Tomos Williams returns from injury to start in Cardiff Blues’ Guinness PRO14 clash against Leinster Rugby on Sunday (KO 5.15pm).
The scrum half has been sidelined with a shoulder injury since August’s clash against Scarlets, but is one of six changes made by John Mulvihill from the win over Benetton Rugby on Monday.
Williams is reunited with Jarrod Evans to form an all-international half back partnership, having progressed through the Cardiff Blues pathway together.
Six-times capped outside half Evans, who has made 81appearances for Cardiff Blues to date, will captain his home region for the first time at RDS Arena.
After crossing for a try against the Italian outfit, academy product Ben Thomas makes his first start of the season at centre in the absence of Willis Halaholo.
The final change in the backline sees Aled Summerhill linking up with Matthew Morgan and Owen Lane in the back three.
Two changes are made in the front row, with Ethan Lewis and Dmitri Arhip joining Corey Domachowski, while the second row partnership of Ben Murphy and Rory Thornton continues.
With seven back row players currently unavailable, academy graduate Alun Lawrence will make his first senior start for the region, after signing his first professional deal over the summer.
Lawrence will wear the number seven jersey, as James Ratti and Josh Turnbull retain their starting spots in the back row to complete the pack.
Head coach John Mulvihill said: “We know the quality Leinster have, but our focus this week has been on our own performance. It’s about what we can get right at our end and what we can do to stress them.
“There are certain elements of our performances that have been really pleasing over the opening stages of the season. But the challenge now is to continue that standard, while working hard on improving in other areas.
“We’re really excited as a group and have had a good week of training despite a shorter turnaround.
“It’s a big boost to welcome Tomos back into the group. He hasn’t had a great deal of rugby over the last few months so he will be itching to get back out there and we know that he is someone who enjoys his rugby when given the opportunity to express himself.
“He’s quickly becoming an experienced member of the squad, and we’re aware of the quality he possess, but we’ve also been impressed with Jamie Hill in recent weeks, having only made his debut against Munster last month.
“Jarrod will take over captaincy duties for the first time this week. He’s been in good form on a personal level this season, but he’s also an individual who will drive the standard from the rest of the group.
“There’s a first start for Alun in the back row as well. He’s built up experience from the bench over the last season or two, and we’re delighted that he gets this opportunity.
“He’s a great professional and another proud product of the academy. He fully deserved his first senior deal over the summer and hopefully he can grab this opportunity with both hands.
“We have a couple more boys in line for their debuts from the bench. While it’s disappointing to have a number of players unavailable, the positive is the situation presents an exciting opportunity for others to step up.
“The enthusiasm is great and the thing with those guys is that they’ve got no fear. They’ve never been beaten by Leinster.”
Two homegrown talents are set for their regional debuts at RDS Arena, with Wales under-20 internationals Iestyn Harris and Gwilym Bradley involved in the matchday squad for the first time.
17 of the matchday squad, including seven of the replacements - have been developed through the Cardiff Blues academy system.
Wales international Hallam Amos will make his 100th Guinness PRO14 appearance from the bench.
Cardiff Blues: Matthew Morgan; Owen Lane, Garyn Smith, Ben Thomas, Aled Summerhill; Jarrod Evans (capt.), Tomos Williams; Corey Domachowski, Ethan Lewis, Dmitri Arhip, Ben Murphy, Rory Thornton, James Ratti, Alun Lawrence, Josh Turnbull
Replacements: Iestyn Harris, Brad Thyer, Keiron Assiratti, Teddy Williams, Gwilym Bradley, Jamie Hill, Max Llewellyn, Hallam Amos