Cory Hill will captain Cardiff Blues against the Dragons on Boxing Day in the first of three consecutive Guinness PRO14 Welsh derbies.
The Wales second-row moved to the capital city from the Dragons in the summer and will slot into the back-row as John Mulvihill makes one change from the side selected to face State Francais.
That European encounter was called off but head coach John Mulvihill has retained all but Alun Lawrence, who drops out for the return of specialist open side James Botham.
Wales’ Capital Region have triumphed over the Dragons in the last 10 Championship encounters, however the hosts go into the East Wales showdown on the back of three consecutive wins.
John Mulvihill will be absent from Rodney Parade after being identified as a Covid-19 close contact but will be keeping a close eye on affairs from home.
He expects a typically tense derby and expects the resurgent Dragons to throw everything at his side as they target the Boxing Day bragging rights.
Mulvihill said: “We were disappointed not to play last week but it has given us a bit more time to prepare for the Welsh derbies and an exciting Boxing Day clash with the Dragons.
“These are always very close, tense and hard fought games and the Dragons have some decent form in the PRO14.
“We have done very well in this fixture over the years but the form book goes out the window in Welsh derbies and we have prepared for an unrelenting, full-blooded battle.
“This same group has prepared together for Stade and now obviously the Dragons with James Botham coming in as a specialist open side following an impressive autumn with Wales.
“The boys have trained well and are chomping at the bit to get back out at Rodney Parade to kick-off a busy festive period. We have a little bit of ground to make up in the PRO14 and are determined to give a good account of ourselves.
“We will have to generate our own derby day energy but if we can secure a win in this first one, it gives us momentum and sets us up nicely for 2021.”
Hill captains the side wearing the number six jersey alongside the returning Botham and ever-reliable Josh Turnbull, while Seb Davies and Ben Murphy combine in the second-row.
The same front-row that triumphed in Newcastle two weeks ago are given the nod once more with Kristian Dacey packing down between Brad Thyer and Dillon Lewis.
In the backs Lloyd Williams partners Jarrod Evans and Max Llewellyn combines with Garyn Smith in the midfield. Josh Adams makes his first appearance since his autumn exploits, in a back-three which also contains Aled Summerhill and former Dragons Hallam Amos.
There is plenty quality and experience among the replacements with international trio Rhys Carré, Shane Lewis-Hughes and Tomos Williams, and star centre Rey Lee-Lo included.
Cardiff Blues: Hallam Amos; Aled Summerhill, Garyn Smith, Max Llewellyn, Josh Adams; Jarrod Evans, Lloyd Williams; Brad Thyer, Kristian Dacey, Dillon Lewis, Ben Murphy, Seb Davies, Cory Hill (capt.), James Botham, Josh Turnbull.
Replacements: Ethan Lewis, Rhys Carré, Dmitri Arhip, Rory Thornton, Shane Lewis-Hughes, Tomos Williams, Jason Tovey, Rey Lee-Lo
The following players were not considered for selection:
Short-term:
Josh Navidi is receiving regular consultation from a neurological expert and is being monitored closely by our medical team. The prognosis is that he will return to play in a matter of weeks, dependent on his progression to full training.
Willis Halaholo is back in full training following minor knee surgery.
Rhys Gill has also returned to full training after recovering from a ruptured bicep.
Liam Belcher had also returned to full training following a groin injury.
Jason Harries is in the final stages of his rehab and will return to full training next week.
Harri Millard has suffered a minor hamstring injury and is going through a rehabilitation programme. He returns to training next week, with a return to action planned for early in the New Year.
Kirby Myhill is also in the latter stages of his rehabilitation from a hamstring injury and will return to full training next week.
Ellis Jenkins has continued to make good progress however his return has been delayed by a period of self isolation.
Medium and long-term:
Will Davies-King - Knee
Teddy Williams - Shoulder
Olly Robinson - Shoulder
Iestyn Harris - Neck
Owen Lane - Foot.