Lyn Jones’ side have an away win in the bag after they beat their East Wales neighbours 23-17 at BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park, and could move above them in the PRO12 with a repeat of the victory. They currently sit two points behind Mark Hammett’s men on 16 points from their 11 matches, and would move into ninth position with victory.
Wales and British & Irish Lions no.8 Taulupe Faletau has been passed fit after a knock to the ankle and will start at the back of the scrum. Lock Andrew Coombs has been given the all-clear to feature on Thursday after a blow to the head while back row Lewis Evans is out of the clash.
But the Blues are on a revenge mission after they failed to fight-back in the first leg of the double-header. And they have Wales and British & Irish Lions skipper Sam Warburton back after he recovered from a shoulder injury he picked up in their triumph over Scarlets.
They are expected to ring the changes after the Newport region ended their four-match unbeaten run at the famous Cardiff ground.
But no-matter who lines up for the Blues, Price is determined to shake off the Dragons’ tag as the bottom placed Welsh region.
“We need to start rising up the table and it would be really nice to get above the Blues, stay there and chase the Scarlets down,” said Price.
“It would be massive to avoid being Wales’ fourth region and a big boost, changing our perception.”
The Blues, however, know that victory will give them breathing space in the Pro12 and are fuelled by the disappointment of their 23-17 defeat on their own turf.”
Blues Director of Rugby Hammett said: “It’s fair to say, at half time we sent out a bit of a message and I spoke to the group after the game as well about what is required. It’s a pretty passionate group with players who have played a lot of rugby.
“You try and read the mood in the dressing room to see what you need to say, or in other cases, what you don’t need to say. It’s apparent they have put the messages across themselves.
“There are some proud players in this team. They are proud of the region they play for and they are disappointed.”
