Jarrod Evans returns from injury to start in Cardiff’s hotly anticipated United Rugby Championship derby against Dragons on Saturday (KO 5.15pm).
The international outside half suffered a sternum injury in the opening weekend win over Connacht.
Rhys Priestland is one of 10 internationals unavailable for the derby encounter, having been recalled to the Wales set-up, meaning playmaker Evans is drafted straight into the number 10 jersey.
There is a total of nine changes made to the starting line-up from last week’s win over Cell C Sharks, as Rey Lee-Lo also returns to action to form a new-look midfield with academy product Max Llewellyn.
The experienced Lloyd Williams will combine with Evans at half back while Hallam Amos replaces Josh Adams out wide. Jason Harries and Matthew Morgan retain their places in the back three.
Up front, James Ratti is given the nod at number eight and Will Boyde switches to the openside with Ellis Jenkins also involved in Wales’ preparations for the autumn Tests.
Matthew Screech is passed fit to face his former side, partnering Rory Thornton in the boiler room. Kirby Myhill continues his run in the number two jersey, having started every game so far this season, and is joined by Corey Domachowski and Dmitri Arhip in the front row.
Despite both sides missing their international contingents, Dai Young does not expect intensity to drop for the derby clash.
The director of rugby said: “You make sure that everyone knows what’s expected of them in each position and you’d like to think they can transfer that into the jersey.
“It’s not quite as easy as that, but we’d certainly like to think that the boys stepping up are looking forward to their opportunity and to put their hands up.
“When Cardiff go out there to play Dragons, it’s a big rivalry and everyone wants to get that result.
“We may have to narrow our game a little bit, to make sure that we do the basics well and we can build from there.
“They’ve kicked on again and they’re a force to be reckoned with, especially up front. They’re missing six of their real big ball carriers, who have played really well for them this season, but I’m sure Dean will have a few things up his sleeve.
““It’s been great to hear the singing and cheering of the home supporters getting right behind the team in recent weeks.
“It does make a difference and we’re hoping for more of the same on the weekend. It would be great to see a lot of Dragons supporters here as well.
“Hopefully they come out in their numbers and have a really enjoyable occasion.”
With Priestland and Ben Thomas away on Wales duty, Jason Tovey ruled out due to Covid protocols and Luke Scully sidelined following knee surgery, there is a surprise and swift return to the matchday 23 for Dan Fish, who is named on the bench.
Fish announced his retirement from professional rugby last week, after making 114 first time appearances for his home town club but quickly returns to the Arms Park.
Brad Thyer, whose loan deal with Glasgow Warriors came to an end last week, is also featured amongst the replacements, with Will Davies King, Teddy Williams, Ellis Bevan and Garyn Smith in-line for their first appearances of the season.
Cardiff Rugby: Matthew Morgan; Jason Harries, Rey Lee-Lo, Max Llewellyn, Hallam Amos; Jarrod Evans, Lloyd Williams; Corey Domachowski, Kirby Myhill, Dmitri Arhip, Matthew Screech, Rory Thornton, Josh Turnbull (capt.), Will Boyde, James Ratti
Replacements: Kristian Dacey, Brad Thyer, Will Davies-King, Teddy Williams, Shane Lewis-Hughes, Ellis Bevan, Dan Fish, Garyn Smith