Blog Banner

Cardiff make two changes for European quarter-final

First Team News | 7th April 2023


Cardiff have made two changes as they travel to Treviso to take on Benetton Rugby in the European Challenge Cup quarter-finals on Saturday (4pm local, 3pm BST).

The Blue and Blacks, who have twice lifted the trophy, secured their place in the final eight following a thrilling 28-27 victory over Sale Sharks at the Arms Park last week.

Fly-half Jarrod Evans drops out of the match-day 23 after failing a fitness test with Rhys Priestland switching to the number 10 jersey and Ben Thomas coming in at fullback. 

In the pack, Thomas Young is handed the number seven jersey, having appeared as a first half replacement against Sale. Young joins James Botham and Taulupe Faletau in an all-international back row as captain Josh Turnbull switches to lock to partner Teddy Williams.

After setting an impressive platform against Sale, the front row of Corey Domachowski, Liam Belcher and Keiron Assiratti remain unchanged.

Director of Rugby, Dai Young said: “We are all really looking forward to Saturday but we are also acutely aware of the challenge Benetton present.

“They gave us a hiding last season and they have had some good wins at home in the current campaign. They have threats all over the pitch and we will have to be at our best.

“We are also in a very different place to last season, we had a fantastic win over Sale Sharks last week and the group are really motivated to finish the season on a high. 

“This competition is the last opportunity this squad has to achieve something before players move on in the summer, and on Saturday we can go a step closer.”

Saturday's encounter will see Kristian Dacey become the latest member of the 200 club. The hooker, who is named on the bench, joins Taufa'ao Filise and Lloyd Williams as the only players to hit the appearance milestone in the club's modern era.

Young added: “We are thrilled for Kristian, who is a great professional and a good man in our environment. 

“Playing 200 games for one club at this level is no mean feat and a victory on Saturday will be a brilliant way for Kris to remember the occasion.”

Lopeti Timani, who departed in the opening exchanges against Sale, is passed fit, joining another five internationals on the bench.

A semi final clash with either Lyon or Toulon awaits the winner of Saturday's clash in Treviso.

Cardiff: Ben Thomas; Owen Lane, Mason Grady, Max Llewellyn, Josh Adams; Rhys Priestland, Tomos Williams; Corey Domachowski, Liam Belcher, Keiron Assiratti, Josh Turnbull (capt.), Teddy Williams, James Botham, Thomas Young, Taulupe Faletau

Replacements: Kristian Dacey, Rhys Carré, Will Davies-King, Seb Davies, Lopeti Timani, James Ratti, Lloyd Williams, Jason Harries