Keiron Assiratti returns as Cardiff Rugby make five changes for their trip to face the Ospreys on New Year’s Day (17:30).
The Wales tight-head has recovered from a calf complaint and is the only change to the match-day 23 that claimed a Boxing Day victory over Dragons.
Assiratti packs down in an all-international front-row with club captain Liam Belcher and Danny Southworth who steps up from the bench.
George Nott, Alun Lawrence and Johan Mulder also move into the starting XV for the BKT United Rugby Championship clash at Dunraven Brewery Field.
Cardiff coach Corniel van Zyl said: “We were obviously pleased to get the win against Dragons on Boxing Day but it was a frustrating performance. We left some opportunities out there in the second half and let them back into the game.
“But that’s given us plenty to work on and a sharpened focus this week, and we are all very aware that we will need to be much better on Thursday.
“The Ospreys are a quality team and enjoyed an impressive win over the Scarlets.We will have to match their physicality, set-piece and manage the middle third of the pitch well. It’s a challenge we are looking forward to.
“We talk a lot about growth and going away to the Brewery Field gives us the chance to test our game in a different environment in what will be tough game”.
The Blue & Blacks have again opted for a 6-2 split on the replacements bench with the likes of James Botham, Taulupe Faletau and Aled Davies providing experience.
Cardiff enter 2026, the year of their 150th anniversary, third in the URC table but level on points with Munster in second.
Cardiff Rugby team to face Ospreys on Thursday, January 1 (17:30):
Cam Winnett; Josh Adams, Harri Millard, Ben Thomas, Mason Grady, Callum Sheedy, Johan Mulder, Danny Southworth, Liam Belcher (capt), Keiron Assiratti, Josh McNally, George Nott, Alex Mann, Dan Thomas, Alun Lawrence.
Replacements: Evan Lloyd, Rhys Barratt, Javan Sebastian, Rory Thornton, James Botham, Taulupe Faletau, Aled Davies, Jacob Beetham.