Phil Davies believes champions Leinster are the best possible opposition for Cardiff Blues to face on the back of becoming the first RaboDirect PRO12 side to lose against Zebre.

The Blues director of rugby is seeking an immediate response from his players after the Italians were 30-25 victors at the Arms Park last week.

The Leinstermen have lost just once at the RDS in their last 17 games, but have gone two games without a win following their opening-day success at Scarlets.

Davies is aware the Blues haven't won in seven previous visits to the Irish province, but he is backing his players to deliver a good performance.

"We have made a few changes and we are looking forward to it – it's a great challenge for us," he said.

"We're playing the champions in their own backyard. That is a pretty big challenge and we are looking forward to it.

We're a proud bunch of players and we want to go out and perform in Ireland.

"We will put a lot of emotion into the performance and also some control and skill, which I think we have shown in the first three games.

"What was missing last Friday was emotion; it won't be missing this Friday and that is for sure.

"We're striving to ultimately be successful and, as everyone knows, setbacks can galvanise and push teams forward.

"We've trained well and built on the good work we have done in the last three or four weeks.

"We have kept the team going forward and looked at areas where we can improve as we go into a pretty uncompromising fixture.”

Davies is boosted by the early return from injury of victorious British and Irish Lions captain Sam Warburton in the back row. He is one of five changes with Harry Robinson recalled on the wing and Lloyd Williams paired with Rhys Patchell at half-back.

Skipper Matthew Rees is back in the starting XV, with prop Sam Hobbs making his first start of the season.

Leinster, meanwhile, are able to call on their own returning Lions as Brian O'Driscoll is set for his 174th appearance for the club at outside centre and Jamie Heaslip is in the back row.

Fergus McFadden and Quinn Roux have recovered from injuries and start.

Leinster coach Matt O'Connor admits the return of the experience O'Driscoll and Heaslip will provide a huge boost to his squad.

"The skill sets of those guys and the experience they bring to the match-day 23 gives you so many more options because they’ve done it before, they’ve got a broader skills set and it changes the dynamics of the group," he said.

"Now we’ll be looking to bring some of those characteristics to the game plan in the coming weeks."

At RDS Dublin, 7.35pm.
Referee: Marius Mitrea (FIR, 20th competition game)
Assistant Referees: M Patton, B O’Connell (both IRFU)
Citing Commissioner: Murray Whyte (IRFU)
TMO: Alan Rogan (IRFU)

LIVE on TG4 and BBC Wales