A number of Blues players have picked up injuries over recent weeks including a number of the region’s Welsh stars.
Leigh Halfpenny, Jamie Roberts and Bradley Davies all suffered significant injuries while on international duty with Wales and are unavailable this weekend. They join Michael Paterson, Dan Fish, Andi Kyriacou and Tom James on the sidelines after they all picked up injuries in matches against Zebre and the Ospreys.
Speaking ahead of the game, Davies, said: “Only a fortnight ago things were looking very positive for us, when we were welcoming back some key players.
“However, we have been extremely unfortunate to pick up a raft of injuries in the last few weeks.
“It is frustrating that we cannot select from a full strength squad for these crucial matches but on a positive note, it gives a chance for some of our other players to step up and show what they can do.”
Despite the injuries, Davies can call on the likes of Alex Cuthbert, Wales captain Sam Warburton and Lou Reed to start against the French side. Elsewhere, Harry Robinson starts on the wing with Rhys Patchell at fly-half. Andries Pretorius returns to captain the side with Davies expecting a tough test.
“Montpellier has a formidable reputation in the French league as a very physical team with an extremely strong set-piece,” he added.
“Their scrum is particularly strong this season, having won all 17 of their put-ins so far in both Heineken Cup games and their six lineout steals is a joint top this season.
“These are areas in which we will have to be at our best if we are to compete this Sunday.”
