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Millard one of four changes for Cardiff Blues A ahead of Ulster A clash

21st September 2018


Harri Millard will feature at outside centre for Cardiff Blues A as they welcome Ulster A to Cardiff Arms Park for the Celtic Cup's debut at the Welsh capital.

The Cardiff Blues academy graduate made his Guinness PRO14 debut as a replacement in last week’s clash at Zebre.

Richie Rees’ side will look to get back to winning ways, following last week’s defeat at Leinster, as four changes are made to the starting line-up.

Millard is partnered by Ben Thomas in midfield, who replaces Steven Shingler in the 12 shirt, while Dane Blacker is the third change amongst the backline.

Fraser Young is added to the front row, as Corey Domachowski is forced to withdraw through injury, in an otherwise unchanged pack.

Tom Williams, who retains his place on the wing, is the side’s top try scorer this season, with three scores in the opening two fixtures.

Head coach, Richie Rees, wants to see a reaction from his side following last week’s heavy defeat to Leinster A, and hopes the Arms Park will be an asset for the team.

“Of course we were disappointed with how last week went, but we’ve put it behind us during our review earlier in the week and are now fully-focused on our first home game in the Celtic Cup.

“We had to be quite harsh on ourselves. We showed what we’re capable of during the win over Dragons a week earlier, but we were far from being the best version of ourselves in Dublin. 

“However, as players and as the coaching team, we have identified the areas we need to work on and had a good week in training.

“The boys are hungry and determined to bounce back and prove a point to themselves. The pool is wide open at the moment, and we want to put our hands up for a place in that final at the end of the block.

“We’re excited to be playing at the Arms Park. It’s a huge factor for us, and following two weeks on the road it’s nice to be able to prepare in familiar circumstances.

“lt’s a Saturday afternoon kick off, in the centre of the capital, so we hope we can draw a bit of a crowd to give the boys a boost as well.”

Lewis Jones presents an experienced option from the bench, while Cardiff RFC’s Luke Crocker remains involved amongst the replacements. There will be late calls made on Ethan Lewis and Garyn Phillips’ involvment, with Iestyn Harris and Ben Warren on stand-by.

Cardiff Blues A: Dan Fish; Tom Williams, Harri Millard, Ben Thomas, Tom James; Ben Jones, Dane Blacker; Fraser Young, Liam Belcher (capt), Keiron Assiratti, Shane Lewis-Hughes, James Down, Sion Bennett, Cai Devine, Alun Lawrence

Replacements: Ethan Lewis / Iestyn Harris, Garyn Phillips / Ben Warren, Will Davies King, Luke Crocker, Ioan Rhys Davies, Lewis Jones, Max Llewellyn, Ioan Davies