Liam Williams has handed Warren Gatland a significant fitness boost ahead of Wales' Six Nations opener against Ireland in just over a month's time.
The 31-year-old, who is widely regarded as one of the best full-backs in the world, has recovered from a dislocated shoulder sustained in September to take his place in the Cardiff starting XV for their eagerly anticipated clash with the Ospreys at the Arms Park on New Years Day.
With Leigh Halfpenny also back in action for the Scarlets this weekend, the full-back position is suddenly looking a whole lot better for Wales.
At his best Williams is one of the finest broken field runners in the game while his ability in defence and under the high ball is never questioned.
Cardiff director of rugby Dai Young revealed Williams is chomping at the bit ahead of his return to play.
"I don't know if you can ease Liam back in, he'll be eager to go," said Young. "We feel for him because he worked so hard in pre-season then he only had 20 minutes, but I'm sure he's going to come back with a bang."
In a season of doom and gloom, Cardiff have been the shining light in the regional game and currently sit in fifth position on the United Rugby Championship table.
Young has made four changes in total from the side which sneaked a victory over the Dragons on Boxing Day with tight-head Will Davies-King handed a rare start, while outside-half Jarrod Evans and lock Seb Davies also return to the starting XV.
Meanwhile, Ospreys head coach Toby Booth has made seven changes from the side which dismantled the Scarlets, including the return of experienced Wales pair Alun Wyn Jones and Justin Tipuric.
Booth has changed his entire front-row as Gareth Thomas, Sam Parry and Tom Botha start, with hooker Dewi Lake on the bench two months after a shoulder injury ruled him out of the November internationals.
Jack Walsh, normally a fly-half, is at full-back and Keelan Giles on the wing for the Ospreys.
“Cardiff improved massively from where they were, I’m sure they’re pleased with how they going," said Booth.
"We know we’ve performed well against them in recent times, certainly since I’ve been here, but it’s going to be a tough ask.”
Cardiff: Liam Williams; Owen Lane, Rey Lee-Lo, Ben Thomas, Josh Adams; Jarrod Evans, Tomos Williams; Rhys Carre, Liam Belcher, Will Davies-King, Lopeti Timani, Seb Davies, Josh Turnbull (capt), Thomas Young, Taulupe Faletau. Replacements: Kirby Myhill, Corey Domachowski, Keiron Assiratti, Teddy Williams, Ellis Jenkins, James Ratti, Lloyd Williams, Mason Grady.
Ospreys: Jack Walsh; Alex Cuthbert, Michael Collins, Keiran Williams, Keelan Giles; Owen Williams, Rhys Webb; Gareth Thomas, Sam Parry, Tom Botha, Adam Beard, Alun Wyn Jones, Jac Morgan, Justin Tipuric (capt), Ethan Roots. Replacements: Dewi Lake, Nicky Smith, Tomas Francis, Rhys Davies, Morgan Morris. Reuben Morgan Williams, Joe Hawkins, Cai Evans.
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