Cardiff Rugby have made eight changes for their return to EPCR Challenge Cup action against Racing 92 on Saturday (15:15).
The Blue & Blacks go into Round Three of the competition, with a win and a loss under their belts, and can take a major step towards the knockout stages with victory.
Corniel van Zyl has named a refreshed side following a packed Christmas schedule, with three changes in the pack and five in the back-line.
Liam Belcher captains the side as he makes his 100th senior appearance and he is joined in the front-row by the returning Rhys Barratt and Keiron Assiratti.
Rory Thornton returns to the starting line-up alongside George Nott, while Taine Basham makes his first appearance since facing Stade Francais in Round Two of the competition.
It’s all change in the back-line with only Callum Sheedy and Ben Thomas remaining from the frustrating New Year’s Day defeat to the Ospreys.
Aled Davies returns to partner Sheedy, while South African Cornel Smit combines with Thomas in the mid-field.
Meanwhile there’s a new look back-three with Jacob Beetham, Iwan Stephens and Tom Bowen combining in an exciting trio.
Cardiff go into the Saturday afternoon showdown sat fourth in Pool 3, just two points ahead of Racing. The result is likely to go a long way to deciding which of the two teams qualify and Van Zyl expects a formidable challenge.
A different flavour
Van Zyl said: “Racing are a quality team with very good individual players. Depending on what team they send, I assume it will be stronger than what we’ve seen from them in the Challenge Cup previously, it will be a big challenge.
“They’re big, physical players. They play a typical French style — physical, strong at scrum *and maul* time, and then playing off unstructured situations.
“A win would allow us to progress, but it’s a massive step. There’s some history there, with the finals being held in Bilbao and what we’ve done in the past, so that’s in the background.
“But Europe always has a different flavour compared to the URC. It puts you in a different mindset and allows us to focus on ourselves rather than the other regions, which is refreshing.
“The focus is to go out and perform well. Selection across the three derbies was very similar in terms of the matchday 23. That was part of the plan, but we need to keep the boys fresh, so there is some rotation and opportunities for others to step up.”
Cardiff have named an experienced bench for the European encounter with Corey Domachowski and Rory Jennings making their return from injury. First team regulars Javan Sebastian. Josh McNally, James Botham and Harri Millard are also included, with Van Zyl opting for a traditional 5-3 split.
Cardiff Rugby team to face Racing 92 on Saturday, January 10, (15:15) in the EPCR Challenge Cup:
Jacob Beetham; Iwan Stephens, Cornel Smit, Ben Thomas, Tom Bowen, Callum Sheedy, Aled Davies; Rhys Barratt, Liam Belcher (capt), Keiron Assiratti, George Nott, Rory Thornton, Alex Mann, Taine Basham, Alun Lawrence.
Replacements: Daf Hughes, Corey Domachowski, Javan Sebastian, Josh McNally, James Botham, Ellis Bevan, Rory Jennings, Harri Millard.