The Moldovan international joined the capital city region from the Ospreys this summer with a reputation as a fierce scrummager. Head coach John Mulvihill has made a number of changes to the side which slipped to a 17-15 defeat to Leicester Tigers last weekend.
Arhip is partnered in the front row by Rhys Gill and Kirby Myhill while George Earle and Rory Thornton link up in the second row. Behind the scrum Owen Lane has also recovered from the injury he suffered at the tail end of last season and starts on the wing.
Lane is joined in the back three by full back Matthew Morgan and fellow wing Aled Summerhil, while Steve Shingler and Garyn Smith form a strong midfield partnership. Scrum half Lloyd Williams and outside half Jarrod Evans form an exciting half back partnership.
“This week presents another significant challenge as we prepare for the 2018-19 season and our PRO14 opener against Leinster,” said Mulvihill.
“Exeter Chiefs are another quality English side, who have been one of the leading teams in Europe and will be formidable opposition and ideal preparation for Leinster. They have a big, physical pack and Nic White organises them well from behind.
“They play a good kick-chase game and keep the ball. They will back their fitness to put us under a little bit of pressure. We gave a lot of young players opportunities last week and this week we have brought back some more experience.
“So I am looking forward to seeing how they go following another week of good preparation. Following this game we would have used more than 40 players and will be able to narrow our focus with an eye on the Leinster game.”
Cardiff Blues: M Morgan; O Lane, G Smith, S Shingler, A Summerhill; J Evans, L Williams; R Gill, K Myhill, D Arhip, G Earle, R Thornton, J Turnbull, O Robinson (capt), S Davies.
Replacements: E Lewis, C Domachowski, D Lewis, J Down, A Lawrence, L Jones, H Millard, W Halaholo, J Botham, J Harries, T James, T Williams.
Exeter Chiefs: P Dollman; T O’Flaherty, I Whitten, O Devoto, O Woodburn; J Simmonds, N White; G Holmes, J Yeandle (capt), H Williams; O Atkins, S Skinner; D Armand, M Kvesic, S Simmonds.
Replacements: A Hepburn, L Cowan-Dickie, T Francis, R Tuima, C Teague, S Lonsdale, J Snow, S Maunder, B Karea, S Morley, C Morgan, J Elderkin.
