Three changes for clash of capitals

The team selection includes three changes to the side that claimed a bonus-point win against Zebre Parma last weekend as Pierce Phillips (lock) and Ben Muncaster (blindside flanker) come into the starting pack in place of Sam Skinner and Nick Haining, who are retained in the Scotland squad for the Autumn Nations.

Charlie Savala is the final change, at stand-off, with capped playmaker Jaco van der Walt taking a place on the bench.

Ahead of the match-up in the Welsh capital, Head Coach Mike Blair said: “We’ve talked a lot this week about the non-negotiables in and around our game – physicality, staying mentally switched on and playing smart, heads-up rugby.

“We’ve taken a lot of confidence from back-to-back bonus-point wins, and we’ve been really pleased about how our game is developing so far, but we need to keep that level of focus for 80 minutes.

“Cardiff have had an impressive start to the season and are in a rich vein of form having won their last three. Last weekend’s victory against DHL Stormers showed just how dangerous they are at home.

“We know we’ll have to at our best from the first whistle to last in Cardiff but the squad are really excited for the challenge ahead and the opportunity to once again represent the club and city.”

An unchanged back-three sees Henry Immelman continue at full-back with Wes Goosen – try-scorer in an impressive debut last weekend – and Argentine internationalist Emiliano Boffelli selected on opposite wings.

Academy graduate Matt Currie (outside centre) – another try scorer against Zebre Parma – is once again paired with inside centre and club centurion Chris Dean in midfield.

Scrum-half Charlie Shiel links up with Savala at half-back, with the Scottish qualified stand-off returning to the venue at which he made his club debut in March last year.

Hooker Adam McBurney once again packs down alongside props Boan Venter (loosehead) and Luan de Bruin (tighthead), as locks Jamie Hodgson and Phillips link up in the engine room.

Back-row Luke Crosbie (openside flanker) and Fijian number 8 Viliame ‘Bill’ Mata complete the pack alongside Muncaster.

Edinburgh Rugby team to face Cardiff Rugby at Cardiff Arms Park in the BKT United Rugby Championship
Sunday 30 October (kick-off 3pm) – live on Premier Sports

15. Henry Immelman (21)

14. Emiliano Boffelli (21)
13. Matt Currie (15)
12. Chris Dean (126)
11. Wes Goosen (1)

10. Charlie Savala (17)
9. Charlie Shiel (47)

1. Boan Venter (31)
2. Adam McBurney (16)
3. Luan de Bruin (13)
4. Pierce Phillips (13)
5. Jamie Hodgson (43)
6. Ben Muncaster (20)
7. Luke Crosbie (74) CAPTAIN
8. Viliame Mata (100)

Replacements

16. Patrick Harrison (5)
17. Nick Auterac (1)
18. Angus Williams (14)
19. Marshall Sykes (26)
20. Connor Boyle (23)
21. Henry Pyrgos (75)
22. Jaco van der Walt (91)
23. Jack Blain (20)

Unavailable: Cammy Hutchison, James Lang, Stuart McInally, Ben Vellacott.

International selection: Mark Bennett, Dave Cherry, Grant Gilchrist, Darcy Graham, Nick Haining, Damien Hoyland, Blair Kinghorn, WP Nel, Jamie Ritchie, Pierre Schoeman, Sam Skinner, Duhan van der Merwe, Hamish Watson, Glen Young.