Young has brought five Wales internationals – Nick Walne, Jamie Robinson, Ryan Powell, Ben Evans and Craig Quinnell – into the starting lineup, while Rhys Williams revert to full-back and Tom Shanklin switches from outside to inside centre.
“This match is obviously a severe test for us after a particularly difficult week,” Young said about meeting a side that beat Cardiff 75-25 in last season’s Cup match.
“The eight-week suspension for Dan Baugh was obviously a blow and the off-the-field developments in the region were potentially a distraction. But, as always, the squad has remained remarkably well focused and all of us involved are determined to restore our reputation after the poor performance in Biarritz last year.”
Cardiff Blues: R Williams; N Walne, J Robinson, T Shanklin, C Morgan; I Harris, R Powell; J Yapp, G Williams, B Evans, C Quinnell, A Moore, J Brownrigg, N Thomas, M Williams (capt).
Replacements: K Fourie, D Crompton, R Thomas, H Senekal, R Appleyard, A Moore, N Robinson.
