Blues v Ospreys: Teams

Ospreys will be looking to enhance their title credentials when they take on Cardiff Blues in RaboDirect PRO12 action.

The Blues are hoping to return to winning ways and take on an Ospreys side that have won two straight in the league against Leinster and Treviso.

Cardiff have made five changes to the team that lost to Leinster, with three coming in the backs. Harry Robinson, back from Wales 7's duty, starts on the wing in place of Tom James who is out with a neck injury.

Changes

Gavin Evans, who this week announced he has signed a new two-year deal with the Blues, starts at outside centre with Casey Laulala moving to the bench. Ceri Sweeney gets the nod at 10 with Dan Parks also moving to the bench.

There are two changes in the forwards with John Yapp replacing the injured Gethin Jenkins and Luke Hamilton, who makes his RaboDirect debut, starting at Number 8 instead of Xavier Rush who is out with a neck injury. There is no place for Chris Czekaj in the 23.

"This weekend's match is sure to be another heated Welsh derby with the Ospreys looking to get a win that will keep them in the top two of the RaboDirect PRO12 table," explained coach Gareth Baber.

"Knowing this and the frustration from not having a long run of wins behind us has really motivated the team this week to play a good game."

"The Ospreys have a great group of players and we know it will be a tough battle. However, we will be looking for a big response from the Blues players."

Injury problems

Two Ospreys players will achieve milestones for the club with Dan Biggar set to make his 100th appearance, while Richard Fussell pulls on the shirt for the 50th time.

Ospreys coach Steve Tandy has a lengthy injury list to contend with as the likes of Ashley Beck, Tommy Bowe, Kristian Phillips, Jonathan Thomas, Huw Bennett, Duncan Jones, Will Price, Cai Griffiths, Richard Kelly, Ben John, Gareth Owen and Nikki Walker are all unavailable.

"We've had a couple of good weeks and some great results with the wins in Leinster and against Treviso, but we've got to make sure we back that up on Saturday, and in the remaining games after that," said Tandy.

"Make no mistake about it, the Blues are a good team with quality across the park and threats in every position. We know it's going to be a tough evening, with the extra pressures that come with derby games, but we've got to be thorough with our preparation and the attention to detail come game time has to be absolutely spot on.

"We want our fans to be proud of us. It's their region and we want them behind us all the way. For that to happen, we've got to continue showing the endeavour and heart we've shown in recent weeks. If we can do that on Saturday, we'll get our rewards, and then we can look forward to coming back to the Liberty the following Friday to a big crowd, and say farewell to Shane in real style."

Cardiff Blues: 15 Leigh Halfpenny, 14 Alex Cuthbert, 13 Gavin Evans, 12 Dafydd Hewitt, 11 Harry Robinson 10, Ceri Sweeney, 9 Lloyd Williams, 8 Luke Hamilton, 7 Martyn Williams, 6 Michael Paterson, 5 James Down, 4 Bradley Davies (c), 3 Sam Hobbs, 2 Marc Breeze 1 John Yapp

Ospreys: 15 Richard Fussell, 14 Hanno Dirksen, 13 Tom Isaacs, 12 Andrew Bishop, 11 Shane Williams, 10 Dan Biggar, 9 Kahn Fotuali'I, 8 Joe Bearman, 7 Justin Tipuric, 6 Ryan Jones, 5 Ian Evans, 4 Alun Wyn Jones (Capt), 3 Adam Jones, 2 Richard Hibbard, 1 Paul James