Cardiff change 12 for Benetton visit

Liam Belcher returns to captain Cardiff Rugby as they make 12 changes for a crucial BKT United Rugby Championship clash against Benetton Rugby on Saturday (19:45).

The Blue & Blacks take on the Italian outfit at the Arms Park as attention turns back to the URC following two rounds of European action.

Corniel van Zyl rotated his side through Europe, with only three players – Josh McNally, James Botham and Jacob Beetham – remaining in the side that lost to Exeter Chiefs last week. 

Belcher packs down in between Rhys Barratt and Keiron Assiratti, while McNally is reunited with George Nott in the second-row. Alex Mann, James Botham and Alun Lawrence combine in an exciting back-row.

Behind the pack, there is a familiar look with Aled Davies and Callum Sheedy combining at half-back and Ben Thomas and Harri Millard in the centre. Josh Adams and Iwan Stephens return alongside Jacob Beetham in the back-three. 

Van Zyl said: “We’re looking forward to getting back to the Arms Park, in front of our home crowd for an important game in the URC. 

“We take it week by week and we are focussed on the next challenge. We have prepared well and the boys are excited for another opportunity to fight for the jersey and do our supporters proud. 

“Benetton are a very competitive team. They’ve got a mix of experienced foreign players and a lot of Italian internationals, so we know exactly how tough this test is going to be. Our preparation has been about making sure we’re accurate, physical and ready to take our opportunities.

“Hopefully we’ll have another big crowd and the boys can put our game on the pitch early, to get them behind us and into the game.”

Van Zyl has opted for a traditional 5-3 split on a replacements bench that contains plenty of experience. Evan Lloyd, Corey Domachowski and Javan Sebastian will also bring a sizeable presence to the front-row.

Cardiff Rugby team to face Benetton Rugby on Saturday, January 24 (19:45):

Jacob Beetham; Josh Adams, Harri Millard, Ben Thomas, Iwan Stephens; Callum Sheedy, Aled Davies; Rhys Barratt, Liam Belcher (capt), Keiron Assiratti, Josh McNally, George Nott, Alex Mann, James Botham, Alun Lawrence.

Replacement: Evan Lloyd, Corey Domachowski, Javan Sebastian, Rory Thornton, Dan Thomas, Johan Mulder, Ioan Lloyd, Mason Grady