In the backs, Adam Thomas moves from the wing to outside centre in place of Owen Williams. The other change seeing exciting prospect Harry Robinson starting on the wing. There are two changes in the forward with Josh Navidi starting at blindside and Rhys Shellard at openside.
Speaking ahead of the match Cardiff Blues backs coach Gareth Baber said, “The Newcastle match was an opportunity for us to increase the depth of our squad and see how players will progress for the future.”
“It was the ideal match to do it, especially away from home. We could see how they would react in a tough environment of playing up in Newcastle.”
“Luke Hamilton had a very good game, as did James Down in the second row. Rhys Patchell at outside half is only 18 years of age, but showed game management and craft beyond his years.”
“Adam Thomas who came in from the Pontypridd team showed some real skill and quality that drove us forward. So we will be looking for big performances from these players again on Sunday.”
“Hopefully it will be a fast, open game if the weather permits. Both teams like to play open rugby. We are trying to promote that as much as we can in the squad and increase the skill level to enable us to do that.”
Blues 15. Dan Fish 14. Richard Mustoe 13.Adam Thomas 12. Cory Allen 11. Harry Robinson 10. Rhys Patchell 9. Rhys Downes 8. Luke Hamilton 7.Rhys Shellard 6. Josh Navidi 5. James Down (c) 4. Cory Hill 3. Ryan Harford 2. Ryan Tyrrell 1. Nathan Trevett
Replacements 16. Marc Breeze 17. Jamie Corsi 18. Thomas Davies 19. Matthew Screech 20. Ellis Jenkins 21. Lewis Jones 22. Lewis Williams 23. Owen Williams
