Mulvihill shuffles pack following major Euro win
Following their surprise win when visiting a Lyon side that had been going well in the French Top 14, Cardiff Blues have made four changes, the most significant of which sees veteran Nick Williams return to the back-row in place of Josh Navidi.
That will force them into a change of style, Navidi’s all-action game having been a key factor in proceedings on his last visit to Scotland for last season’s European Challenge Cup quarter-final against Edinburgh, whereas the bulkier Williams is more of a threat when carrying the ball.
The only other change to the pack sees George Earle replace Macauley Cook, who moves to the bench and, similarly, Garyn Smith joins the replacement to accommodate Rey Lee-Lo in midifeld while Aled Summerhill replaces the injured Owen Lane on the wing.
“Last week’s performance was superb and we were deserving of what was a really good win to kick-off the competition,” said their coach John Mulvihill.
“It was a hugely physical game and it came at a cost with a few boys injured but with the strength in depth we are developing in the squad we have quality players to come in.
“After beating Lyon and getting that win on the road, it is vitally important that we back it up at home and it promises to be an awesome occasion at the Arms Park.
For the home side, the injury that has ruled out Alex Dunbar probably saved the management from a difficult decision since Sam Johnson, who joined Dunbar in the Scotland squad this week after completing his three year residency period, was one of Glasgow’s outstanding performers last season and, as coach Dave Rennie explained, had been close to returning last weekend.
The only other change sees Tommy Seymour return from injury at full-back, which will also add to the national team’s options, Ruaridh Jackson’s form in deputising for the injured Stuart Hogg, not quite having matched that of the early part of last season.
The pack is unchanged after standing up impressively to Saracens’ power last weekend, but Scott Cummings is recalled on the bench, as is Fijian utility back Niko Matawalu.