, 20 Rory Watts-Jones, 21 Alex Walker, 22 Aled Summerhill, 23 Harry Robinson