Ospreys remain in the hunt for a place in the Guinness PRO12 playoffs but know any slip-up could be costly as they face Cardiff Blues in the first of two Judgement Day clashes at Principality Stadium on Saturday. What’s at stake? With just three rounds remaining, Ospreys are in third and on course to secure a play-off spot, but are looking over their shoulder with fifth-placed Ulster just two points behind. The Blues look set to finish in the European Champions Cup play-offs with their fate out of their own hands, 12 points behind Glasgow Warriors. Ospreys narrowly lost 20-18 to Leinster last time out while the Blues played out an exciting 24-24 draw with Ulster. Cardiff Blues team news: Head coach Danny Wilson has made four changes, three of them forced with George Earle, Sam Warburton and Blaine Scully all missing out having picked up injuries against Ulster last weekend. They are replaced by Macauley Cook in the second row, Nick Williams at No.8, and Matthew Morgan coming in at full-back with Josh Navidi named on the flank. Wilson has also opted for Kristian Dacey at hooker, who returns having recovered from injury. Ospreys team news: Ospreys also make four changes but only one through injury as Dan Biggar misses out with a head injury and is replaced by Dafydd Howells. Howells moves to the wing with Dan Evans playing full-back and Sam Davies slotting in at fly-half. Ashley Beck starts at outside centre, Bradley Davies comes in at lock and James King is on the flank. Talking points: Cardiff Blues head coach Danny Wilson said: “Hopefully we can go up another level because we’re all aware we need to against a very good Ospreys team. “For the last three games, bar an unacceptable 14 minutes against Gloucester, the rest of the three performances have been really good, with the ball especially, we’ve played some really good rugby. “Judgement Day is a great occasion, we’re playing against a very good opposition and I’m sure the boys will be right up for it and motivated.” Ospreys head coach Steve Tandy has urged his players to put the occasion of Judgement Day V to the back of their minds and focus on the game itself. He said: “There’ll be a lot of fuss around Saturday’s game, a derby match at the Principality Stadium in front of a big crowd, but we can’t allow ourselves to get wrapped up in the occasion. “The Blues are a dangerous side, they have threats across the field, and can score tries from anywhere on the field so we’ve got to be at our best.” Key battle: Kristian Dacey v Scott Baldwin The two Welsh internationals go head-to-head at Principality Stadium but with neither sustaining a regular spot in the Test side, their battle will be a tasty one. Both players will have something to prove and in a contest as big as this, their performances both in the loose and in the set-piece will be vital if their sides are to emerge victorious. Key stat: Blues only previous win on Judgement Day was when they beat Scarlets 17-13 in 2014. Did you know? Ospreys have slipped to three straight defeats in all competitions but have not lost four in a row in the same season since 2014/15. Cardiff Blues top points scorer: Steven Shingler 128 pts. Top try scorer: Tom James 6 Ospreys top points scorer: Sam Davies 99pts. Top try scorer: Keelan Giles 6 Overall Guinness PRO12 head to head record: Played 27, Blues won 7, Ospreys won 19 with 1 game drawn. At Principality Stadium, 2.45pm. Live on BBC Wales Referee: Andrew Brace (IRFU, 22nd competition game) Assistant Referees: Sean Gallagher (IRFU), Gwyn Morris (WRU) Citing Commissioner: Dennis Jones (WRU) TMO: Neil Hennessy (WRU)
