Cardiff Blues forwards coach Dale McIntosh wants to see his side go out with a bang against Zebre on Saturday.

The Welsh region, sure to finish tenth in the GUINNESS PRO12 table regardless of the outcome at BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park, have made nine changes to the team that lost to Scarlets last weekend.

Full-back Aled Summerhill comes in for his league debut, while Gethin Jenkins returns to captain the team in a new-look front row alongside Kristian Dacey and the departing Adam Jones.

Lou Reed and Filo Paulo start in the second row, while Macauley Cook features at flanker.

And there are starts too for scrum-half Tavis Knoyle, fly-half Rhys Patchell, wing Richard Smith and centre Tom Isaacs.

McIntosh said: “It’s been a tough season for us, but all we can do now is put in a massive performance over the final 80 minutes of the season for the fans.

“Zebre have plenty to play for as they look to claim a place in the top tier of European competition next season. However, our motivation is huge too and we have to play to the best of our ability to get the right result.

“It's been a quick turnaround since Scarlets and so we’ve concentrated this week on making sure people are energised. We’ve focussed on ourselves, what we are about and what we want to achieve.”

Zebre head to the Welsh capital bottom of the GUINNESS PRO12 table, but know that if they can usurp Benetton Treviso on the final day they will qualify for Europe’s premier club competition next term.

The omens are good, with Zebre’s only previous away victory in the division coming against the Blues in September 2013.

Cardiff also lost their most recent encounter to an Italian opponent, Treviso, and are on a run of five consecutive defeats in all competitions.

Scrum-half Brendon Leonard and flanker Mauro Bergamasco play their final matches for Zebre.

Andrea De Marchi, Oliviero Fabiani and Dario Chistolini make up the front row. Quintin Geldenhuys starts at lock alongside Marco Bortolami.

Andries Van Schalkwyk plays at flanker with Samuela Vunisa at No.8. Luciano Orquera gets the nod at fly-half, while David Odiete and Giulio Toniolatti play on the wings.

Gonzalo Garcia is set to start at inside centre, alongside Mirco Bergamasco, while Dion Berryman is on duty at full-back.

At BT Sports Cardiff Arms Park, 3pm.

Referee: Gary Conway (IRFU, 12th competition game)
Assistant Referees: Neil Hennessy & Sean Brickell
Citing Commissioner: Jeff Mark (WRU)

Cardiff Blues vs Zebre Rugby will be televised on delay at 6pm Italian time on Nuvolari as soon as the live game from Treviso ends.