Cardiff make three changes for Glasgow Warriors

James Ratti makes a return to the starting line-up for Cardiff’s first away game of the season, as they take on Glasgow Warriors at Scotstoun Stadium on Friday evening (KO 7.35pm).

The number eight, who toured South Africa with Wales over the summer, is one of only three changes made as the Blue and Blacks look to build on the opening day win over Munster at Cardiff Arms Park.

Number eight Ratti comes in for Taulupe Faletau, who’s game time is being managed, and joins James Botham and Thomas Young in the back row, with the pack’s front five remaining unchanged.

With Liam Williams ruled out following shoulder surgery, Matthew Morgan wears the number 15 jersey, slotting alongside Aled Summerhill and Josh Adams in the back three, with centre Mason Grady - replacing Rey Lee-Lo - the final change made to the starting XV.

Cardiff are yet to taste league victory at Scotstoun but will be buoyed by their 32-28 victory, the last time the sides met, while Glasgow have since fallen to five consecutive defeats.

Cardiff director of rugby, Dai Young, said: “We have made a few changes, either due to injury or to look after players who are a bit battered and bruised following a big effort last week. It’s important to manage these guys to ensure we get plenty from them through the season, and we have some quality coming in to replace them.

“We haven’t done well away and that is something we have to put right quickly. There were a lot of good things on the weekend, and if we can build on them then there’s no reason why we can’t be in with a chance of getting a result here.

“It’s Glasgow’s first home game in a while, under a new coach as well, but last week didn’t go to plan. So they’ll be desperate to get a performance in and get their season up-and-running.

“We know they’re a quality team, and listening to some of the talk after the game, they were more pleased with the second half than they were with the first.

“In the second half they demonstrated that they’re a team who want to play rugby from all areas of the pitch, and that’s what we expect.

“We’re going to have to be on our toes defensively right across the pitch because they’ll look to attack from anywhere and really take us on.”

Keiron Assiratti and Brad Thyer are both drafted onto the bench, while the likes of Lopeti Timani, Rhys Priestland and Uilisi Halaholo will be looking to pick up where they left off last week, having impressed as replacements against Munster.

Cardiff: Matthew Morgan; Aled Summerhill, Mason Grady, Max Llewellyn, Josh Adams; Jarrod Evans, Tomos Williams; Rhys Carré, Kristian Dacey, Dillon Lewis, Josh Turnbull (capt.), Seb Davies, James Botham, Thomas Young, James Ratti

Replacements: Liam Belcher, Brad Thyer, Keiron Assiratti, Matthew Screech, Lopeti Timani, Lloyd Williams, Rhys Priestland, Uilisi Halaholo

Unavailable for selection:

Ben Thomas (shoulder) - November

Josh Navidi (Neck) - October/November

Kirby Myhill (Hamstring) - September

Theo Cabango (Shoulder) - September

Corey Domachowski (Hamstring) - October

Ellis Jenkins (Knee) - available next week

Owen Lane (Ankle)

Liam Williams (Shoulder) - December/January