The Blue & Blacks host the Scarlets at Cardiff Arms Park following an impressive start to the season. They currently sit second in the URC table. 

Liam Belcher returns to captain the side and he packs down in an all changed front-row with Danny Southworth and Javan Sebastian. 

Josh McNally comes back into the starting XV, alongside George Nott, while the back-row is unchanged from the side that triumphed over Ulster last week.

There are two further changes behind the pack, both in the back three where Mason Grady and Cam Winnett join Josh Adams in an all-international trio. 

Corniel van Zyl said: “We were really pleased with our result against Ulster and the way the boys fought back for a great win. 

“It has kept our momentum going ahead of a massive run of games with three consecutive Welsh derbies.

“We are in a good position in the league, which is nice to see, but it’s all about taking it one game at a time and all that matters right now is the Scarlets. 

“It’s been a long time since we beat them at the Arms Park so that is a big motivation for the group. 

“After a tough start, they have really found some form, they enjoy coming here, are building momentum and have a lot of experience with quality players.

“It promises to be a great occasion, with a packed stadium and we will need to be at the top of our game, but it is a challenge that we are looking forward to.” 

Cardiff have also been boosted by the return to fitness of Alex Mann (illness), Taulupe Faletau (knee) and Johan Mulder (jaw), who are all named on an experienced replacements bench. 

Cardiff Rugby team to face the Scarlets on Friday, December 19 (7:35pm):

Cam Winnett: Josh Adams, Harri Millard, Ben Thomas, Mason Grady; Callum Sheedy, Aled Davies; Danny Southworth, Liam Belcher (capt), Javan Sebastian, Josh McNally, George Nott, James Botham, Dan Thomas, Alun Lawrence.

Replacements: Evan Lloyd, Rhys Barratt, Sam Wainwright, Rory Thornton, Alex Mann, Taulupe Faletau, Johan Mulder, Jacob Beetham.