Cardiff name side to face Leinster

Cardiff Blues have been severely handicapped by the call-up of seven first-team players by the Welsh national team ahead of the Magners League clash with Leinster at The RDS on Saturday.

Director of Rugby David Young has to plan without the likes of Leigh Halfpenny, Tom James, Jamie Roberts, Tom Shanklin, Gethin Jenkins, Andy Powell and Martyn Williams.

In addition, hookers T Rhys Thomas and Gareth Williams and openside Robin Sowden-Taylor are out injured.

This opens the door for young hooker Rhys Williams to make his first start for the Blues.

CARDIFF BLUES (v Leinster): 15 Ben Blair, 14 Richard Mustoe, 13 Gareth Thomas, 12 Gavin Evans, 11 Chris Czekaj, 10 Sam Norton Knight, 9 Richie Rees, 8 Xavier Rush, 7 Ben White, 6 Scott Morgan, 5 Paul Tito (capt), 4 Deiniol Jones, 3 Taufa'ao Filise, 2 Rhys Williams, 1 Darren Morris.

Replacements: 16 Rhys James, 17 Gary Powell, 18 James Down, 19 Josh Navidi, 20 Darren Allinson, 21 Ceri Sweeney, 22 Dafydd James.