Morgan will fill the No 15 jersey against the club he helped to gain promotion back to the Aviva Premiership last season, while ex-All Blacks and Ulster No 8 Williams will play his first game since overcoming shoulder surgery earlier in the year.
Second row Earle joined the Welsh capital club from the Scarlets during the summer and packs down alongside American international Cam Doolan in a pack that also sees Wales international prop Rhys Gill make his return to the club after seven seasons at Saracens.
Head coach Danny Wilson has rung the changes from the side that was beaten by Newport Gwent Dragons last weekend and only former Wales Under 20 cap Macauley Cook survives from the starting XV at Rodney Parade for what will be the final pre-season game before the Blues open their Guinness PRO12 account against Edinburgh on 3 September.
“We have trained well in pre-season, the new signings have really settled in and made an impact, it’s now about us gelling as a squad and team. We won’t get carried away with pre-season results, the results that matter are when we start the season,” said Wilson.
“It’s a very good and strong squad Bristol will bring, it’s a challenge we need before our first league game, but I’m confident we can bring a performance that can build some confidence.
“It’s a mouth-watering fixture and challenge for us but at the same time it’s about looking at people and giving them relevant game time. This time of year is about building into the season, not trying to peak too soon.”
There will be a west country feel to the day’s proceedings at the Arms Park this weekend with Cardiff RFC hosting Taunton in a 12 noon kick-off ahead of the main game at 3.00pm. It will also be the first of three games between the Blues and Bristol this season as they are drawn together in the European Rugby Challenge Cup.
“Bristol are a team we have drawn in Europe so it’s a good opportunity in pre-season to have a look at each other. It’s obviously a team that myself and Matt Sherratt know a fair bit about having worked there,” added Wilson.
“It was almost inevitable we would draw them and it will be good to face them on the weekend, but Edinburgh
remains the priority.”
Cardiff Blues: Matthew Morgan; Alex Cuthbert, Cory Allen, Rey Lee Lo, Tom James; Steve Shingler, Tomos Williams; Rhys Gill, Kirby Myhill, Tau Filise, George Earle, Cam Dolan, Macauley Cook, Ellis Jenkins (captain), Nick Williams
Replacements: Kristian Dacey, Brad Thyer, Dillon Lewis, Seb Lewis, Josh Navidi, Tavis Knoyle, Jarrod Evans, Garyn Smith, Harri Millard, Aled Summershill, Shane Lewis-Hughes, James Sheekey, Dan Fish, Blaine Scully
