Summer signing Jack Roberts will make his Cardiff Blues debut in a youthful selection to face London Scottish at the Athletic Ground on Saturday (3pm).
The powerful centre joined Wales’ Capital Region from Leicester Tigers ahead of the 2017-18 season and partners Harri Millard in the midfield.
An impressive 20 of the 25-man squad have come through the Cardiff Blues pathway including Jim Botham, son of former Cardiff RFC wing Liam, who also makes his senior debut.
There are also welcome returns from injury for Dan Fish, Brad Thyer and Josh Turnbull, who captains the side.
Danny Wilson expects a strong challenge from the London club, who warmed up for the encounter with a convincing win over Rosslyn Park.
He will then field a more experienced side against Exeter Chiefs at Cardiff Arms Park on August 25.
The Cardiff Blues head coach said: “We want to give a number of players an opportunity, players we don’t see week in week out.
“There are a few experienced heads in there as well, who need game time. But London Scottish are a good side and will be a good test for our younger boys.
“It’s the first chance to get people on the pitch and spend a bit of time with each other over the weekend as a team building exercise.
“We’ll then look to play the guys not involved in the Exeter Chiefs game leading into Edinburgh at home.”
Former Scarlets, Ospreys and London Welsh wing Kristian Phillips is also named on the bench, having linked up with the Blues on a trial / short-term basis.
The pre-season preparations culminate against the English champions at Cardiff Arms Park next week, while they welcome the Scottish capital outfit in their Guinness PRO14 opener a week later.
Tickets for both encounters are available now.
Cardiff Blues team to face London Scottish: Dan Fish; Aled Summerhill, Jack Roberts, Harri Millard, Tom James; Jarrod Evans, Lewis Jones; Brad Thyer, Kirby Myhill, Scott Andrews, Seb Davies, James Down, Josh Turnbull (capt), Jim Botham, Sion Bennett.
Replacements: Ethan Lewis, Rhys Carre, Dillon Lewis, Macauley Cook, Shane Lewis-Hughes, Dane Blacker, Ben Jones, Cameron Lewis, Owen Lane, Kristian Phillips.