Cardiff Rugby have made five changes for Friday night’s BKT United Rugby Championship derby against the Ospreys (19:00).

Following a dramatic bonus-point victory over the Scarlets last weekend, the Blue & Blacks remain in the mix for the URC play-offs. 

A victory over the Ospreys at the Arms Park would firm up those chances and Corniel van Zyl has made four changes in the pack and one in the back-line following the 28-24 triumph at Parc y Scarlets.

Tom Bowen is the only new face in the back-line, replacing Mason Grady who fractured his thumb last weekend. 

In the pack, there is a reshuffle in the back-row. Taine Basham and Dan Thomas come into the starting line-up with Alex Mann dropping to the bench and James Botham ruled out. 

Elsewhere, Rory Thornton steps into the second-row alongside Josh McNally, with George Nott among the replacements and Javan Sebastian swapping with Keiron Assiratti.

Cardiff Rugby head coach, Corniel van Zyl, said: “We obviously had a great result against the Scarlets but we were not happy about the middle 60 minutes and we have spoken a lot about that. 

“The positive is we were having that conversation on the back of a win and now we can go out and put things right in at the Arms Park.

“We know what is coming against the Ospreys. They have a very good set-piece and they are dangerous on the counterattack. 

“They physically dominated us at the Brewery Field in January. It was one of our worst performances of the season and we didn’t put what we pride ourselves on the pitch.

“But we are back at home for one of the last times this season, there is plenty to play for and we are excited for the challenge ahead.

“It looks like the Arms Park is heading for a sellout so it will be a great occasion and a brilliant atmosphere. We will do everything we can to make it one to remember.”

Cardiff have again opted for a 6-2 split on the replacements bench with Evan Lloyd covering the back-row with Mann. 

Cardiff Rugby team to face the Ospreys at Cardiff Arms Park on Friday, April 24 (19:00): 

Cam Winnett; Jacob Beetham, Ben Thomas, Rory Jennings, Tom Bowen; Callum Sheedy, Johan Mulder; Rhys Barratt, Liam Belcher (capt), Javan Sebastian, Josh McNally, Rory Thornton, Alun Lawrence, Dan Thomas, Taine Basham.

Replacements: Daf Hughes, Danny Southworth, Keiron Assiratti, George Nott, Evan Lloyd, Alex Mann, Ellis Bevan, Ioan Lloyd.