Wales number eight Taulupe Faletau is set to make his first appearance since March, starting for Cardiff against Leinster in the United Rugby Championship (URC) on Saturday. The 35-year-old has been sidelined since suffering a shoulder injury at Sharks, which contributed to an injury-hit campaign that also included knee and calf problems.
Cardiff, fresh from victories against Scarlets and Zebre, has made seven changes for the trip to the redeveloped Laya Arena in Dublin. Captain Liam Belcher returns at hooker, and full-back Matty Young, who scored in the Challenge Cup last season, will make his URC debut. Other starters include wing Mason Grady, scrum-half Aled Davies, loose-head prop Danny Southworth, and open-side flanker Dan Thomas. Tonga lock or back-row forward Semisi Paea is also poised for a Cardiff debut off the bench.
Leinster, who began their title defence with three bonus points against Lions and Sharks in South Africa, will feature an entirely new starting line-up. Their head coach, Leo Cullen, is bringing back a host of Ireland internationals, including captain Dan Sheehan, Tadgh Furlong, Joe McCarthy, James Ryan, Jack Conan, Garry Ringrose, and Hugo Keenan. Fly-half Sam Prendergast, who played against the All Blacks, will also start.
Cardiff head coach Corniel van Zyl stated, "We are really excited to travel to Ireland for what will be a big test against the URC champions." He added that while it has been a pleasing start to the season in terms of results, there is still plenty to work on regarding performance.