Wales internationals Taulupe Faletau and Josh Adams are poised to make their first appearances of the season for Cardiff as the team returns to the Champions Cup. Cardiff will face English champions Northampton at Franklin's Gardens on Sunday.
Faletau, 35, will start at number eight, marking his first game since a shoulder injury in March. Wing Josh Adams is named on the bench and is set for his first appearance since July.
Cardiff head coach Corniel van Zyl highlighted the challenge of a demanding schedule, which includes a five-day turnaround from the Northampton fixture to a United Rugby Championship game against Sharks. Van Zyl noted that managing player recovery in such a short period is complex.
The club is also introducing new players, with Tonga forward Semisi Paea making his first start at blind-side flanker and on-loan Leicester lock Tom Manz making his debut. Wales fly-half Jarrod Evans will start for the first time since rejoining the club from Harlequins in the summer.