Phil Davies has called on his Cardiff Blues side to channel the spirit that saw them down European champions Toulon last month on their return home in the RaboDirect PRO12. The Blues come back to Arms Park for the first time since that famous Gareth Davies inspired victory as they welcome Italian outfit Benetton Treviso on Saturday. Davies makes a total of ten changes from the side that was defeated away at Ravenhill to Ulster last week with many of the squad now away on international duty with Wales. A new-look front row sees Sam Hobbs, Kristian Dacey and Taufa’ao Filise pack down while Lou Reed is called up to partner Filo Paulo in the second row. Josh Navidi will lead the side from the back row where a fit-again Andries Pretorius comes in at blindside flanker. The back division will see Lewis Jones and Davies, the late try hero of the last home game with Toulon, combine at half back. Chris Czekaj and Tom Williams will aim to provide the firepower out wide while Dan Fish will be keen to reproduce his recent try-scoring exploits in the Principality Premiership as he is named at full-back. And Davies is itching for his side to produce a sustained run of home form to build on their efforts against Toulon. “Our challenge is to pick up where we left off at Cardiff Arms Park against the European champions Toulon,” said Davies. “Two weeks ago we produced a magnificent display full of passion, character and real determination to secure a fantastic result. Only a repeat will be good enough against a talented Benetton Treviso side. “This period now presents a big opportunity to a number of players within our squad to step up and stake a claim for more regular rugby. We are excited by seeing the strength within the Blues set-up during these upcoming fixtures.” The Blues won their first five encounters with Treviso but were defeated in their most recent fixtures 17-26 at Stadio Monigo in March. But the Italians’ only victory outside Italy since April 2012 came at the Scarlets in round 22 of last season. Franco Smith’s side includes Robert Barbieri at flanker who will make his 100th appearance for the side alongside Dean Budd and Manoa Vosawai in the back-row while Tobias Botes and Mat Berquist team up in the half-backs. At Arms Park, 2.30pm. Referee: Andrew McMenemy (SRU, 24th competition game) Assistant Referees: Wayne Davies, Chris Williams (both WRU) Citing Commissioner: Gwyn Bowden (WRU)
