It will be his first since October and he will be joined in the back row by captain Lewis Evans who switches to the blindside to allow Nic Cudd to start on the openside.
Hooker Sam Parry gets after an impressive first 40 minutes against Mogliano at Rodney Parade where he was taken off at half time, after suffering a dead leg but he has now recovered to start in this Christmas Derby.
Cardiff Blues have made five changes in the forwards where there are two changes in the front row with hooker Rhys Williams coming in for Marc Breeze who suffered a finger injury against the Scarlets. The other change sees Sam Hobbs replace Taufa’ao Filise who moves to the bench. Lou Reed replaces James Down in the second row and Robin Copeland replaces Josh Navidi on the blindside.
Cardiff Blues Director of Rugby Phil Davies said, “We can expect a tough game against our visitors the Dragons and a lot of people are saying it has added significance for Heineken Cup qualification, but we as a team have to treat it as just another game, as it’s a long old season.
“Obviously it’s a very important game, as it’s a derby match and there are local bragging rights at stake, however, it’s just one more game. We had a tight result against the Dragons earlier on in the year so it’s important that we don’t underestimate them.
“There are some top players at the Dragons. Whatever team Darren Edwards and Rob Appleyard prepare will be extremely competitive. They are very good rugby men, very knowledgeable, and that will help their cause I’m sure. However, we have to concentrate on what we are doing.”
