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Four changes made as Cardiff Blues host Glasgow Warriors in Champions Cup

19th October 2018


Cardiff Blues have made four changes ahead of Sunday's Heineken Champions Cup clash against Glasgow Warriors' at Cardiff Arms Park (KO 3.15pm)

Europe’s premier club competition makes a long-awaited return to the Welsh capital, as John Mulvihill’s side look to build upon last week’s stunning victory over Lyon at Matmut Stadium de Gerland.
 
Nick Williams is recalled to the number eight shirt and links up with Olly Robinson and Ellis Jenkins in the back row, replacing the injured Josh Navidi.
 
The only other change amongst the pack sees George Earle return to partner Josh Turnbull in the second-row.
 
In the backline, Rey Lee-Lo is reunited with Willis Halaholo in midfield. The Samoan is Cardiff Blues’ joint top try scorer this season, alongside Robinson and Tomos Williams. 
 
Aled Summerhill is called up from the bench to take the place of Owen Lane, who was ruled out of the Wales squad after sustaining a hamstring injury.
 
Following last week’s heroics in France, Mulvihill is determined to claim a fifth consecutive victory in all competitions and their eighth in Europe.
 
It is the first time Champions Cup rugby has been played in Cardiff since 2014 and the Australian head coach is hoping for a red hot atmosphere in the Welsh capital.
 
Mulvihill said: “Last week’s performance was superb and we were deserving of what was a really good win to kick-off the competition.
 
“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.
 
“It means a huge amount to us to be back in the Champions Cup and it will be the first game at the Arms Park in this competition for a number of years. I’m sure it will be bouncing in Cardiff.
 
“Glasgow are quality opposition, one of the most consistent teams in the PRO14 and we will need to be firing on all cylinders.”
 
The starting line-up on Sunday also contains the four players who were called up to Wales’ squad for the autumn internationals - Dillon Lewis, scrum-half Williams, captain Jenkins and last week’s man of the match, Gareth Anscombe.
 
Cardiff Blues: Gareth Anscombe; Aled Summerhill, Rey Lee-Lo, Willis Halaholo, Jason Harries; Jarrod Evans, Tomos Williams; Rhys Gill, Kristian Dacey, Dillon Lewis, George Earle, Josh Turnbull, Olly Robinson, Ellis Jenkins (capt), Nick Williams
 
Replacements: Ethan Lewis, Brad Thyer, Scott Andrews, Rory Thornton, Samu Manoa, Lloyd Williams, Garyn Smith, Matthew Morgan