Halfpenny returns for Cardiff
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Leigh Halfpenny will make his first Cardiff Rugby appearance in 4,347 days as the Blue & Blacks host Ulster Rugby in the European Challenge Cup on Saturday night (8pm).
Cardiff have made 11 changes for the Arms Park encounter with Keiron Assiratti, Rory Thornton and Ben Thomas all set to make their 100th appearance for the club.
Halfpenny combines with returning duo Josh Adams and Tom Bowen, while centurion Thomas renews his familiar partnership with Harri Millard.
Callum Sheedy also makes his first appearance since the BKT United Rugby Championship victory over Edinburgh in October following his involvement with Wales over the autumn, and partners Aled Davies
Up front, Assiratti packs down with Rhys Barratt and Daf Hughes, with Thornton making his 100th appearance alongside George Nott.
Alun Lawrence once again captains the side with James Botham and Dan Thomas on the flanks.
Corniel van Zyl said: “It’s great to be back home at the Arms Park and we are looking forward to testing ourselves against a quality Ulster team.
“They’ve had an impressive start to the URC season and a big win over Racing 92 last week, so we will have to be at our best.
“Going into an important run of fixtures, it’s important that we get that momentum and good feeling back, and the crowd behind us for the coming weeks.
“It’s also a significant fixture in terms of Leigh’s first game back for the club and three boys becoming centurions. They are all quality players, big figures within the group and a pleasure to coach.
“So there is no shortage of motivation, everyone is excited about the opportunity and hopefully we can make it a memorable occasion for them.”
International trio Danny Southworth, Alex Mann and Jacob Beetham also return to the match-day 23 following their autumn international involvements.
Cardiff face Ulster in the first of three consecutive home games at the Arms Park. Tickets are available now by clicking here.
Cardiff Rugby team to face Ulster Rugby on Saturday, December 13 (8pm):
Leigh Halfpenny; Josh Adams, Harri Millard, Ben Thomas, Tom Bowen; Callum Sheedy, Aled Davies; Rhys Barratt, Daf Hughes, Keiron Assiratti, George Nott, Rory Thornton, James Botham, Dan Thomas, Alun Lawrence (capt).
Replacements: Evan Lloyd, Danny Southworth, Sam Wainwright, Josh McNally, Alex Mann, Ellis Bevan, Jacob Beetham, Cam Winnett.
