Cardiff change five for New Year's Day

Cardiff have made five changes for their New Year’s Day derby against the Ospreys.

The Blue and Blacks signed off 2023, with an emphatic 55-21 victory over the Dragons, and now turn attention to their latest Welsh derby in the BKT United Rugby Championship. 

Four of the changes come in the pack with Corey Domachowski handed the number one jersey, and Rhys Carré moving to the replacements. 

Seb Davies joins Teddy Williams in the second-row, while Lopeti Timani and Ellis Jenkins return from injury and suspension respectively, to join James Botham, who makes his 50th first team appearance, in the back-row.

In the backs, the sole change sees Owen Lane come into the starting line-up to replace Josh Adams, who has been struggling with the leg injury he suffered against Bath. 

Cardiff Rugby head coach Matt Sherratt was delighted with his side’s performance against the Dragons but expects an entirely different test at Dunraven Brewery Field.

He said: “We were all really pleased with the performance and result against the Dragons, it’s not often you race into that kind of first-half lead.

“You have to enjoy those moments but we’re also very aware that things really clicked for us on the day, while the Dragons endured the complete opposite.

“The Ospreys will also present a very different challenge. They are coming off a good win against the Scarlets and will be confident. 

“We have to meet that challenge head on and we have selected a team to do that, but we also have to be true to ourselves.”

Cardiff have opted for a six-two split on the replacements bench with the likes of Carre, Rory Thornton and club captain Josh Turnbull bringing size and experience, and Ellis Bevan and Jacob Beetham covering the backs. 

Cardiff Rugby: Cam Winnett; Owen Lane, Rey Lee-Lo, Willis Halaholo, Mason Grady; Tinus de Beer, Tomos Williams; Corey Domachowski, Liam Belcher, Keiron Assiratti, Seb Davies, Teddy Williams, James Botham, Ellis Jenkins, Lopeti Timani.

Replacements: Efan Daniel, Rhys Carre, Rhys Litterick, Rory Thornton, Josh Turnbull, Mackenzie Martin, Ellis Bevan, Jacob Beetham

Unavailable for selection: 

Short-term - Thomas Young (calf), Josh Adams (leg), Shane Lewis-Hughes (shoulder).

Medium to long-term - Theo Cabango (shoulder), Gwilym Bradley (foot), Taulupe Faletau (arm), Ciaran Parker (hamstring), Arwel Robson (hamstring)