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Josh Turnbull will captain Cardiff rugby as they start their pre-season game against Gloucester on Friday (7.45pm).
With just two weeks to go before the Nerazzurri welcome Munster to the capital for the United Rugby Championship opener, Dai Young has named an experienced team for the Kingsholm trip.
Wales' summer visitors are absent as they continue to integrate into training, but Cardiff's matchday squad still includes a total of 13 international players, as well as some promising youngsters from the club.
Jacob Beetham, who made his senior team debut in an unforgettable draw against Toulouse last season, received recognition from the defender and lined up with homegrown talent Owen Lane. Owen Lane and Aled Summerhill play the back three.
Mason Grady joins up with Max Llewellyn in midfield, while Lloyd Williams and Jarrod Evans form a familiar centre-back pairing.
Captain Turnbull was awarded the Peter Thomas Player of the Year award for the 21/22 season, along with Sean Lewis-Hughes and James Botham - last season's Player of the Year.
The top five consisted of front row Corey Domachowski, Kristian Dacey and Dmitri Arhip and second row partners Matthew Screech and Seb Davies.
Rugby director Young said: “We’re really looking forward to it. It’s a great venue and I’m sure it will be a packed house because they have a lot of followers.
“Gloucester had a very good season last season and had a good win at Munster and started the game again. We know from our own experience that it’s not easy to get out there, so it’s not easy for our team to Saying it will be a huge challenge, especially without our international players involved.
"But these are the kinds of challenges you want and it will definitely give us an idea of where we are before the season starts.
"That's what you're looking for in friendlies, finding out what works and what you still need to do to get to a place where you're comfortable.
“Almost everyone who can serve us is involved. Anyone who isn’t involved is either in trouble, with a long-term injury, or the international boys. Our internationals are still going through their early pre-season, but these players have been there from the start. Here, there should be a chance.
"I know they really want to go out and show that they can put their hands up because it's wiped clean in so many ways.
"It happens every season. International players have earned the right to let everyone know where they are, but in the whole squad, everyone is fighting for places, which is healthy."
An extended bench includes a combination of youth and experience, with Welsh Under-20 hooker Efan Daniel having made a solo first-team appearance in January's win over Leinster.
Ellis Bevan, Teddy Williams and Gwilym Bradley are other youngsters looking to make their mark on the bench, while Rugby Director Young also has experience with Rhys Priestland, Matthew Morgan and Rory Thornton.
Cardiff Rugby: Jacob Betham; Owen Lane, Mason Grady, Max Llewellyn, Aled Summerhill; Jarrod Evans, Lloyd Williams; Corey Domachowski, Kristian Dacey, Dmitri Arhip, Matthew Screech, Seb Davies , Shane Lewis-Hughes, James Botham, Josh Turnbull (Captain)
alternatives: Evan Daniel, Brad Thiel, Chiron Asilati, Rory Thornton, Teddy Williams, Gwillim Bradley, Ellis Bevan, Reese Priestland, Harry Millard, Jason Harris, Matthew Morgan
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