Cardiff change seven for Scarlets derby

Cardiff have made seven changes for their Welsh derby clash against the Scarlets in the BKT United Rugby Championship on Saturday (17:15).

The Blue and Blacks claimed the bragging rights against the Dragons at Rodney Parade last weekend and now turn their attention to a second consecutive derby on the road. 

Three of the changes come in the back-line with Ellis Bevan returning to replace Tomos Williams, who is on international duty, and Ben Thomas and Rey Lee-Lo combining in a refreshed midfield.

In the pack, Rhys Carré returns on the loose-head and Rhys Litterick makes his first competitive appearance for the club at tight-head. The two other changes see Lopeti Timani and Alex Mann come back from injury to start in the back-row, with Seb Davies moving to his more familiar second-row slot. 

Sherratt said: “We were pleased with the result and the way we executed a clear game-plan last week and we are now looking to build on that performance. 

“Going down to Llanelli is never easy and the Scarlets will be hugely motivated following a tough couple of weeks in South Africa, which was always going to be difficult. 

“So they will be determined to kick-start their season at home and they have a lot of quality in the squad, but we have trained well and will go down there ready to fight for everything. 

“The forecast isn’t looking great so I have no doubt the conditions will play a part again but it is about managing them and showing a willingness to play when the opportunity presents.

“It promises to be another hard fought Welsh derby and we are looking forward to the challenge.”

Rhys Barratt. Will Davies-King, Jamie Hill and Max Clark are all named on the bench, with centre Clark in line for his Cardiff debut. 

Cardiff Rugby: C Winnett; A Summerhill, R Lee-Lo, B Thomas, T Cabango; T de Beer, E Bevan; R Carré, L Belcher (capt), R Litterick, S Lewis-Hughes, S Davies, A Mann, T Young, L Timani.

Replacements: E Daniel R Barratt, W Davies-King, R Thornton, E Jenkins, Jamie Hill, M Clark, H Millard

Unavailable for selection:

Medium to long-term:

Gwilym Bradley (foot), James Botham (hamstring) Josh Turnbull (knee) Josh Adams (shoulder), Taulupe Faletau (arm).

International:

Corey Domachowski, Keiron Assiratti, Teddy Williams, Tomos Williams, Mason Grady