Cardiff Blues head coach Phil Davey has called on his side to learn from their recent mistakes when they head to Italy for Sunday’s RaboDirect PRO12 clash with Zebre.

The Blues have their last four games in the league but have won all 14 previous matches they have played against Italian opponents in all competitions.

And Davey insists that his side will need to be at their best when they take on a Zebre side who came within a late penalty try of ending Ulster’s unbeaten start to the RaboDirect PRO12 last week.

“They're a clever team, a typical Italian team in some ways,” he said.

“They have a strong set piece and a very clever re-start game. They keep the ball well and they have a clever kicker who orchestrates the game superbly.

“All the learning we have been doing over the past few weeks needs to be shining through on Sunday in respect to us being a bit more accurate, taking the opportunities and closing the game.

“It's about approaching each match with a clear head and pushing forward.”

The Blues have made a number of changes to the starting XV with a complete re- structuring of the front row.
Nathan Trevett, Rhys Williams and Taufa’ao Filise start with Sam Hobbs and Marc Breeze returning to the bench for this Italian encounter.

Benoit Bourrust also returns, having recovered from a calf injury as the final front row replacement.

Rory Watts-Jones makes the starting XV at six, partnering Captain Josh Navidi, who is playing at open side flanker with Robin Copeland at No.8.

The backs see the return of Dafydd Hewitt at inside centre with Gavin Evans moving to thirteen and Owen Williams to the wing.

Ceri Sweeney returns to the starting XV at ten, bringing experience to a youthful team. Rhys Patchell resumes his position on the replacements bench.

Zebre’s search for a first-ever win in the RaboDirect PRO12 goes on but sporting director Roberto Manghi insists his side are making steps in the right direction.

He said: "The Zebre are born from a group of youngsters who need experience. They represent the best Italian players that we could put together and grow to be as competitive as possible.

"These youngsters are giving us a lot of satisfaction, improving week on week. Unfortunately the results aren't coming because there is still something lacking when we come up against squads structured like Ulster who played in the Heineken Cup final last year and is unbeaten this season.

"On the pitch we were pretty even and already this result is important in the perspective of our future. Of course it's nicer to come off the pitch with a smile after a win rather than having lost in the dying minutes.”

At Stadio XXV Aprile , 3pm local time (2pm UK & Ireland).
Referee: Leo Colgan (IRFU, 9th competition game)
Assistant Referees: Claudio Blessano, Simone Boaretto (both FIR)
Citing Commissioner: Roberto Carra (FIR)
TMO: Mauro Dordolo (FIR)

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