Cardiff Blues will face controversial Munster signing Gerbrandt Grobler when they host the Irish side in the Guinness Pro14 at the Arms Park on Saturday.
Grobler will make his first start for the province, following weeks of debate in Ireland over the merits of signing the South African who served a two-year ban after failing a drugs test.
The former Racing 92 second row has been a divisive figure in Irish rugby since Munster decided to give him a contract despite his suspension from 2014 to 2016, when he was playing for the Stormers in South African Super Rugby.
Grobler tested positive for the anabolic steroid drostanolone, a current drug of choice for cheats in power-based sports with its effects of building muscle, but also stripping fat.
It is the same drug that was used by former Neath captain Lee Evans, who was given a two-year ban in 2015.
Grobler came off the bench for his Munster debut in last weekend’s 33-5 rout of Zebre at Thomond Park, but his appearance against the Blues will be his first start.
Munster were heavily criticised when they signed the 26-year-old last month but issued a defiant statement defending their recruitment and labelled Grobler an example, rather than someone to be deplored..
It said: “The decision to offer Gerbrandt a contract was based on requirement, character references, skill-set and experience of playing at top-level rugby.
“There are no mixed messages internally. As an organisation Munster Rugby’s stance on doping is in line with Irish Rugby and World Rugby and we support, and action, all efforts in ensuring and promoting a drug-free sport. All agree, including the player himself, that what he did in 2014 was wrong.
“Gerbrandt is an example to others, in particular our younger players, as to why you should not dope in sport – he nearly threw away his career because of a bad decision he made. Gerbrandt’s experience is a deterrent to any young player in our system.”
The Blues have recalled veteran prop Taufa’ao Filise as the only change made from last week’s 25-20 win over the Cheetahs.
The Tongan forward replaces Anton Peikrishvili at tight-head, with the Georgian called up for international duty against Germany.
Filise, 40, lines-up in an experienced front-row alongside Matthew Rees and captain Gethin Jenkins, with a combined tally of 219 international caps.
Seb Davies is one of four Wales squad members released for regional duties this weekend, and he continues his partnership with George Earle at lock.
Last week’s try-scorers, Nick Williams and Ellis Jenkins, combine in an unchanged back row, alongside Macauley Cook.
The backline also remains unchanged, with the young back three of Rhun Williams, Aled Summerhill and Owen Lane retaining their spots following an impressive outing last week.
Blues head coach Danny Wilson said: “We’ve certainly had to prepare to face two very different sides in Cheetahs and Munster.
“Cheetahs were very loose, in a dangerous way, with a very dangerous back three.
“Munster play a bit more of a power game with a strong set-piece and a very accurate kicking game, which we’ll have to deal with.
“We had a very young back three last weekend, with Aled Summerhill, Owen Lane and Rhun Williams, who were superb in a difficult game and in difficult conditions. All three made their mark on the game and it’s good to see those youngsters coming through.
“We can put our imprint on the game, as we did against the Cheetahs, and score some good tries. Hopefully we can pick up another good win, which would be really big for us in the table.
“It does make for an exciting game. We’ve had a couple of good wins over the past two years against Munster and had a couple of difficult losses.
“This is a massive home game for us and what’s pleasing for me is that home form has been really good. It’s an exciting game for supporters to come to watch.”
Cardiff Blues: Rhun Williams; Aled Summerhill, Garyn Smith, Rey Lee-Lo, Owen Lane; Jarrod Evans, Lloyd Williams; Gethin Jenkins (C), Matthew Rees, Taufa’ao Filise, George Earle, Seb Davies, Macauley Cook, Ellis Jenkins, Nick Williams
Replacements: Kirby Myhill, Rhys Gill, Dillon Lewis, Josh Turnbull, Olly Robinson, Tomos Williams, Steven Shingler, Ryan Edwards
Munster: Stephen Fitzgerald; Darren Sweetnam, Sammy Arnold, Rory Scannell, Ronan O’Mahony; Ian Keatley, Duncan Williams; Dave Kilcoyne, Rhys Marshall, John Ryan; Gerbrandt Grobler, Darren O’Shea; Jack O’Donoghue (C), Chris Cloete, Robin Copeland. Replacements: Mike Sherry, James Cronin, Stephen Archer, Jean Kleyn, Dave O’Callaghan, James Hart, Tyler Bleyendaal, Simon Zebo.
