That marked the pinnacle of Dai Young’s tenure as head coach but the club has endured mixed fortunes in Europe since that memorable day in Marseille. Gethin Jenkins is the only survivor from that victory over Toulon while their domestic form is hardly inspiring hope of a repeat.
The Blues have suffered their worst start to the Guinness Pro12, having won just one of their opening seven games, under new coach Mark Hammett, who will get his first taste of European rugby.
However with a team that includes British & Irish Lions such as Sam Warburton, Adam Jones, Alex Cuthbert and Adam Jones, Cardiff have plenty of experience.
Richard Smith comes into the team for Wales wing Alex Cuthbert with Fly half Gareth Davies, the late hero of the epic home European victory over Toulon last season, and scrum half Williams are both selected among the backs.
Rhys Patchell moves to full back while Adam Thomas switches to outside centre and is paired with Gavin Evans in midfield.
Prop Sam Hobbs also makes a return to the starting selection, alongside skipper Matthew Rees and Adam Jones. Two changes in the back row result in Macauley Cook coming in at blindside flanker while Italian international Manoa Vosawai plays at Number Eight.
Hammett said: “As a region we have a proud past in Europe and we must look to build on that history and launch our latest campaign with a victory. We must ensure our physicality and game plan is spot on against Grenoble’s intensity.
“But while we are more than aware of the threat they pose, it’s imperative our focus is on ourselves and moving forward as a unit.”
In contrast, Grenoble have a limited history in the Challenge Cup but come into the tournament having proved they can mix-it-up in the French championship.
Grenoble are sixth in the Top 14 and have racked up wins over the likes of Racing-Metro and Brive but have struggled on the road, losing all four away games this season. However head coach Fabrice Landreau insists the club is determined to make amends for previous performances in Europe.
Landreau said: “Europe is a laboratory. It’s good for us to judge and we learn a lot from these foreign teams. It is rewarding and I would be happy one day to be able to play the finals with Grenoble in the European Cup.
“These last two years, we have always dropped on the competition. Our defence cost us dearly last year against Wasps and were left ashamed, without showing our true colours. We hope that this year we will be better on that aspect.”
