Head Coach Dai Flanagan has named a strong side for the second round match and has Welsh international hooker Emyr Phillips and Scarlets regular Peter Edwards in the front row, fit again former England Under 20 lock Tom Price in the second row and ex-Ireland Under 20 star Tadhg Beirne leading the side from the back row.
“We’re looking to back up last weekend’s bonus point win with a good win at home. Bringing in the likes of Emyr Phillips, Pete Edwards and Tom Price will not only help bolster the side, but will aid the development of the younger members of the squad,” said Flanagan.
Cardiff Blues travel to Jersey looking to bounce back from a 21-26 home defeat against London Scottish in their first outing. There are seven changes to the starting line-up, with USA international Cam Dolan selected at lock and Pontypridd’s Alex Webber replacing James Beal on the wing.
Ben Jones and Mike Hale form a new half-back partnership, while Luke Crocker and James Sheekey come into the back row. Finally, Brad Thyer takes the place of James Howe as the starting loosehead prop.
The Ospreys Premiership Select XV travel to Mennaye Fields to take on Cornish Pirates on Sunday (kick-off 2.00pm). They were beaten at home by London Irish in Round 1.
“Although we were disappointed with the result last week, there were a lot of positives to be taken from it. I thought the players fronted up and competed against a well drilled team that is currently sitting top of the English Championship,” said Ospreys head coach Tom Smith.
“We were in the game right up until the end and I was also pleased with how a number of our young players stepped up and performed well under pressure, with notable performances from Charlie Davies, James Ratti, Keiran Williams and Joe Tomalin-Reeves.
“Sunday’s game against the Pirates is going to be another tough test. They have had a decent start to their season, and a good win last week out in Connacht will mean that their team will be going into this game with some momentum.
“There are a few changes that have had to be made to our team, but I’m looking for those boys coming in to show the same commitment as the boys did last week, to help us build on our performance.”
The Dragons Premier Select XV worked hard to pick up a try bonus point in their defeat at Bedford Blues last weekend and will have revenge on their mind when they host the Ealing Trailfinders at Pandy Park (Saturday, 3.00pm).
The English Championship side came down to Ystrad Mynach in pre-season and beat the Dragons. Led by former Dragons and Wales Under 21 scrum half Alex Walker, the Trailfinders have a strong Welsh connection.
Full back James Cordy-Redden will return to a ground he knows well having played 50 games for Cross Keys over two seasons. Second row Scott Andrews also played for the Pandy Park team.
Reigning champions London Welsh make six changes for their home clash with Rotherham Titans at Old Deer Park (Saturday, 2.00pm) from the side that beat Munster ‘A’ 30-15 last weekend in Cork.
Martyn Thomas, Kristian Phillips, Nick Reynolds, Koree Britton, Barney Maddison and Aaron Carpenter all come into the starting XV. Chris Elder will make his 50th appearance for the club if he comes off the bench.
Saturday’s meeting will be the second between the sides this season. The Exiles travelled to Clifton Lane on the opening weekend of the Championship only to go down 33-32 following a late comeback from the Titans.
Scarlets PSXV: Dion Jones; Richard Smith, Ioan Nicholas, Billy McBryde, Tom Williams; Jack Maynard, Aled Davies; Rhys Fawcett, Emyr Phillips, Peter Edwards, Tom Price, Rynier Bernardo, Tadhg Beirne (captain), Shaun Evans, Jack Condy
Reps: Gethin Robinson, Taylor Davies, Nicky Thomas, Josh Helps, Trystan Lloyd, Declan Smith, Aaron Warren
Cardiff Blues PSXV: Rhun Williams; Owen Lane, Aled Summerhill, Declan Williams, Alex Webber; Ben Jones, Mike Hale; Brad Thyer, Liam Belcher, Kieron Assirratti, Ben Murphy, Cam Dolan, Shane Lewis-Hughes, Luke Crocker, James Sheekey
Reps: Joe Tomlinson, James Howe, Ben Leung, Hemi Barnes, Tom Lucas, Callum Hall, Cameron Lewis
Ospreys PSXV: Morgan Williams; Tom Williams, Joe Thomas, Kieran Williams, Tom O’Flaherty; Joe Scrivens, Chris Williams; Rowan Jenkins (captain), Alex Dunham, Dan Suter, Kyle Evans, Jon Kenny, Joe Tomalin-Reeves, Will Jones, Charlie Davies
Reps: Jordon Liney, Ollie Evans, Alex Jeffries, Mitchell Walsh, Jon Howard, Phil Jones, Rheon James
Dragons PSXV: Will Talbot-Davies (Dragons/ Ebbw Vale); Matthew Powell (Cross Keys), Barney Nightingale (Dragons/ Cross Keys), Connor Edwards (Dragons/ Bedwas), Jared Rosser (Dragons/ Ebbw Vale); Arwel Robson (Dragons/ Newport RFC), Owen Davies (Dragons/ Newport RFC); John Lavender (Newport RFC), Ellis Shipp (Dragons Academy/ Cross Keys), Leon Brown (Dragons), Joe Davies (Dragons/ Bedwas), Rhys Clarke (Ebbw Vale), Josh Skinner (captain, Dragons/ Cross Keys), Andrew Waite (Bedwas), Robson Blake (Bedwas)
Reps: Alun Rees (Bedwas), Richard Cornock (Cross Keys), Adam Brown (Newport RFC), Ieuan Jones (Cross Keys), Owain Leonard (Dragons/Cross Keys), James Dixon (Bedwas)
London Welsh: Martyn Thomas; Kristian Phillips, James Lewis, Heath Stevens, Nick Reynolds; Joe Carlisle, Ben Vellacott; Nathan Trevett, Koree Britton, Lovejoy Chawatama, Charlie Beckett, Barney Maddison, Ben Pienaar (captain), Jesse Liston, Aaron Carpenter
Reps: Adam Kwasnicki, James Hallam, Ben Cooper, Ryan Hodson, Ryan Glynn, Seb Jewell, Chris Elder
