This post was originally published on this site.
The Wales full-back will make his first appearance for the club in over a decade
Leigh Halfpenny will make his first Cardiff appearance in over a decade after he was named in the Blue and Blacks’ starting side to face Ulster on Saturday night (8pm).
The former Wales full-back joined his old club at the start of the season, with the Test centurion fit to start in Cardiff’s second Challenge Cup fixture. He features alongside Josh Adams, who returns from his ban, and Tom Bowen in the back-three as Corniel van Zyl makes 11 changes to his side.
Ben Thomas is one of three players to make his 100th appearance for the club this weekend, partnering Harri Millard in midfield.
Callum Sheedy starts at fly-half following his return to the Wales fold this autumn, with Aled Davies joining him in the half-backs.
Up front, Keiron Assiratti also reaches a century of appearances for the club, lining up alongside Rhys Barratt and Daf Hughes in the front-row.
Rory Thornton is the third Cardiff player to raise his bat this weekend, starting alongside George Nott in the second-row.
In the back-row, No.8 Alun Lawrence continues to captain the side, with James Botham and Dan Thomas either side of him.
Danny Southworth, Alex Mann and Jacob Beetham all return on the bench after being involved with Wales in the autumn.
“It’s great to be back home at the Arms Park and we are looking forward to testing ourselves against a quality Ulster team,” van Zyl said.
“They’ve had an impressive start to the URC season and a big win over Racing 92 last week, so we will have to be at our best.
“Going into an important run of fixtures, it’s important that we get that momentum and good feeling back, and the crowd behind us for the coming weeks.
“It’s also a significant fixture in terms of Leigh’s first game back for the club and three boys becoming centurions. They are all quality players, big figures within the group and a pleasure to coach.
“So there is no shortage of motivation, everyone is excited about the opportunity and hopefully we can make it a memorable occasion for them.”
Cardiff: Leigh Halfpenny; Josh Adams, Harri Millard, Ben Thomas, Tom Bowen; Callum Sheedy, Aled Davies; Rhys Barratt, Daf Hughes, Keiron Assiratti, George Nott, Rory Thornton, James Botham, Dan Thomas, Alun Lawrence (capt).
Replacements: Evan Lloyd, Danny Southworth, Sam Wainwright, Josh McNally, Alex Mann, Ellis Bevan, Jacob Beetham, Cam Winnett.
Follow all of our channels to ensure you stay up to date with the latest Welsh rugby news. Sign up to our free daily newsletter here and our WhatsApp channel here for all the breaking news.
