With international call-ups hitting the capital region hard – there are a total of nine Blues players in the Welsh squad, Director of Rugby Phil Davies makes a total of 10 changes from the side that was defeated by Ulster last week.
A new-look front row sees Sam Hobbs, Kristian Dacey and Taufa’ao Filise pack down while Lou Reed is called up to partner Filo Paulo in the second row. Navidi will lead the side from the back row where a fit-again Andries Pretorius comes in at blindside flanker.
The back division will see Lewis Jones and Gareth Davies, the late try hero of the last home game with Toulon, combine at half back. Chris Czekaj and Tom Williams will aim to provide the firepower out wide while Dan Fish will be keen to reproduce his recent try-scoring exploits in the Principality Premiership as he is named at full back.
The replacements bench sees call-ups for Aled Summerhill, Alex Walker, James Down and Tom Davies.
“Our challenge is to pick up where we left off at Cardiff Arms Park against the European champions Toulon,” said Davies.
“Two weeks ago we produced a magnificent display full of passion, character and real determination to secure a fantastic result. Only a repeat will be good enough against a talented Benetton Treviso side.”
He added: “This period now presents a big opportunity to a number of players within our squad to step up and stake a claim for more regular rugby. We are excited by seeing the strength within the Blues set-up during these upcoming fixtures.”
