Cardiff Rugby Announces Team for EPCR Round of 16
Cardiff Rugby has announced its selection for an away EPCR Round of 16 tie at Benetton in Treviso. The club made seven changes to the side named for the clash on Saturday, April 4. Kickoff is scheduled for 18:30 local (17:30 BST) at Stadio di Monigo.
Team selection and key returns
The match sees Evan Rees and Elijah Evans earn their first senior competitive starts. Rees fills a second-row berth alongside Rory Thornton. Five senior locks remain sidelined, prompting that pairing.
Ed Byrne returns from injury to resume front-row duties. Captain Liam Belcher and Keiron Assiratti complete the front-row. The back-row features Alex Mann, Dan Thomas and Alun Lawrence.
In the backs, Ioan Lloyd starts at full-back. Wingers are Mason Grady and Jacob Beetham. Ben Thomas and Elijah Evans partner in midfield while Callum Sheedy and Ellis Bevan form the halfback pairing.
Bench composition and tactical notes
The bench follows a traditional 5-3 forward-to-back split. Hooker Evan Lloyd is listed among the replacements. He previously converted from a back-row role during his age-grade development.
Coach perspective and challenge
Head coach Corniel van Zyl stressed the need to rotate because of injuries and fixture congestion. He said the changes create opportunities for other players. Van Zyl warned that Benetton are dangerous on home soil and must be respected.
He added that the competition has strong significance for the club. The squad will aim to bring their full game in knockout rugby.
Progression scenario
If Cardiff win in Treviso, they will travel for an away quarter-final next weekend. The opponent will be either Exeter Chiefs or Munster, depending on results elsewhere.
Match day squad
| Starting XV | Ioan Lloyd; Mason Grady, Elijah Evans, Ben Thomas, Jacob Beetham; Callum Sheedy, Ellis Bevan; Ed Byrne, Liam Belcher (c), Keiron Assiratti, Evan Rees, Rory Thornton, Alex Mann, Dan Thomas, Alun Lawrence. |
| Replacements | Daf Hughes, Rhys Barratt, Sam Wainwright, Lucas de la Rua, Evan Lloyd, Ieuan Davies, Rory Jennings, Cam Winnett. |
Cardiff travel to Treviso after two weeks of BKT United Rugby Championship fixtures in South Africa. Filmogaz.com covered the selection and pre-match reaction. Fans will watch to see how the revised lineup performs in knockout rugby.
