Summerhill returns to action after tragic loss
ALED Summerhill will make his return to the Arms Park action for the first time since the sudden death of his brother (1pm kick-off ).
Robert Huw Summerhill passed away suddenly on Christmas Day.
A minute’s silence was held before the Blues’ Boxing Day game against the Dragons at the Arms Park in tribute to him.
Summerhill, who last played against Benetton at the end of November, was not due to feature in the clash with the Dragons.
He returns to a Blues side looking to secure unlikely qualification to the Challenge Cup knockout stages when they welcome Calvisano to the Arms Park today.
John Mulvihill’s side must secure a maximum points haul and rely on other results going in their favour if they are to book their place in the final eight and keep their hunt for a third Challenge Cup title alive.
Ethan Lewis is drafted into the front row to make his 50th appearance for the region, while Filo Paulo and Seb Davies combine to form the second row partnership.
Lewis Jones replaces Lloyd Williams in the number nine jersey, with Garyn Smith partnering Rey Lee-Lo in midfield.
“We want to finish off well, regardless of where it leads us. All we can control is what we do here on Saturday,” said Mulvihill.
“We want to play really well, we want to build some momentum going into the next block.
“I think that’s 13 weeks in a row and if we win this weekend that will be seven from 11.
“If we can take good form into some massive games against Edinburgh and Connacht away and Scarlets and Ospreys.
“I’m expecting sunshine on Saturday and a good day to kick-off a little bit earlier so let’s have a festival of rugby and really enjoy a fast pace and tempo. Whatever is going to happen outside us, we can only control is getting our five.”
Teams Cardiff Blues:
Dan Fish; Jason Harries, Rey Lee-Lo, Garyn Smith, Aled Summerhill; Jason Tovey, Lewis Jones; Corey Domachowski, Ethan Lewis, Dillon Lewis, Filo Paulo, Seb Davies, Shane Lewis-Hughes, Olly Robinson, Nick Williams (capt.)
Liam Belcher, Rhys Gill, Dmitri Arhip, Macauley Cook, Will Boyde, Lloyd Willams, Ben
Replacements:
Thomas, Max Llewellyn.
Alberto Chiesa (capt); Kayle van Zyl, Giacomo De Santis, Damiano Mazza, Marco Susio; Nicolo Casilio, Federico Consoli; Lorenzo Michelini, Gianmarco Lucchesi, Piermaria Leso, Adam Wessels, Davide Zanetti, Alessandro Izekor, Nardo Casolari, Antoine Koffi.
Gabriele Morelli, Antonio Barducci, Lorenzo Cittadini, Angelo Maurizi, Manuel Zuliani, Fabio Semenzato, Michele Regonaschi, Jacopo Trulla.
Replacements: