Cardiff Rugby have made six changes to their side to face Edinburgh on Saturday night with Ioan Lloyd making his first competitive start.

The Blue & Blacks take on Edinburgh in a clash of the capitals at Cardiff Arms Park as the first block of BKT United Rugby Championship fixtures come to a close. 

Cardiff go into the encounter on the back of a bruising bonus-point victory over Dragons and Corniel van Zyl has refreshed his side. 

Lloyd, who returned to his boyhood club in the summer, makes his first start, alongside returning scrum-half Johan Mulder. 

Jacob Beetham moves back to full-back to replace the injured Callum Sheedy, with Harri Millard returning to partner Ben Thomas in the midfield. 

In the pack, there is a prop swap with Danny Southworth, fresh from being called up by Wales, and Javan Sebastian returning to the starting line-up, while Taine Basham pulls on the number seven jersey.

Van Zyl said: “Saturday’ going to be a really good challenge. It’s the fifth game of the block and the culmination of this first month or so. 

“We have been taking it week by week and you try to get points where you can. We’re pleased with where we are at the moment but this Saturday will be another step up.

“Edinburgh had a really impressive win over Benetton last week, and following a couple of hard fought defeats and a postponement they will be motivated and have a point to prove. 

“We will have to be at our very best to beat them. They are a very good team, they obviously have a strong set-piece and their defence is different to anything we have faced so far this season. 

“But the boys have prepared well and we are back at the Arms Park, which has been brilliant this season and we are determined to make our supporters proud.”

Cardiff have again opted for a 6-2 split on the replacements bench with the likes of Dan Thomas and Alun Lawrence bringing impact, and Aled Davies and Callum Sheedy covering the half-backs.

Cardiff Rugby team to face Edinburgh Rugby on Saturday, October 25.

Cardiff Rugby: Jacob Beetham, Josh Adams, Harri Millard, Ben Thomas, Tom Bowen; Ioan Lloyd, Johan Mulder; Danny Southworth, Liam Belcher (capt), Javan Sebastin, Josh McNally, George Nott, Alex Mann, Taulupe Faletau, Taine Basham

Replacements: Daf Hughes, Corey Domachowski, Keiron Assiratti, Ben Donnell, Alun Lawrence, Dan Thomas, Aled Davies, Callum Sheedy. 

Tickets for Cardiff Rugby versus Edinburgh at the Arms Park on Saturday, October 25 (7:45pm) are available now by clicking below or calling 029 20 302030.