Cardiff Blues make three changes for Cheetahs

Cardiff Blues have made three changes for Friday night’s Guinness PRO14 showdown with Toyota Cheetahs at the Arms Park (7.35pm)

Following an impressive bonus-point triumph over Munster, John Mulvihill’s men will be determined to secure back-to-back wins as they put their campaign back on track.

All of the changes come up front with Scott Andrews starting at tight-head prop, Rory Thornton returning at second-row and Olly Robinson coming into the back-row.

Josh Turnbull reverts to the back-row with Mulvihill selecting a fast and mobile XV to take on the South African outfit.

Mulvihill said:”It is vitally important that we back up what was a really good performance and result against Munster with another win against the Cheetahs on Friday night.

“We have selected a side to suit our game-plan but also to ensure players are managed sufficiently, to get through the season, and that others are given opportunities.

“The Cheetahs play with a lot of endeavour in attack and will be comfortable moving the ball from anywhere, while they also possess a big, physical pack.

“We will need to bring the same level of physicality and intensity that we delivered against Munster once again on Friday night, and that has to be our standard this season.”

The two teams met twice last season, winning one apiece at home. The Blues have lost just three first-team games in over a year at Cardiff Arms Park and Mulvihill hopes home advantage can be a decisive factor once again.

He added: “The home support we have received so far this season has been brilliant. There has been a real buzz around the Arms Park.

“Hopefully there will be another big turn out on Friday night and that can really spur the boys on as we look to build momentum into next week’s Welsh derby and the Champions Cup.”

Steven Shingler returns to the replacements and is set for his first PRO14 appearance of the season, while Sion Bennett returns to the first-team squad for the first time since last November.

Cardiff Blues: Matthew Morgan; Owen Lane, Rey Lee-Lo, Willis Halaholo, Jason Harries; Gareth Anscombe, Tomos Williams; Rhys Gill, Kristian Dacey, Scott Andrews, George Earle, Rory Thornton, Olly Robinson, Ellis Jenkins (capt), Josh Turnbull

Replacement: Kirby Myhill, Brad Thyer, Dillon Lewis, Macauley Cook, Sion Bennett, Lloyd Williams, Steven Shingler, Garyn Smith