Cardiff bring back Rhys Priestland for their EPCR Challenge Cup quarter-final against Benetton in Treviso on Saturday (3pm UK time).

The experienced Wales international played at halfback in the 28-27 victory over Sale Sharks in the Round of 16.

He returns to his regular role after Jarrod Evans fails a fitness test before the trip to Italy. Evans’ unpredictable racing and driving skills have often baffled Sale, but the 26-year-old took a beating in the Arms Park crash last weekend.

Ben Thomas comes in at number 15, with Thomas Young up front at fullback and Josh Turnbull moving from blindside to spotter. On the bench came Lopeti Timani, who left the field due to injury in the game against Sale.

Wales star Ross Moriarty will leave Welsh rugby with immediate effect as matches continue

But Benetton will offer strong opposition.

They fielded five members of the squad that debuted against Wales in the Six Nations: Giacomo Nicotera, Niccolò Cannone, Federico Ruzza, Sebastian Negri and Michele Lamaro, while defenders Edoardo Padovani, Nacho Brax and Tommaso Menoncello were also in the Azzurri squad. against Warren Gatland’s team.

Ruzza is a threat on the line, Negri is an excellent ball carrier and Brecks and Menoncello form one of the most dangerous duos in midfield.

But Cardiff has its own threats, front and back, with Priestland outclassed by Sale, Josh Adams back to his best, Mason Grady fast and strong with the ball in his hands and Taulupe Faletau once again majestic at number 8. .

Rugby Director Dai Young said: “We are all looking forward to Saturday but we are also very aware of the challenge that Benetton presents.

“They covered us last season and had good home wins this season. They have threats across the field and we have to be at our best.

“We are also in a completely different position to last season, we had a fantastic win against the Sale Sharks last week and the group is very motivated to finish the season on a high note.

“This competition is the last chance for our team to achieve something before the players move on into the summer and on Saturday we can take it a step further.”

It’s a big day for Christian Dacey, who will make his 200th appearance in Cardiff. The Welsh international, who has been named to the bench, joins Taufaao Filise and Lloyd Williams as the only players to reach the club’s iconic modern landmark.

Young added: “We are delighted to have Christian around us, who is a great professional and a good person. Playing 200 games for a club of this level is no mean feat and a win on Saturday will be a brilliant way for Chris to remember the occasion.”



Christian Dacey and his family

Benetton: Raino Smith; Edoardo Padovani, Nacho Brax, Tommaso Menoncello, Marcus Watson; Jacob Umaga, Dewalt Duvenage (Captain); Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro, Giacomo Nicotera, Tiziano Pasquali, Niccolo Cannone, Federico Ruzza, Sebastian Negri, Michele Lamaro, Henry Stowers.

replacements: Siou Maille, Thomas Gallo, Filippo Alongi, Riccardo Favretto, Manuel Zuliani, Lorenzo Cannone, Alessandro Garbisi, Thomas Albornos.

Cardiff: Well Thomas; Owen Lane, Mason Grady, Max Llewelyn, Josh Adams; Rhys Priestland, Tomos Williams; Corey Domachowski, Liam Belcher, Keiron Assiratti, Josh Turnbull (captain), Teddy Williams, James Botham, Thomas Young, Taulupe Faletau.

replacements: Christian Dacey, Rhys Carré, Will Davies-King, Seb Davies, Lopeti Timani, James Ratti, Lloyd Williams, Jason Harris.

  • Malcolm Wall outlines his vision for Welsh rugby, discusses the challenge of the three regions and explains how things are about to get better

  • The exiled Wales international is considering a move to Welsh rugby as the Scarlets become favorites to sign him.

  • Scotland ‘talk with Warren Gatland’ on replacing Gregor Townsend: reports

  • Young Welsh international breaks England records and continues to win man of the match awards

  • How Dwayne Peele started living up to the hype by building something special with the Scarlets