Cardiff change four for Scarlets derby

Cardiff Rugby have made four changes for Saturday’s BKT United Rugby Championship clash with the Scarlets at the Arms Park (3pm).

The Blue & Blacks claimed the derby spoils just two weeks ago at Parc y Scarlets and now have the opportunity to do the double in front of an anticipated sell-out. 

Matt Sherratt has refreshed the side following last weekend’s 13-try thriller against Glasgow Warriors, swapping his half-back pairing and making two further changes in the front-row.

Ellis Bevan and Tinus de Beer reform last season’s half-back partnership, with the remainder of the back-line unchanged. Following injuries to Corey Domachowski and Liam Belcher, Ed Byrne and Efan Daniel pack down alongside Kieron Assiratti. 

Matt Sherratt said: “It promises to be a great occasion on Saturday afternoon with a packed Cardiff Arms Park and two teams that like to play attacking rugby. 

“They will be hugely motivated and will bring a lot of physicality We've planned on them coming here and being at their absolute best and we’re excited for that challenge. 

“We played some great attacking rugby last weekend and I was proud of the way the team fought back despite being down to 14 men, but this week we need an all round performance and are determined to give our fans something to be proud of.”

Ben Thomas captains the side in the absence of Liam Belcher, while there is a welcome return to fitness for James Botham, who is named among the replacements. Eighteen of the match-day squad are Welsh qualified and 12 products of the club’s pathway.

Fewer than 1,000 tickets remain for the Welsh derby, which sees the URC celebrate the Unity Round and inclusivity in rugby. 

Cardiff Rugby: Cam Winnett; Mason Grady, Rey Lee-Lo, Ben Thomas (c), Harri Millard; Tinus de Beer, Ellis Bevan; Ed Byrne, Efan Daniel, Keiron Assiratti, Josh McNally, Teddy Williams, Ben Donnell, Alun Lawrence.

Replacements: Daf Hughes, Danny Southworth, Rhys Litterick, Mackenzie Martin, James Botham, Aled Davies, Callum Sheedy, Gabriel Hamer-Webb.