Munster might have lost a number of international stars to the autumn internationals but Cardiff Blues director of rugby Phil Davies has refused to take them lightly ahead of their RaboDirect PRO12 clash. The Blues have suffered five straight defeats in all competitions, their last loss coming to another Irish side in Heineken Cup champions Leinster while the Munstermen have won their last twoRaboDirect PRO12 encounters against Edinburgh and Zebre. Cardiff are missing regular starters such as Jamie Roberts, Sam Warburton and Leigh Halfpenny due to Wales duty and Munster have come away victorious in the previous four fixtures against the Blues. And Davies expects a tough encounter for his inexperienced team and hoped his side could make amends for their performance against Leinster. “It was clear for all to see that last weekend's game against Leinster wasn't a very positive night for us,” he said. “Looking at the game we have ahead of us, Munster, regardless of what XV they put on the pitch they are going to be hard and uncompromising up-front. “Casey Laulala, is always a threat, but we are looking forward to facing him on our home ground. “Both sides have got a new coaching group who are trying to develop and change. “Supporters can look forward to a very competitive match, as it always is against Munster.” Doug Howlett returns to the Muster team after he was rested for the tie with Zebre while Ronan O’Gara also slots in to his regular fly-half berth. A new combination of Dave Foley and Billy Holland line up in the second row and Tommy O’Donnell wears No.8 for the first time in his senior career. However, Mike Sherry takes his place as hooker in the team after he was omitted from Declan Kidney’s squad and the 24-year-old is looking to catch the eye of the Ireland selectors against the Blues. “You want to impress when you are in the shop window for an international call-up. That incentive is there. When you get the opportunity to start, you want to make the most of it,” he told the Limerick Leader. “Ireland might decide to keep the two hookers for all three autumn games. You just don’t know. We will have to put our best foot forward against Cardiff.” At Cardiff Arms Park , 7.05pm. Referee: Andrew McMenemy (SRU, 16th competition game) Assistant Referees: Ian Davies, Martyn Lewis (both WRU) Citing Commissioner: Richard Gwynn (WRU) TMO: Paul Adams (WRU) Live on BBC WALES/TG4
