Director of rugby Phil Davies insists Cardiff Blues are on a mission to revive their RaboDirect PRO12 form – starting at Zebre on Saturday.

By Davies’ own admission the Blues’ recent form has been disappointing, with a New Year’s Day against Newport Gwent Dragons their sole victory in the last eight games.

They are also one of just three sides not to have triumphed on their travels in the RaboDirect PRO12 this season, and Davies has made three changes to ensure that record is put right.

Flanker Rory Watts-Jones assumes his place among the pack – as does Chris Dicomidis at second-row – while Tom Williams is given the nod at full-back.

And Davies has urged his side to turn effort into wins as he eyes a surge up the table ready for the final run-in.

“It's a huge game for us and there is absolutely no hiding away from that fact,” he said. “It is the last of a four-game stretch when we wanted to climb the table and so only a victory is good enough.

“The effort from the players over the last few weeks has been great, but there are periods in matches where we drop off our standards.

“We have played teams in the top four in recent weeks and you have to play for 80 minutes. We ran Leinster close for 40 minutes but a few lapses and they were gone. That cost us and we have got to stop that happening.

“This weekend we have got to play for 80 minutes in Italy. If we do that we are starting to create and score more tries so can get the result we all want."

Zebre have happy memories against the Blues this season after recording their first-ever RaboDirect PRO12 away victory at Arms Park, 30-25, last September.

Star man that day, Brendon Leonard, will partner New Zealander Kelly Haimona in the half-backs.

And the Italian outfit will welcome back flanker Filippo Ferrarini after missing out on the last two games due to injury.

Also returning to the fold are Italy internationals Tommaso Iannone, Matias Aguero, and Luciano Orquera, with the latter two starting from the bench.

At Stadio XXV Aprile, 4pm local time (3pm UK & Ireland). Live on Mediaset
Referee: Gary Conway (IRFU, 1st competition game)
Assistant Referees: Marius Mitrea, Claudio Blessano (both FIR)
Citing Commissioner: Roberto Carra (FIR)
TMO: Mauro Dordolo (FIR)