Number eight Xavier Rush (knee) and Wales centre Jamie Roberts (fractured skull) are long-term injury victims.

Biarritz have lost just two of their 28 home European ties and the Blues were humiliated in their previous visit, losing 75-25 five years ago.

Cardiff, who also travel to Gloucester and host Calvisano in their final pool games, qualified for the quarter-finals of Europe last season.

The clash between the 1996 and 2006 Heineken Cup finalists at the Parc des Sports Aguilera follows the Blues' 21-17 success over Biarritz at the Arms Park last Friday.

"We'll no doubt get a warm reception," said Blues coach Dai Young. "It will be a difficult game because they are a quality team with quality players.

"They haven't played like they can in recent weeks and I'm sure they'll click soon, I just hope it doesn't happen on the weekend.

"Our kicking game has got to be accurate as they looked very dangerous from our mistakes last week."