Young has included 12 internationals in the starting XV, with Wales’ World Cup players Rhys Williams, Tom Shanklin, Iestyn Harris, Martyn Williams and Namibia’s Heino Senekal in the starting lineup.
“Selecting this team was a new experience because of all the headaches it gave me,” Young said. “It’s good to have so many choices in different positions and the World Cup players have added a real buzz to the squad.”
Cardiff skipper Williams said the club trainings had been going well: “They’ve been a lot tougher than the Wales ones, to be fair.”
Cardiff’s long-term injury problems are receding, although backrower Rob Appleyard is having a knee operation.
Cardiff Blues: R Williams; T Shanklin, J Robinson, M Allen, C Morgan; I Harris, R Powell; J Yapp, G Williams, D Crompton, C Quinnell, A Moore, D Baugh, N Thomas, M Williams (capt).
Replacements: B Evans, L Philips, H Senekal, J Brownrigg, A Moore, N Robinson, N Walne.
