The Blues beat English outfit Harlequins in the LV= Cup last week but director of rugby Phil Davies has freshened things up for today’s trip to RaboDirect PRO12 pace setters Munster.
Skipper Sam Hobbs is one of the players returning to the starting line up in Limerick as Davies picks his strongest possible side given injuries and international commitments.
Lloyd Williams will be keen to impress at scrum half after missing out on Wales’ RBS 6 Nations squad, while Robin Copeland is also recalled to face his future employers after being released by Ireland prior to their Championship clash with Warren Gatland’s troops.
Harry Robinson and Chris Czekaj will offer plenty of firepower out wide and Pontypridd prop Patrick Palmer wins a place on the bench at Thomond Park.
Chris Dicomidis, who is another returnee in the second row, reckons the Blues travel to Ireland with no pressure on them whatsoever given the fact that they are 21 points and nine places adrift of the table toppers with just over the half the season behind them.
“Munster will be a huge challenge for us, but one we are looking forward too. As they are top of the table, there will be a huge amount of pressure on them compared to the pressure on us. We feel we can go out there and express ourselves and play,” said Dicomidis.
“Saturday is a massive game for us. We are back to the RaboDirect PRO12 after a good win last Friday against Harlequins. Munster are a quality outfit with quality players. They have a few boys out on international duty but they have great strength and depth.
“The boys are really looking forward to the challenge. It’s the start of a massive period for us now, four big games in the Rabo and we need to climb up that table.”
Cardiff Blues
15 Dan Fish, 14 Harry Robinson, 13 Owen Williams, 12 Gavin Evans, 11 Chris Czekaj, 10 Gareth Davies, 9 Lloyd Williams; 1 Sam Hobbs (c), 2 Kristian Dacey, 3 Benoit Bourrust, 4 Chris Dicomidis, 5 Filo Paulo, 6 Macauley Cook, 7 Ellis Jenkins, 8 Robin Copeland
Replacements: 16 Marc Breeze, 17 Thomas Davies, 18 Patrick Palmer, 19 James Down, 20 Luke Hamilton, 21 Lewis Jones, 22 Simon Humberstone, 23 Isaia Tuifua
