Wales’ Guinness Six Nations squad members, Hallam Amos and Seb Davies, will start for Cardiff Blues in Sunday’s crucial clash against Benetton Rugby at Cardiff Arms Park (KO 5.15pm).
The international duo have been released from Wayne Pivac’s squad for the Guinness PRO14 encounter, as John Mulvihill’s side look to bounce back from last week’s defeat to Connacht.
All players will be donning their home club socks as Cardiff Blues celebrate the grassroots game on Regional Clubs Day.
There are a total of five changes made to the starting line-up, as lock Davies is drafted into the second row to partner James Ratti, having featured as a replacement in Galway.
Ryan Edwards is handed his first Guinness PRO14 start on the wing, which sees 22-times capped international Amos switch to the number 15 jersey.
The final change amongst the backline sees Ben Thomas returning to the centre, replacing Rey Lee-Lo who is ruled out with concussion.
Having missed out on the trip to Ireland through injury, Shane Lewis-Hughes returns to the back-row, combining with Olly Robinson and Josh Turnbull. A front row of Rhys Gill, Liam Belcher and Scott Andrews complete the pack.
Head coach Mulvihill said: “We’ve had a very honest week as a group, and we’re desperate to put things right in front of our own crowd after last week’s disappointment.
“The whole group has been really focused on the task ahead this week, and that’s been clear to see from the work we’ve put in on the training ground.
“Benetton will be coming here looking from revenge after the reverse fixture earlier this season. We won at the death on that day, and it really showed the resilience and mental strength of this team to dig deep and get a result.
“We can take confidence from that match heading into this game, but we’re fully aware of the threats that Benetton pose.
“There’s a fantastic weekend of rugby ahead, and we’re really looking forward to celebrating our grassroots game by welcoming clubs from across the region down for what should be a great occasion.”
On the bench, Rory Thornton returns from injury to take his place in a matchday squad for the first time since November.
Cardiff Blues academy’s Max Llewellyn is in-line to make his second Guinness PRO14 appearance, while Kristian Dacey continues his return from injury.
Cardiff Blues: Hallam Amos; Jason Harries, Garyn Smith, Ben Thomas, Ryan Edwards; Jason Tovey, Lloyd Williams; Rhys Gill, Liam Belcher, Scott Andrews, James Ratti, Seb Davies, Shane Lewis-Hughes, Olly Robinson, Josh Turnbull
Replacements: Kristian Dacey, Brad Thyer, Dmitri Arhip, Rory Thornton, Will Boyde, Lewis Jones, Max Llewellyn, Dan Fish
Hume and Lowry return to start versus Toyota Cheetahs
