Cardiff Blues have been boosted by the return of seven players from Wales' training camp ahead of their Guinness PRO12 clash with Benetton Treviso.
Following Sam Warburton’s release yesterday, six more players have been made available for regional action as the Blues look to bounce back from their derby defeat to the Scarlets.
Squad members Rhys Gill, Scott Andrews, Kristian Dacey and Lloyd Williams will all link up with the Blues and they are joined by Ellis Jenkins and Rhun Williams, who have also been training with the national team.
Their return provides a significant boost to Wales’ Capital Region following three consecutive championship defeats.
Head coach Danny Wilson said: “Credit to the Scarlets their contact presence was better than ours on the night.
“Technically we also weren’t quite on the money. We have worked on having a bit more urgency on attack and defence, getting into our attacking shape a bit quicker than against the Scarlets and likewise into our defensive positions.”
Treviso were beaten 31-14 by Glasgow Warriors last weekend and have won just one game this season but Wilson expects a formidable challenge.
He said: “Treviso are a very different proposition at home to what they are away, you only get a grip of that once you experience it. They are a tough side to beat at their place.
“They will have a full hit, because all of their internationals are released this weekend. They will have a strong team at home.
“But we will go there with a group that will learn from being out there and that experience, but with a target to win the game.
“It’s a big achievement when you go to those places and win. It was certainly a big achievement going to Zebre and winning. We go to Treviso and our aim is exactly the same.
“If you are going to be challenging for things and in the top six, those are the types of games you go and win. But as we know many sides go to Treviso and slip up or find it very difficult.
“We are not taking this lightly, we know it will be a great win if we can get it.”