Harris Millard starts at centre, while prop Corey Domachowski, lock Seb Davies and full back Rhun Williams are included alongside Wales international Corey Allen on the replacements bench. All proceeds from the match will be going to Evans and Smith’s Dragons Beneficiary 2016 and their chosen Charity Partners St David’s Hospice Care and ‘Stay Strong for Ows’.
Blues head coach Wilson has named a 26-man squad, captained by Matthew Rees, and will give new signings Steve Shingler and Williams a chance to shine off the bench.
“The is an exciting fixture against our local rivals and although it is a pre-season friendly, it has that derby feel. Most of the guys playing have now been training for eight weeks and are ready for a game,” said Wilson.
“It gives us as a coaching staff the opportunity to cast an eye over individuals and collective units and they have the chance to put their hand up for the first league match of the season.”
The bulk of the remaining players will feature in the final pre-season match against Bristol, ahead of the season opener against Edinburgh on 3 September.
“The game at Rodney Parade will allow us to give the first 26 opportunities to stake a claim for first league game of season. The emphasis for these matches is very much on ensuring we are best prepared for the season opener against Edinburgh,” added Wilson.
“We had a lot of away games at the start of the season, five on the bounce, which was a tough time and well documented, but now we have two home games in the first four and hopefully we can hit the ground running and pick up some wins.”
Cardiff Blues: Dan Fish; Blaine Scully, Harri Millard, Garyn Smith, Aled Summerhill; Jarrod Evans, Lewis Jones; Brad Thyer, Matthew Rees (captain), Salesi Ma’afu, Jarrad Hoeata, James Down, Macauley Cook, Josh Navidi, James Sheekey
Replacement: Ethan Lewis, Corey Domachowski, Scott Andrews, Seb Davies, Cam Dolan, Tomos Williams, Steve Shingler, Cory Allen, Teri Gee, Shane Lewis-Hughes, Rhun Williams
