Cardiff Rugby have made nine changes for their return to the Investec Champions Cup on Sunday (17:30).

The Blue & Blacks travel to face Northampton Saints at Franklin’s Gardens and have refreshed their side to face the English champions, a week after going down fighting against the BKT United Rugby Championship holders, Leinster last weekend. 

Taulupe Faletau, who was a late withdrawal in Dublin, is set for his first appearance since March as he returns to the back-row alongside Semisi Paea, who starts for the first time. 

In the second-row, Tom Manz makes his competitive debut for the club, returning to the Midlands, alongside Rory Thornton. Elsewhere in the pack, Daf Hughes and Sam Wainwright are handed starts in the front-row, with the former captaining the side.

There are three further changes in the back-line with Jarrod Evans making his first start since returning to Cardiff in the summer, Steffan Emanuel is handed the number 12 jersey and Tom Bowen returns to the wing. 

Cardiff Rugby head coach, Corniel van Zyl, said: “There has been a real sense of excitement around the place this week. We worked really hard last season to get into the Champions Cup and this is the reward.

“It’s a great opportunity and it’s going to be a special occasion at Franklin’s Gardens, which is exciting. 

“Northampton is a massive challenge but that is exactly what we want. We want to compete with the best. 

“I think most clubs in England have transformed to a more attacking style of play, and that’s where the game is heading generally, with a lot of transition, kicks and fighting for the scraps, and then being clinical in the right position. 

“We will need to be at our best, accurate in everything we do and on it for the full 80. 

“The five-day turnaround to Sharks is another challenge but we have known about it for a long time, we have planned for it and it’s all about putting our best product on the pitch across two games.”

Wales international Josh Adams is named on a replacement bench, which blends youth and experience, after recovering from the calf injury he suffered in the summer.

Cardiff Rugby to take on Northampton Saints at DPD Stadium, Franklin’s Gardens on Sunday, October 18 (17:30):

Matty Young; Mason Grady, Harri Millard, Steffan Emanuel, Tom Bowen; Jarrod Evans, Aled Davies; Danny Southworth, Daf Hughes (capt), Sam Wainwright, Tom Manz, Rory Thornton, Semisi Paea, Dan Thomas, Taulupe Faletau

Replacements: Evan Lloyd, Rhys Barratt, Joe Cowell, Josh McNally, Lucas De La Rua, Johan Mulder, Callum Sheedy, Josh Adams