Cardiff v Ospreys team news as new signing starts and Wales star returns after nine months
Wales U20s centre Louie Hennessey will make his Cardiff debut against the Ospreys on New Year's Day after joining the Arms Park side on loan from Bath.
The centre, who came through Cardiff's pathway before heading to the Gallagher Premiership side, has joined on a short-term loan and is one of seven changes by Matt Sherratt ahead of the visit of the Ospreys.
Hennessey partners Wales centre Ben Thomas in midfield, with the latter captaining the Blue and Blacks, while Ellis Bevan replaces Aled Davies at scrum-half.
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In the pack, there are five changes, with Danny Southworth, Evan Lloyd, Seb Davies, Dan Thomas and Alun Lawrence all starting. Sherratt has opted for a 6-2 split on the bench, with Wales No. 8 Taulupe Faletau and Thomas Young among the replacements.
For the Ospreys, new head coach Mark Jones is able to welcome back Wales second-row Rhys Davies after nine months on the sidelines.
The 26-year-old hasn't played since March after suffering a serious knee injury, but returns to partner James Fender in the boiler room.
Full-back Max Nagy starts for just the third time this season, replacing Jack Walsh in the starting side, while Iestyn Hopkins is named on the wing after his match-winning try against the Scarlets last week.
On the bench, the Ospreys also welcome back James Ratti from injury - with the Wales international having not played since October.
Cardiff head into the clash sitting third in the United Rugby Championship table, although Sherratt is wary of the tough fixtures to come - starting with the last of their festive Welsh derbies.
“It’s a case of dust yourselves down and go again (after Boxing Day)," he said. "The Ospreys are a good side and that had a great win against the Scarlets before Christmas.
“At the moment, all derbies are tight games with four teams who are quite evenly matched. It’s about coming out on the right side of those little moments.
“We will need to be at our best but we are looking forward to getting back in front of our home crowd at the Arms Park.
“The game is already sold out and it promises to be a great occasion. These are the games everyone wants to be a part of and there is a real sense of excitement in the group.”
Ospreys head coach Jones added: “Both teams will be on a high after the first round Christmas derbies and we’re expecting another close fought fixture in this one.
“Cardiff have had a strong start to the season and will be looking to build on that, but our focus is on our own performance and giving a strong account of ourselves on the day.”
Cardiff Rugby: Cam Winnett; Josh Adams, Louie Hennessey, Ben Thomas (capt), Gabriel Hamer-Webb, Callum Sheedy, Ellis Bevan; Danny Southworth, Evan Lloyd, Kieron Assiratti, Seb Davies, Teddy Williams, James Botham, Dan Thomas, Alun Lawrence.
Replacements: Daf Hughes, Corey Domachowski, Rhys Litterick, Josh McNally, Thomas Young, Taulupe Faletau, Aled Davies, Rory Jennings.
Ospreys: Max Nagy; Iestyn Hopkins, Owen Watkin, Keiran Williams, Keelan Giles; Dan Edwards, Reuben Morgan-Williams; Gareth Thomas, Sam Parry, Tom Botha, Rhys Davies, James Fender, Jac Morgan (capt), Justin Tipuric, Morgan Morris.
Replacements: Lewis Lloyd, Garyn Phillips, Rhys Henry, James Ratti, Morgan Morse, Kieran Hardy, Jack Walsh, Evardi Boshoff.
