Cardiff Blues have made seven changes as they prepare to welcome Dragons to Cardiff Arms Park for the first Welsh derby of the campaign on Friday (KO 7.35pm)
Returning scrum half, Lloyd Williams, has been named captain for the clash, and he links-up with Jarrod Evans at half-back, who keeps his place following his 11-point haul last week.
Rey Lee-Lo, who was rested for the trip to Thomond Park, replaces the injured Jack Roberts at outside centre while Alex Cuthbert returns to the wing.
Kristian Dacey is the only change in the front row, but there is a complete overhaul at lock, with Seb Davies and Damian Welch returning to replace George Earle and James Down.
There’s just a single change in the back row, as Josh Navidi comes in at blindside in place of Josh Turnbull, with Olly Robinson and Nick Williams retained at the openside and number eight respectively.
Head coach Danny Wilson is expecting a typically feisty affair between the rival sides and insists his side will have to be at their best to come out on top against a gritty and determined Dragons side.
“I fully respect what they’ve been doing there but we focus on ourselves,” said Wilson.
“We’ve got a reasonably good record against them so far but we know exactly what it’s going to take to beat a gritty Dragons side at home, and we’re under no illusions.
“It’s a Welsh derby. It’s got enough edge and spice to it, as they always have, and I’m sure it will be an excellent game on Friday night.
“I’ve been impressed with the way they’ve performed. They’ve picked up two good wins at home, are playing some good rugby and there are some young players that have come through and started to become established players at the Dragons.
“It’s happened right through Lyn’s time there, Kingsley’s time and there are some good players coming through and they’re playing some decent rugby.”
The Blues will be looking to extend their four-game winning streak over the Dragons, and will aim to build momentum ahead of next week's opening European Challenge Cup clash against Lyon.
Cardiff Blues: Rhun Williams; Alex Cuthbert, Rey Lee-Lo, Willis Halaholo, Tom James; Jarrod Evans, Lloyd Williams (C); Brad Thyer, Kristian Dacey, Taufa'ao Filise, Seb Davies, Damian Welch, Josh Navidi, Olly Robinson, Nick Williams
Replacements: Matthew Rees, Corey Domachowski, Keiron Assiratti, George Earle, Josh Turnbull, Tomos Williams, Steven Shingler, Matthew Morgan
Derby day is coming! Cardiff Blues return to Cardiff Arms Park on Friday, October 6, when they host the Dragons in the first Guinness PRO14 Welsh derby of the season. Buy your tickets today by clicking here or calling 029 20 302030 and help us #PackCAP.