Filise returns for Munster clash
Cardiff Blues’ record appearance maker, Taufa’ao Filise, has been called into the starting line-up for Saturday’s Guinness PRO14 clash against Munster at the Arms Park. (KO 5.30pm)
The Tongan international is the only change made from last week’s 25-20 win over Toyota Cheetahs.
Filise replaces Anton Peikrishvili at tighthead, with the Georgian called up for international duty, as The Lelos are set to take on Germany in the Rugby Europe Championship.
Prop Filise lines-up in an experienced front-row alongside Matthew Rees and captain Gethin Jenkins, with a combined 219 international caps to boast.
Seb Davies is one of four Wales squad members released for regional duties this weekend, and he continues his partnership with George Earle at lock.
Last week’s try-scorers, Nick Williams and Ellis Jenkins, combine in an unchanged back row, alongside Macauley Cook.
The backline also remains unchanged, with the young back three of Rhun Williams, Aled Summerhill and Owen Lane retaining their spots following an impressive outing last week.
Danny Wilson is delighted to be able to reward the youngsters for their fine form, and believes the crucial PRO14 clash is set to be a mouth-watering encounter.
“We’ve certainly had to prepare to face two very different sides in Cheetahs and Munster,” said Wilson.
“Cheetahs were very loose, in a dangerous way, with a very dangerous back three.
“Munster play a bit more of a power game with a strong set-piece and a very accurate kicking game, which we’ll have to deal with.
“We had a very young back three last weekend, with Aled Summerhill, Owen Lane and Rhun Williams, who were superb in a difficult game and in difficult conditions. All three made their mark on the game and it’s good to see those youngsters coming through.
“We can put our imprint on the game, as we did against the Cheetahs, and score some good tries. Hopefully we can pick up another good win, which would be really big for us in the table.
“It does make for an exciting game. We’ve had a couple of good wins over the past two years against Munster and had a couple of difficult losses.
“This is a massive home game for us and what’s pleasing for me is that home form has been really good. It’s an exciting game for supporters to come to watch.”
Wales squad members, Dillon Lewis and Tomos Williams, are again included amongst the replacements, while Steven Shingler and Rhys Gill recover from injury to feature on the bench.
Cardiff Blues: Rhun Williams; Aled Summerhill, Garyn Smith, Rey Lee-Lo, Owen Lane; Jarrod Evans, Lloyd Williams; Gethin Jenkins (C), Matthew Rees, Taufa’ao Filise, George Earle, Seb Davies, Macauley Cook, Ellis Jenkins, Nick Williams
Replacements: Kirby Myhill, Rhys Gill, Dillon Lewis, Josh Turnbull, Olly Robinson, Tomos Williams, Steven Shingler, Ryan Edwards
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