Stade have only lost once in Paris while Cardiff have lost their last 13 on the road and with more names added to an already extensive injury list.
“The injuries are a problem but it offers some of the younger guys the chance to learn from a new experience,” said Blues coach Dai Young. “Our performances have been improving over recent weeks na d it would be nice to see us get some reward for all the lads’ efforts.”
The Blues have also been boosted by Wales star Tom Shanklin signing a new two year extension to his contract that will keep him at the Arms Park until 2007.
Cardiff Blues: R Williams; J Vaughton, T Shanklin, T Davies, C Morgan; N MacLeod, R Smith; J Yapp, G Williams, B Evans, D Jones, R Sidoli, N Thomas, K Schubert, R Sowden-Taylor
Replacements: M Jones, R Thomas, N Budgett, M Williams, D Dewdney, S James, F Tuilagi
