Cardiff Blues in New Year's Day derby with Dragons

Cardiff Blues welcome Newport Gwent Dragons to the Arms Park today hoping it will be third time lucky after two derby defeats in the festive period.

The Blues lost 19-22 at home to Ospreys on 20 December, before their 22-16 defeat against the Dragons at Rodney Parade on Boxing Day.

THE TEAMS

Cardiff Blues: Leigh Halfpenny; Alex Cuthbert, Richard Smith, Dafydd Hewitt, Harry Robinson; Rhys Patchell, Lloyd Williams; 1 Sam Hobbs (capt), Marc Breeze, Benoit Bourrust, Macauley Cook, Filo Paulo, Rory Watts-Jones, Robin Copeland, Josh Navidi.

Replacements: Rhys Williams, Gethin Jenkins, Scott Andrews, Chris Dicomidis, Ellis Jenkins, Lewis Jones, Gareth Davies, Gavin Evans.

Dragons: Daniel Evans; Will Harries, Pat Leach, Ashley Smith, Matthew Pewtner; Jason Tovey, Wayne Evans; Owen Evans, T Rhys Thomas, Dan Way, Matthew Screech, Rob Sidoli (capt), Netani Talei, Toby Faletau, Lewis Evans.

Replacements: Sam Parry, Aaron Coundley, Francisco Chaparro, Adam Jones, Nic Cudd, Richie Rees, Steffan Jones, Ross Wardle.