Cardiff Blues attack coach Paul John wants his players to show more passion in Sunday’s home GUINNESS PRO12 clash against Edinburgh as they seek to end a poor of results.

Cardiff have lost three straight league matches to plummet to tenth in the league and they make seven changes for a stern Edinburgh test at BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park.

Edinburgh's 28-13 victory at BT Murrayfield in November ended the Blues’ three-game winning streak over the Scots, but they have not achieved a PRO12 season double over the Welshmen since season 2009/10.

That is something John is eager to avoid and with a new look to the Cardiff XV, he is hoping to arrest the slump.

"Edinburgh are a difficult side and we played poorly up there earlier in the season,” said John.

"We've got to get ourselves right, get everything functioning right from attack and defence and show some passion and play for the jersey. We have made some changes and we look to get a reaction from the players.

"Our performance in Treviso speaks for itself and we have got to get it right now. We have prepared properly to face Edinburgh and then we have Connacht the week after.

"The players know that they owe everybody in the region a performance and we have got to work our socks off to get something and finish on a high.”

Jarred Hoeata provides a boost for the Blues as he returns from suspension as Samoan international lock Filo Paulo plays his 50th game for the region.

Prop Sam Hobbs and captain Matthew Rees return to pack down with Adam Jones in the front row, while Manoa Vosawai comes in at No.8 for the injured Josh Navidi.

Cory Allen, released from Wales duty, combines with Gavin Evans in a new-look centre partnership and the final change sees Richard Smith named on the wing, as Argentine Lucas Amorosino is ruled out with a leg injury.

Edinburgh, by contrast, have only suffered defeat once in their last four in the GUINNESS PRO12, losing at the hands of Ulster on Friday evening.

Edinburgh Rugby have also won their most recent away game at Connacht, but have not secured back-to-back wins on the road in the competition since September 2009.

They make six changes from the Ulster clash – David Denton returns No.8 while captain Mike Coman moves from to blindside and Roddy Grant to openside as Hamish Watson is called up for the Scotland game against Italy.

Ben Toolis is also away on international duty and Ollie Atkins moves up from the bench to join Anton Bresler in the second row. Jade Te Rure is the only change in the backs as he is handed the No.10 shirt.

Head coach Alan Solomons said: "We are really disappointed with last week's loss. We have only ourselves to blame.

"We are determined to put it right this week but are appreciative of the challenge we face in Cardiff.”

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At BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park, 12.45pm Live on S4C/BBC ALBA
Referee: Dudley Phillips (IRFU, 47th competition game)
Assistant Referees: Ben Whitehouse, Neil Hennessy (both WRU)
Citing Commissioner: Gwyn Bowden (WRU)
TMO: Gareth Simmonds (WRU)