Cardiff Rugby have made three changes for Friday night’s BKT United Rugby Championship clash with Glasgow Warriors (19:45).

The Blue & Blacks travel to Scotstoun Stadium well placed within the URC play-off race but requiring points from their final two fixtures to guarantee their place. 

Following back-to-back Welsh derby wins and a week with no fixture, Corniel van Zyl has retained the majority of the starting XV from recent weeks.

He has made just three changes to the side that beat the Ospreys, with Josh Adams back fit and available to line up in the centre, with Ben Thomas moving to 12.

In the pack, Keiron Assiratti starts at tight-head and James Botham returns from injury to pull on the number six jersey in an exciting back-row. 

Van Zyl said: “We are starting to get a few boys back on the pitch and the squad is in a healthier position going into a really important few week in terms of the play-offs.

“We are in a strong position and we feel like it’s still in our hands and we can control it. It is clichéd but it is one week at a time and this game is the most important. We want to get as many points out of the game as we possibly can. 

“It’s going to be a big test. Glasgow are a great team, they are well coached and do a lot of the basic stuff well and know how to put you under pressure. 

“We know its going to be a challenge but that’s something we embrace and look forward to. The next two games (Glasgow and Stormers) are tough but if we do proceed to the next stage we will hopefully be used to the intensity.”

Van Zyl has named a traditional 5-3 split on a replacements bench containing five Wales internationals. 

Cardiff have not won at Scotstoun Stadium since 2013 and face a Glasgow side looking to bounce back following three consecutive defeats in all competitions. 

Cardiff Rugby team to face Glasgow Warriors at Scotstoun Stadium on Friday, April 8 (19:45):

Cam Winnett; Jacob Beetham, Josh Adams, Ben Thomas, Tom Bowen; Callum Sheedy, Johan Mulder; Rhys Barratt, Liam Belcher (capt), Keiron Assiratti, Josh McNally, Rory Thornton, James Botham, Dan Thomas, Taine Basham

Replacements: Evan Lloyd, Danny Southworth, Sam Wainwright, George Nott, Alun Lawrence, Ellis Bevan, Rory Jennings, Ioan Lloyd.