Cardiff Blues v Scarlets: Teams
Scarlets head coach Nigel Davies makes one enforced change to the XV that started last week's match with Munster.
Last Updated: 04/10/09 6:29pm
Cardiff Blues are boosted by the return of centre Tom Shanklin alongside Jamie Roberts for their clash with the Scarlets on Saturday.
New signing Sam Norton-Knight is given another chance to impress at stand-off in the first Welsh derby of the season, but utility back Leigh Halfpenny is unavailable through injury.
"Last season we won 60 per cent of our games by one score or less, and falling on the right side of the result, and this season so far we've been on the wrong side," said boss David Young.
"That was always going to be the concern - luck does change. It's plain to see, we've got to create more opportunities, be far more threatening with the ball and score more points.
"If we do, we will get things right."
Scarlets head coach Nigel Davies makes one enforced change to the XV that started last week's match with Munster.
Flanker Dafydd Jones picked up an injury in that last-gasp 22-20 defeat, so Richie Pugh steps up with Josh Turnbull taking his place on the bench.
Also amongst the replacements is Lions hooker Matthew Rees, while exciting young half-back pairing Tavis Knoyle and Dan Newton could also see action.
Knoyle, eager to step out for his first game with the region, said he can't wait to get going. "This is a great opportunity for me and I've been really impressed and excited about being part of the Scarlets since I joined in May.
"The set-up has proved it has got a lot of time for youngsters, they want to develop us I've been learning a lot from the coaches and the players around me.
"I am very excited about my future with the Scarlets. I grew up watching them and have seen what incredible teams and players they have produced over the years. And now I'm putting on the jersey, its brilliant - I've come here for the rugby and getting the opportunity to play regularly."
Rees Priestland will continue at fly-half as Davies opts to keep Stephen Jones back after his gruelling summer with the Lions.
Cardiff Blues: 15 Ben Blair, 14 Richard Mustoe, 13 Tom Shanklin, 12 Jamie Roberts, 11 Gareth Thomas, 10 Sam Norton-Knight, 9 Richie Rees, 8 Xavier Rush, 7 Robin Sowden-Taylor, 6 Maama Molitika, 5 Paul Tito (capt), 4 Bradley Davies, 3 Taufa'ao Filise, 2 T Rhys Thomas, 1 John Yapp.
Replacements: 16 Darren Morris, 17 Gareth Williams, 18 Deiniol Jones, 19 Andy Powell, 20 Gareth Cooper, 21 Ceri Sweeney, 22 Gavin Evans.
Scarlets: 15 Daniel Evans, 14 Sean Lamont, 13 Gareth Maule, 12 Jonathan Davies, 11 Mark Jones (c), 10 Rhys Priestland, 9 Martin Roberts, 8 David Lyons, 7 Richie Pugh, 6 Simon Easterby, 5 Dominic Day, 4 Lou Reed, 3 Deacon Manu, 2 Ken Owens, 1 Iestyn Thomas,
Replacements: 16 Phil John, 17 Matthew Rees, 18 Vernon Cooper, 19 Josh Turnbull, 20 Tavis Knoyle, 21 Dan Newton, 22 Lee Williams.