With no Nick Macleod to turn to, out for around six weeks, it means young Pontypridd stand off Dai Flanagan must now step up to the plate. The 22 year old starts only his third ever Cardiff Blues match, and without doubt, his most important.

He came under criticism during the eventual victory over Connacht, one of his only other starts the other being against Munster in 2006, and was also picked out after the loss to Leicester last week.

However, he has shown his potential at Premiership level, securing a Konica Minolta Cup final victory in the closing minutes, slotting a cool drop goal to see off Neath.

Outside him, Tom Shanklin moves to 12 as Jamie Robinson returns after breaking his thumb. The elder of the two brothers has only featured once this season since retruning from the Rugby World Cup with Wales.

The move was forced with Alfie, Gareth Thomas, having to go to the wing in place of the injured Jamie Roberts. Fortunately, Thomas was fit enough to make the match, as was Tom James, both of whom picked up knocks in the bruising encounter against Leicester.

Jason Spice comes in for Ritchie Rees at scrum half and Ben Blair continues at full back.

There's only one change in the forwards, rightly so given the tremendous effort put in at Welford road. Deiniol Jones returns to the starting XV in place of Bradley Davies.

Alarmingly, on the bench there is no recognised cover for Flanagan. Young may argue that Rhys Williams or Ben Blair would switch to outside half if required, but neither are realistic options.

The Welsh front row partnership of Gethin Jenkins and Rhys Thomas on the subs bench is very reassuring, and there are nice options on the bench despite the large amount of injuries. In fact, it's a tribute to Dai Young that the squad can boast such depth at last. He's built a squad that is capable of qualifying from this group, despite the ever growing list of casualties.

Scott Morgan, one of last years best players, is also on the bench, with Grand Slam winner Rob Sidoli. The impressive and reliable Ritchie Rees is joined by Tal Selley and former captain Rhys Williams.

Jamie Robinson told the BBC;

"We are feeling the pressure because we haven't done well in Europe in recent years, but we are confident. This is the ultimate club competition in the northern hemisphere and as a region we need to be competing with the big boys and qualifying for the knockout stages on a regular basis. We've got the squad for that now, but we have to show people."

However Rick O'Shea wasn't as confident;

"They lost home ties to Leicester and Munster last season and Perpignan the season before, a campaign that that also saw them blow the runners up slot by shipping 40 points against a Leeds side that went on to be relegated from The Premiership! There has been little in recent history to suggest they have the stomach for crunch matches."

Cardiff Blues
Ben Blair; Tom James, Jamie Robinson, Tom Shanklin, Gareth Thomas; Dai Flanagan, Jason Spice; John Yapp, Gareth Williams, Taufa'ao Filise, Deiniol Jones, Paul Tito, Maama Molitika, Martyn Williams, Xavier Rush (c).

Gethin Jenkins, T Rhys Thomas, Robert Sidoli, Scott Morgan, Richie Rees, Tal Selley, Rhys Williams.

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