Despite international rugby dominating the weekend’s schedule, both sides welcome back a number of key players for tomorrow’s clash.
Blues captain Andries Pretorius returns to lead his side while both Liam Williams and Sampson Lee, who have been released from the Welsh squad, start for the Scarlets.
The Scarlets will be looking for a response following the disappointment of last weekend’s loss at Worcester Warriors and forwards coach Danny Wilson is looking forward to the clash.
“This is a big fixture for both sides on Saturday night, not least because it’s a Welsh derby,” he said.
“We’re balancing the importance of getting positive winning momentum and handing chances to a number of players who haven’t had a host of starting opportunities this season.
“It’s about backing our wider squad and allowing them to show the ambition and hunger they have to compete for places.
“We have a number of players who are eager to prove themselves and will take pride in wearing the Scarlets jersey this weekend.
“The Blues come here on the back of a decent win against a strong Wasps side last weekend. They’ll have plenty of confidence, regardless of our form against them home and away.
“We know from our past fixtures it will be a high tempo, open game of rugby with plenty to entertain the home crowd.
“When we get it right, we are dangerous on our own patch and in front of our vocal Parc y Scarlets supporters we’ll have an added lift.”
Head coach Simon Easterby fields an exciting mix of experience and youth in the Scarlets’ side. Alongside the returns of Williams and Lee, Gareth Maule links up with Gareth Owen in the centre.
Kristian Phillips and Andy Fenby start on the wings while Rhodri Williams, who has impressed in the Premiership for Llandovery so far this season, makes his 21st appearance for the Scarlets at scrum-half.
Australian lock Jake Ball gets his second start in a Scarlets shirt alongside the experienced South African Joe Snyman.
Craig Price links with Kirby Myhill and Shaun Hopkins joins Lee in the front row.
The Blues make a number of changes themselves.
Harry Robinson returns from the Wales squad to start on the wing while Rob Lewis starts at scrum-half in place of Lewis Jones who picked up a knock to his shoulder in last Friday’s match.
Thomas Young starts alongside the returning Pretorius in the back row.
Macauley Cook starts in the second row while Mark Breeze comes in at hooker in place of Rhys Williams who moves to the bench.
