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Seven changes for Calvisano clash as Lewis hits a half century

First Team News | 17th January 2020


Cardiff Blues have made seven changes for Saturday’s final Challenge Cup pool stage clash against Calvisano at Cardiff Arms Park (KO 1.00pm)

John Mulvihill’s side must secure a maximum points haul and rely on other results going in their favour if they are to book their place in the final eight and keep their hunt for a third Challenge Cup title alive.

Ethan Lewis is drafted into the front row to make his 50th appearance for the region, having made his Cardiff Blues debut in 2015.

Filo Paulo and Seb Davies combine to form the second row partnership, as Olly Robinson and captain Nick Williams are introduced to the back row.

Lewis Jones replaces Lloyd Williams in the number nine jersey, with Garyn Smith partnering Rey Lee-Lo in midfield.

Aled Summerhill, who has four tries to his name this season, returns on the wing, with centurion Dan Fish, given the nod at full back.

Head coach Mulvihill wants to see his side finish this block of fixtures on a high, as they look to build momentum ahead of their return to the Guinness PRO14 in three weeks time.

The Australian said: “We want to finish off well, regardless of where it leads us. All we can control is what we do here on Saturday. 

“We want to play really well, we want to build some momentum going into the next block. I think that’s 13 weeks in a row and if we win this weekend that will be seven from 11.

“If we can take good form into some massive games against Edinburgh and Connacht away and Scarlets and Ospreys. 

“I’m expecting sunshine on Saturday and a good day to kick-off a little bit earlier so let’s have a festival of rugby and really enjoy a fast pace and tempo. Whatever is going to happen outside us, we can only control is getting our five.”

John Mulvihill can call on experience from the bench, with the likes of Lloyd Williams, Macauley Cook, Rhys Gill, Dmitri Arhip and Will Boyde included amongst the replacements.

Meanwhile, Cardiff Blues Academy back, Max Llewellyn, is in-line to make his European debut from the bench.

Cardiff Blues: Dan Fish; Jason Harries, Rey Lee-Lo, Garyn Smith, Aled Summerhill; Jason Tovey, Lewis Jones; Corey Domachowski, Ethan Lewis, Dillon Lewis, Filo Paulo, Seb Davies, Shane Lewis-Hughes, Olly Robinson, Nick Williams (capt.)

Replacements: Liam Belcher, Rhys Gill, Dmitri Arhip, Macauley Cook, Will Boyde, Lloyd Willams, Ben Thomas, Max Llewellyn

Cardiff Blues' European hopes are alive as they welcome Calvisano to the Arms Park on Saturday. Make sure you're there as John Mulvihill's side target the five points to stay in the race for a third Challenge Cup title. Kids are a quid, adult tickets are from £10, and are available to purchase now!