Cardiff change five for Bath showdown

Cardiff Rugby have made five changes for Saturday’s Investec Champions Cup clash against Bath (20:00).

The Blue and Blacks welcome the West Country outfit to the Arms Park in Round Two of the European competition, aiming to bounce back following defeat to Toulouse at Stade Ernest Wallon last week. 

Liam Belcher returns to captain the side, alongside Corey Domachowski to reunite the Rhondda front-row with Keiron Assiratti. Alex Mann also comes back into the starting XV to form a young back-row with Lucas de la Rua and Mackenzie Martin, after Lopeti Timani was ruled out. 

In the backline, Rey Lee-Lo comes in for Willis Halaholo, who drops to the bench, while Cam Winnett is back in the number 15 jersey. 

Bath, who are currently second in the English Premiership, kicked-off their campaign with an impressive 37-14 victory over Ulster.

Cardiff Rugby head coach Matt Sherratt said: “Nobody likes to lose like we did in Toulouse but when you sit back and reflect, what an experience it was for a young side.

“The reason you start playing rugby is to play to Toulouse away or to play Bath at home in the best club competition in the game.

“This is the best club competition, with the best teams and best players in the best stadiums. Rather than worry about it, you have to embrace it and look at it as a great opportunity.

“Cardiff at home is a different test. We have turned over Sale, Leinster and Stormers in recent times, so on our day with a bit of luck and if we're playing at our best, we'll compete.

“Bath have been very impressive this season. They are a very organised, well coached team with some real threats in there as well. Ben Spencer dictates when they play and Finn Russell has a big impact on how they play.

“European nights at the Arms Park are always special, particularly when playing a team like Bath and I have no doubt the boys will rise to the occasion.”

Former Bath wing, Gabriel Hamer-Webb is included in the replacements against his former employers.

The biggest Arms Park crowd of the season is anticipated for the Anglo-Welsh encounter. Tickets remain available on a limited basis. Call 029 20 302030 or click here.

Cardiff Rugby: Cam Winnett; Josh Adams, Rey Lee-Lo, Ben Thomas, Mason Grady; Tinus de Beer, Tomos Williams; Corey Domachowski, Liam Belcher (capt), Keiron Assiratti, Rory Thornton, Teddy Williams, Alex Mann, Lucas de la Rua, Mackenzie Martin. 

Replacements: Evan Lloyd, Rhys Carre, Rhys Litterick, Josh Turnbull, Alun Lawrence, Ellis Bevan, Willis Halaholo, Gabriel Hamer-Webb.