Cam Winnett returns for Cardiff as Josh Adams starts and entire pack changes against Sharks

Cam Winnett will make his first appearance of the season for Cardiff against the Sharks on Friday, with Josh Adams also named in the starting side after recovering from injury.

The Wales full-back’s return is part of an 11-player overhaul for the United Rugby Championship fixture at Cardiff Arms Park. Kick-off is at 7.45pm BST on 23 October.

Cardiff’s official team announcement also confirms that tight-head prop Keiron Assiratti has been passed fit and is named among the replacements.

Belcher leads a completely changed pack

Corniel van Zyl has replaced all eight starting forwards from the side that faced Northampton Saints in the Champions Cup.

Liam Belcher returns as captain, with Scott Sio and Javan Sebastian completing the front row. Josh McNally and Teddy Williams start at lock, while Alex Mann, James Botham and Taine Basham form the back row.

Behind them, Le Roux Malan returns at outside centre against his former club.

Cardiff are unbeaten at the Arms Park since December, although the Sharks have won the teams’ last two meetings.

Confirmed Cardiff team against Sharks

The confirmed matchday squad is:

Starting XV: 15 Cam Winnett; 14 Josh Adams, 13 Le Roux Malan, 12 Steff Emanuel, 11 Harri Millard; 10 Jarrod Evans, 9 Johan Mulder; 1 Scott Sio, 2 Liam Belcher (captain), 3 Javan Sebastian; 4 Josh McNally, 5 Teddy Williams; 6 Alex Mann, 7 James Botham, 8 Taine Basham.

Replacements: 16 Evan Lloyd, 17 Danny Southworth, 18 Keiron Assiratti, 19 Tom Manz, 20 Semisi Paea, 21 Aled Davies, 22 Callum Sheedy, 23 Tom Bowen.

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