Changes for Scarlets

Dai Young has made several changes to the side who faced Castres last week, following the worst 40 minutes in recent memory for the Cardiff Blues, with Daf Hewitt, Andries Pretorius and Tom James three of those to benefit.

Despite earning a good bonus point and a wonderful second half display, Young has recognised the need for changes ahead of tonight’s all-Welsh tie with the Scarlets. The Blues had a catastrophic opening 40 minutes in France, culminating in two sucker punch tries just prior to the break and ultimately a loss which could, and perhaps should have been a win.

The West Walians themselves had a day to forget following a good start at Leicester last weekend, they were crushed 46-10 and looked a shadow of the side which outplayed Perpignan in round one. However Young knows he must not write off the plucky Scarlets, who currently top the Magners League Top Try Scorers list.

Ahead of tonight’s 8.05pm kick off, Young told BBC Sport,

"I think they've played some great attacking rugby and are the highest try scorers in the Magners League, so we know they can score tries from anywhere. However, we beat them three times last season so can take confidence from that. It's important firstly and foremost to get back to winning ways, but I'm hoping we have a performance to suit as well."

Blues
Chris Czekaj; Leigh Halfpenny, Casey Laulala, Dafydd Hewitt, Tom James; Ceri Sweeny, Richie Rees; Gethin Jenkins, Rhys Thomas, Scott Andrews, Bradley Davies, Michael Paterson, Andries Pretorius, Sam Warburton, Xavier Rush (capt). 

Rhys Williams, John Yapp, Taufa'ao Fillise, Paul Tito, Maama Molitika, Lloyd Williams, Tom Shanklin, Richard Mustoe.

Scarlets
Daniel Evans; Morgan Stoddart, Jonathan Davies, Gareth Maule, Sean Lamont (capt); Rhys Priestland, Tavis Knoyle; Iestyn Thomas, Ken Owens, Deacon Manu, Lou Reed, Damian Welch, Josh Turnbull, Johnathan Edwards, Rob McCusker.

Matthew Rees, Rhodri Jones, Peter Edwards, Vernon Cooper, Ben Morgan, Martin Roberts, Stephen Jones, Regan King.