Danny Wilson has given the former Leicester centre a chance to impress as he takes a youthful squad down the M4 motorway to Richmond. The Blues’ 25-man squad includes 20 players who have come through the age-grade system at the region including Wales Under-20 back-row Nom Botham, who could also make his debut.
Dan Fish returns after a long injury lay-off at full-back alongside Aled Summerhill and Tom James in the back-three. Harri Millard joins Roberts in the centre inside Jarrod Evans and Lewis Jones. Brad Thyer and Scott Andrews start in the front-row after signing new deals this week while Josh Turnbull captains the side from the blindside flank. Wales international Kristian Phillips is also on the bench during a trial period at the club.
Scottish began their preparations for the new season with a convincing victory over Rosslyn Park. And Wilson is looking forward to seeing what the Blues starlets can do before fielding a stronger side against Exeter Chiefs next Saturday.
The Cardiff Blues head coach said: “We want to give a number of players an opportunity, players we don’t see week in week out. There are a few experienced heads in there as well, who need game time. But London Scottish are a good side and will be a good test for our younger boys.
“It’s the first chance to get people on the pitch and spend a bit of time with each other over the weekend as a team building exercise. We’ll then look to play the guys not involved in the Exeter Chiefs game leading into Edinburgh at home.”
Cardiff Blues: Dan Fish; Aled Summerhill, Jack Roberts, Harri Millard, Tom James; Jarrod Evans, Lewis Jones; Brad Thyer, Kirby Myhill, Scott Andrews, James Down, Josh Turnbull (capt), Jim Botham, Sion Bennett.
Replacements: Ethan Lewis, Rhys Carre, Dillon Lewis, Macauley Cook, Shane Lewis-Hughes, Dane Blacker, Ben Jones, Cameron Lewis, Owen Lane, Kristian Phillips.
