Cardiff change four for Connacht clash

Cardiff Rugby have confirmed four changes to their line-up for Saturday night’s United Rugby Championship clash against Connacht at the Arms Park.

The Blue & Blacks enter the fixture after a narrow defeat to Munster but with seven points from their opening two rounds, leaving them in a strong early-season position.

In the forwards, Keiron Assiratti comes in at tighthead prop, while Ben Donnell makes his first start of the season at blindside flanker. Josh McNally and Teddy Williams continue in the second row.

In the backline, Cam Winnett returns to full-back, with Jacob Beetham shifting to the wing in place of the injured Josh Adams. Stef Emanuel joins the midfield to partner Harri Millard.

Among the replacements, summer signing George Nott is set for his competitive debut after recovering from a toe injury, while academy product Osian Darwin-Lewis could make his first senior appearance.

Forwards coach Corniel van Zyl said the team had taken positives from the Munster match but must be sharper: “We had chances in the first half where we could have put more points on the board.

"We can be better in those moments and that is something we have been working on. Connacht will be a big test with Stuart Lancaster’s new coaching setup, but being back at home is an opportunity for us to move forward.”

Cardiff Rugby: Cam Winnett; Jacob Beetham, Harri Millard, Steff Emanuel, Tom Bowen; Callum Sheedy, Johan Mulder; Danny Southworth, Liam Belcher (capt), Keiron Assiratti, Josh McNally, Teddy Williams, Ben Donnell, Dan Thomas, Alun Lawrence

Reserves: Daf Hughes, Rhys Barratt, Javan Sebastian, George Nott, Taine Basham, Aled Davies, Ioan Lloyd, Osian Darwin-Lewis.