Owen Lane makes his first start of the season as Cardiff Blues make just one change for their Guinness PRO14 clash with Edinburgh on Saturday (5.15pm).
Lane, who made his Wales debut in the summer, missed last week’s bonus-point victory over Isuzu Southern Kings due to a niggle but has been given the all-clear for the Arms Park encounter.
Number eight Nick Williams has also recovered from the arm injury he suffered against the Kings and continues to captain the side in the absence of Ellis Jenkins.
Head coach John Mulvihill said: “It’s brilliant to get Laney back on the pitch at Cardiff Arms Park. We have some really good strength in depth in the back three but he has trained really well since coming back in and we are looking forward to seeing him out there.
“He was really unfortunate to miss out on a place in Wales’ World Cup squad and came back with a slight knock. We didn’t want to risk him against the Kings and gave him that extra week but now he is firing on all cylinders and excited to get back out in front of our home crowd.
“It is also a boost to have Nick available. His arm injury wasn’t as bad as we feared, and he will bring his usual physical presence and leadership.”
Lane starts in the back-three with Matthew Morgan and Aled Summerhill, who both shone in South Africa. Meanwhile Willis Halaholo and Garyn Smith continue in the centre and Lloyd Williams and Jarrod Evans at half back.
Williams captains the side with Olly Robinson, who made his 50th Cardiff Blues appearance last week, and Josh Turnbull also starting in the back-row.
Seb Davies and Rory Thornton combine in the second-row, while Brad Thyer, Liam Belcher and Dmitri Arhip continue to pack down in the front row.
While Wales’ Capital Region kicked-off with a five-try victory over the Kings, Edinburgh also impressed with a bonus-point win over Zebre and Mulvihill is well aware of the Scottish side’s prowess.
He added: “We were delighted with last week’s result but there’s plenty to work on and we know Edinburgh will provide our toughest challenge yet.
“They enjoyed a big win over Zebre and will be well-prepared, physical and dangerous in attack, but we are at the Arms Park, in front of our home crowd and are relishing the challenge.
“We are determined to back last week up with another win and hope to see a much more complete performance.”
Cardiff Blues: M Morgan, O Lane, G Smith, W Halaholo, A Summerhill; J Evans, L Williams; B Thyer, L Belcher, D Arhip, S Davies, R Thornton, J Turnbull, O Robinson, N Williams (capt).
Replacements: K Dacey, C Domachowski, S Andrews, S Lewis-Hughes, W Boyde, L Jones, J Tovey, H Millard.
Tickets for Cardiff Blues versus Edinburgh are available now by calling 029 20 302030 or by clicking here!