Wales stars return for the festive derby under Arms Park Friday night lights

CARDIFF and Scarlets have both been boosted by the return of Wales internationals ahead of tonight's derby at the Arms Park (kickoff: 7.45pm).

- BEN JAMES Rugby writer [e-mail]

Dwayne Peel's side will be looking to keep their good run of results at the Arms Park going, with the west Walians having not lost at the ground since 2019.

They've also won four on the bounce away to Cardiff, having last been beaten by the Blue and Blacks in the capital at the Cardiff City Stadium in 2021.

Peel is able to call upon Wales internationals Blair Murray, Tom Rogers, Johnny Williams and Gareth Davies as he makes eight changes to the side that were beaten in Bordeaux last week.

As for high-flying Cardiff, the Arms Park club are able to welcome back the likes of Liam Belcher, Mason Grady, Cam Winnett and Taulupe Faletau to their matchday squad as they look to strengthen their playoff credentials with a strong festive period.

Club captain Belcher returns from a neck injury, joining a all-new front-row comprised of Wales international Danny Southworth and former Scarlets prop Javan Sebastian.

Josh McNally is also back in the starting XV, with Corniel van Zyl keeping the same back-row from last weekend's Challenge Cup victory over Ulster.

Behind the pack, the only changes are in the back-three, with Grady and Winnett joining Josh Adams.