Ben Thomas has been handed the captain’s armband for the first of Cardiff Rugby’s two games in South Africa against the Lions in Round 16 of the BKT United Rugby Championship.
The Arms Park outfit are still searching for their first win in 2024 and end their campaign with two tough games on tour – they meet the Sharks in Durban next weekend – before facing the Ospreys on Judgement Day in the Welsh capital.
“It’s great to be out here in South Africa and it’s always a time of year the boys look forward to. It’s beneficial to spend an extended period together as a squad,” said head coach Matt Sherratt.
“But as much as we will enjoy our time together here, we’re determined to give a really good account of ourselves and not let our season fizzle out. We have spoken all year about fighting for the badge and playing with ambition, and that’s exactly what we will continue to do.
“The Lions are a top-quality team, who are packed with talented athletes. They have a backline who can cause lots of problems if you give them too much space.
“But we’re going to Ellis Park to do a job. We have a game-plan which will hopefully allow us to imprint our game on them, and we will do everything in our power to make our supporters proud.”
It will be a red-letter day for hooker Evan Lloyd, who will make his first senior start for Cardiff. The two-times capped Welsh international packs down with Rhys Carre and Keiron Assiratti alongside him.
There are five changes in all from the side that disappointed against Edinburgh last weekend. Rory Thornton and James Botham join Lloyd in stepping up from the bench, while Seb Davies returns to action at lock.
The 29-year-old Thornton became the latest player to sign new terms at Cardiff this week as Sherratt continues with his re-building plans for next season.
The final change comes in the back division, where former England U20 wing Gabriel Hamer-Webb making his first appearance since returning back to the club from Bath. He takes over from the injured Harri Millard.
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