Cardiff travel to Regional rivals Pontypridd on Saturday as the Indigo Premiership kicks off a new season.
Speaking ahead of the game Head Coach Steve Law said “A local derby to start the season is as much motivation as the squad should need on the first weekend of a new season, if you can’t get motivated for this game I think you are in the wrong sport.
As a group we feel we are a bit behind in preparation to where we wanted to be. The lack of a forwards coach has hampered our build up, something that hopefully will improve once an appointment has been made.”
The side selected shows several names that will be familiar to Blue & Black supporters. In the backline Luke Pollock makes his debut for Cardiff in the Premiership having shown up well in the warm up game at Porth last week. In the pack Craig Hudd resumes a back row partnership with his brother Nathan, Craig having spent a couple of seasons away from the Arms Park with Newport.
In the replacements there are several new signings and an exciting blend of young talent and experience. Joey Tomlinson returns after a long-term injury along with James Beal. Cam Tyler-Grocott, a talented young prop, is another who made a Blue & Black debut at Porth. Harry Oliver who has been playing in the championship with Bedwas and Tyler Williams a local (St Joseph’s) boy who has had Premiership experience with Bridgend could also make Premiership debuts for Cardiff.
Cardiff ( vs Pontypridd)
15 Jacob Lloyd
14 Joe Goodchild
13 Luke Pollock
12 Arron Pinches
11 Dewi Cross
10 Harrison James
9 Tom Habberfield
1 Theo Bevacqua
2 Alun Rees
3 Freddie Barnes
4 Sean Moore
5 Ethan Phillips
6 Craig Hudd
7 Nathan Hudd
8 Morgan Allen (Capt)
16 Cam Tyler-Grocott
17 Joey Tomlinson
18 Adam Williams
19 Shaun O’Rourke
20 Harry Oliver
21 Joe Williams
22 Tyler Williams
23 James Beal
Travelling reserves: Will Gregory, Dai Jones, Kodie Stone, Matty Young