Lane gain for Blues as wing makes his return

OWEN Lane will make his first Cardiff Blues start since January as John Mulvihill makes five changes for the trip to take on Edinburgh on Monday, which now kicks off at 7.45pm.

Following a series of injuries, the Welsh international wing made his long-awaited return to action as a replacement during last week’s defeat to Ulster.

Lane takes his place in the back three alongside Aled Summerhill and Hallam Amos, who shifts to full back, with Matthew Morgan named on the bench.

Jason Tovey replaces Jarrod Evans in the number 10 jersey, as the latter is ruled out with a minor leg injury, while Max Llewellyn is introduced at centre.

The academy product, who signed his first senior deal with the region over the summer, made his first Guinness PRO14 start against the Scottish outfit in the final match before lockdown, impressing in a gutsy performance.

A further two changes are made in the pack, with Brad Thyer introduced at loosehead and Olly Robinson returning at openside flanker.

Hooker Kristian Dacey continues as captain, with Dmitri Arhip completing the front row.

James Ratti and Rory Thornton continue their partnership at lock, while Josh Turnbull and Will Boyde join Robinson in the back row.

Head coach John Mulvihill said: “We can head up to Scotland with confidence. Despite the two losses in recent weeks, those games were decided by small margins.

“It’s nothing that can’t be fixed on the training ground. We’ve worked hard to rectify those errors.

“Cardiff Blues and Edinburgh matches have been real close affairs over the last few seasons, so it’s important that we’re accurate in every aspect.

“They’re missing a few players to international duty, as are we, and it should be another feisty affair at Murrayfield.

“It’s great to welcome Laney back from injury. He’s been itching to get back out there.” CARDIFF BLUES: Hallam Amos; Aled Summerhill, Garyn Smith, Max Llewellyn, Owen Lane; Jason Tovey, Lewis Jones; Brad Thyer, Kristian Dacey (capt.), Dmitri Arhip, James Ratti, Rory Thornton, Josh Turnbull, Olly Robinson, Will Boyde Replacements: Ethan Lewis, Corey Domachowski, Scott Andrews, Ben Murphy, Sam Moore, Jamie Hill, Ben Thomas, Matthew Morgan