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Four changes made for trip to Ulster

6th April 2017


Cardiff Blues have made four changes for their return to Guinness PRO12 action against Ulster on Friday (7.35pm).

Following last weekend’s European Challenge Cup exit, the Blues are determined to secure a play-off position to qualify for the Champions Cup.
 
Rhun Williams returns to the starting line-up for the first time since February, replacing Matthew Morgan, while Willis Halaholo steps up from the bench to re-form a midfield partnership with Rey Lee-Lo. 
 
Up front, Ellis Jenkins returns at blindside flanker with Josh Navidi switching to number eight and Nick Williams dropping to the bench. The only other change sees Matthew Rees starting at hooker in the place of Kristian Dacey, who is rested due to a minor injury.
 
Head coach Danny Wilson said: “We’ve got Ulster this weekend, which is a massive game away from home, and another big challenge, straight after that is the turnaround for Judgement Day V.
 
“We’re coming off the back of a disappointing result in Europe, so we’re fully focused on getting that right. We’ve trained well and looking forward to getting back out there.
 
“It’s now all about Ulster, which will be a really tough test, and then we will begin to look at the Ospreys.”
 
The Blues are currently eighth in the PRO12 and just two points behind Connacht. As it stands both the Blues and the Irish province will qualify to face the respective teams in the Aviva Premiership and the Top 14.
 
Cardiff Blues: Rhun Williams; Alex Cuthbert, Rey Lee-Lo, Willis Halaholo, Blaine Scully; Gareth Anscombe, Lloyd Williams; Gethin Jenkins, Matthew Rees, Taufa’ao Filise, George Earle, Jarrad Hoeata, Ellis Jenkins, Sam Warburton, Josh Navidi
 
Replacements: Kirby Myhill, Corey Domachowski, Kieron Assiratti, James Down, Nick Williams, Tomos Williams, Steve Shingler, Matthew Morgan.