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Cardiff have named their team for Friday’s URC clash with Glasgow Warriors
Josh Adams will start at 13 for the first time since the start of the 2022 Six Nations as Cardiff edge closer to the United Rugby Championship play-offs.
The Blue and Blacks take on Glasgow Warriors at Scotstoun Stadium on Friday night (kick-off: 7:45pm). Corniel van Zyl’s side currently sit sixth in the league, six points clear of ninth-placed Connacht.
After back-to-back wins in Welsh derbies against the Scarlets and Ospreys, Cardiff are well-placed to finish in the top eight for the first time – with van Zyl able to retain the majority of his starting XV from the Ospreys victory.
There are just three changes, with Adams back fit to make his first start in midfield for Cardiff since the December 2021 clash with Toulouse.
In the pack, Keiron Assiratti – fresh from signing a new contract with the club – starts at tighthead, while James Botham is also back from injury to start on the blindside.
“We are starting to get a few boys back on the pitch and the squad is in a healthier position going into a really important few week in terms of the play-offs,” said van Zyl.
“We are in a strong position and we feel like it’s still in our hands and we can control it. It is clichéd but it is one week at a time and this game is the most important. We want to get as many points out of the game as we possibly can.
“It’s going to be a big test. Glasgow are a great team, they are well coached and do a lot of the basic stuff well and know how to put you under pressure.
“We know its going to be a challenge but that’s something we embrace and look forward to. The next two games (Glasgow and Stormers) are tough but if we do proceed to the next stage we will hopefully be used to the intensity.”
Cardiff have not won at Scotstoun Stadium since 2013 and face a Glasgow side looking to bounce back following three consecutive defeats in all competitions.
However, Glasgow’s place in the top eight is already secure.
Cardiff Rugby: Cam Winnett; Jacob Beetham, Josh Adams, Ben Thomas, Tom Bowen; Callum Sheedy, Johan Mulder; Rhys Barratt, Liam Belcher (capt), Keiron Assiratti, Josh McNally, Rory Thornton, James Botham, Dan Thomas, Taine Basham
Replacements: Evan Lloyd, Danny Southworth, Sam Wainwright, George Nott, Alun Lawrence, Ellis Bevan, Rory Jennings, Ioan Lloyd.
