Montpellier v Cardiff Blues: Challenge Cup preview
By Tony Tighe
Last Updated: 18/12/15 9:56am
Danny Wilson admits Cardiff Blues need to register a second successive win over Montpellier if they are to reach the Challenge Cup knockout stages.
The Blues sit second in Pool 3 following last week's 37-27 win over Montpellier at Cardiff Arms Park but must repeat that feat if they are to keep the pressure on leaders Harlequins, who host Calvisano on Saturday.
"If we can beat them away it probably comes down to a winner takes all against Harlequins in January, but we are fully aware of the task ahead of us now in France," said Wilson, Cardiff's head coach.
"To go and beat the squad that Montpellier have at their place will be a big ask. But we have made good strides in recent weeks to get a far better performance."
Wales U20 centre Garyn Smith makes his European debut at the Altrad Stadium and is one of five changes to Cardiff's starting line-up.
Gethin Jenkins returns to captain the side while the fit-again Manoa Vosawai starts at No 8, with Tavis Knoyle named at scrum-half.
Montpellier make wholesale changes with Australia international Nic White and Demetri Catrakilis forming a new half-back partnership.
Springboks prop Jannie du Plessis starts at tighthead while flanker Fulgence Ouedraogo captains the side after being promoted from the bench.
Montpellier: 15 Anthony Floch, 14 Julien Malzieu, 13 Timoci Nagusa, 12 Robert Ebersohn, 11 Marvin O'Connor, 10 Demetri Catrakilis, 9 Nic White; 1 Mikheil Nariashvili, 2 Charles Geli, 3 Jannie du Plessis, 4 Robins Tchale Watchou, 5 Paul Willemse, 6 Fulgence Ouedraogo (c), 7 Antoine Battut, 8 Akapusi Qera.
Replacements: 16 Mickael Ivaldi, 17 Pat Cilliers, 18 Nicolas Mas, 19 Sitaleki Timani, 20 Wiaan Liebenberg, 21 Benjamin Lucas, 22 Anthony Tuitavke, 23 Pierre Berard.
Cardiff Blues: 15 Rhys Patchell, 14 Alex Cuthbert, 13 Garyn Smith, 12 Rey Lee-Lo, 11 Tom James, 10 Jarrod Evans, 9 Tavis Knoyle; 1 Gethin Jenkins (c), 2 Kristian Dacey, 3 Taufa'ao Filise, 4 Jarrad Hoeata, 5 Lou Reed, 6 Macauley Cook, 7 Josh Navidi, 8 Manoa Vosawai.
Replacements: 16 Ethan Lewis, 17 Sam Hobbs, 18 Dillon Lewis, 19 James Down, 20 Josh Turnbull, 21 Lloyd Williams, 22 Tom Isaacs, 23 Blaine Scully.