There are two changes in the backs with Ben Blair starting at fullback and Ceri Sweeney at inside centre. Chris Czekaj moves to the wing from 15 in place of Tom James who moves down to the bench.
There are three changes in the forwards. Xavier Rush has recovered from illness and will start at Number 8 with Molitika moving to the bench. In the front row T Rhys Thomas and Sam Hobbs start with Ryan Tyrell and John Yapp also moving to the bench.
The Blues face a Benetton Treviso side that have lost their last four matches in the RaboDirect PRO12 since their 37-14 home win over Aironi on New Year’s Eve.
Cardiff Blues have never lost to an Italian opponent in any competition and have beaten Treviso in all three previous encounters. However, the Italians are unbeaten in their last three home games against Welsh regions in all competitions.
Benetton Treviso V Cardiff Blues
At StadioMonigo, 4.30pmlocal time (3.30pmUK & Ireland)
Cardiff Blues 15 Ben Blair 14 Richard Mustoe 13 Gavin Evans 12 Ceri Sweeney 11 Chris Czekaj 10 Dan Parks 9 Richie Rees
8 Xavier Rush 7 Martyn Williams 6 Michael Paterson 5 Paul Tito (c) 4 Cory Hill 3 Scott Andrews 2 T Rhys Thomas 1 Sam Hobbs
16 Ryan Tyrell 17 John Yapp 18 Ryan Harford 19 Macauley Cook 20 Maama Molitika 21 Lewis Jones 22 Harry Robinson 23 Tom James
Not available due to injury:
Casey Laulala - hamstring
Fau Filise - shoulder
Dafydd Hewitt - hamstring
James Down - ankle
Andries Pretorius - knee
Deiniol Jones - shoulders